CBS has finally lifted the curtain on its 2025–26 primetime schedule, and the changes are nothing short of a shake-up. The network is giving its biggest franchises a bold reshuffle — FBI is moving to Mondays, NCIS is taking over Tuesdays, and a wave of new dramas is set to join the lineup. For longtime fans, the question isn’t whether to watch, but what to binge first.
FBI Makes Mondays Its New Home
One of the biggest headlines is the move of FBI from Tuesdays to Monday nights at 9 p.m.. The decision comes as CBS cancels spinoffs FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted, signaling a new strategy to focus on the flagship series.
To strengthen Mondays, CBS is building an entire Dick Wolf crime block. FBI will be paired with the brand-new spinoff CIA, running back-to-back from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.. Before that, the comedy DMV at 8:30 p.m. will provide a lighter lead-in, making Mondays a full package of laughs and high-stakes drama.
Tuesdays Belong to NCIS
If Mondays are for FBI, then Tuesdays will now be the kingdom of NCIS. The night will be fully dedicated to the franchise, starting with the original NCIS at 8 p.m., followed by NCIS: Origins at 9 p.m., and NCIS: Sydney at 10 p.m.
This all-NCIS block creates a three-hour marathon that ensures fans can immerse themselves in the world of naval crime-solving without changing the channel. It’s a bold move that underlines CBS’s confidence in the enduring power of the NCIS brand.
Fridays Bring Fresh Firepower
While Mondays and Tuesdays grab headlines, Fridays will also deliver some serious drama. CBS is lining up Sheriff Country, Fire Country, and the much-anticipated Boston Blue, a spinoff expanding the Blue Bloods universe. This trio is designed to dominate the end of the week with procedural depth and fresh storytelling.
What Should You Watch First?
For die-hard FBI fans, Monday nights are now must-see TV. The combination of FBI and CIA offers two full hours of action and intrigue. If you prefer the NCIS family, Tuesdays are stacked with three back-to-back installments that feel like a weekly event. And of course, Fridays are perfect for diving into brand-new stories while staying connected to familiar worlds.
The Strategy Behind the Shift
CBS’s decisions are about consolidation, not expansion. By trimming down the FBI franchise to focus on the flagship, and grouping NCIS into a single powerhouse night, the network is betting big on viewer loyalty.
There are risks — moving FBI away from its established Tuesday slot could unsettle habits. But CBS is clearly confident that fans will follow their favorite agents wherever they go. And with new series like CIA and Boston Blue joining the mix, the 2025–26 season looks set to deliver both comfort and fresh excitement.
