CBS’s Fall 2025 Lineup: A Comprehensive Guide to the Network’s Bold New Direction
CBS is making significant changes to its fall 2025 lineup, affecting some of its most beloved franchises. From cancellations to exciting new spin-offs, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening with NCIS, FBI, and more.
Major Cancellations: Saying Goodbye to Fan Favorites
CBS has announced the cancellation of several long-running series:
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The Equalizer: After five seasons, the Queen Latifah-led series has been canceled.
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FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International: Both spin-offs will conclude with their current seasons.
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Blue Bloods: The 14th season will be its last, wrapping up a remarkable run.
NCIS Franchise: New Beginnings and Familiar Faces
NCIS: Origins
A prequel series, NCIS: Origins, will delve into the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, with narration by Mark Harmon. The series premiered in October 2024 and has been renewed for a second season.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva
Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reunite in NCIS: Tony & Ziva, a Paramount+ exclusive set to premiere in late 2025. The series explores their characters’ lives in Europe and marks their first on-screen reunion in over a decade.
FBI Franchise: New Directions
While two FBI spin-offs are ending, the original FBI series has been renewed for three more seasons. Additionally, a new spin-off, FBI: CIA, is in development, focusing on a collaboration between FBI and CIA agents tackling domestic terrorism in New York City.
New Series and Spin-Offs: Expanding the CBS Universe
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Sheriff Country: A spin-off of Fire Country, this series stars Morena Baccarin and is set to debut in fall 2025.
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Matlock: Kathy Bates leads this reimagined legal drama, bringing a fresh take to the classic series.
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Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage: A spin-off from Young Sheldon, this comedy explores the early married life of Georgie and Mandy.
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Watson: Starring Morris Chestnut, this modern-day medical mystery series has been renewed for a second season and will air Sundays at 10 p.m.
Returning Favorites: What’s Staying on CBS
Several popular series are returning:
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NCIS: Renewed for its 23rd season, continuing the adventures of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
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Fire Country: The firefighter drama returns for a fourth season.
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Ghosts, Elsbeth, and Tracker: These series continue to be part of CBS’s robust lineup.
CBS’s Strategic Shift: Balancing Legacy and Innovation
CBS’s fall 2025 schedule reflects a strategic balance between honoring long-standing franchises and introducing fresh content. By expanding the NCIS and FBI universes with new spin-offs and concluding certain series, CBS aims to keep its programming dynamic and engaging for a broad audience.
Conclusion
CBS’s fall 2025 lineup marks a significant shift in its programming strategy. With the introduction of new series like NCIS: Origins, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, and FBI: CIA, alongside the conclusion of beloved shows such as The Equalizer and Blue Bloods, the network is poised to offer a mix of nostalgia and innovation. Fans can look forward to fresh storylines while bidding farewell to some long-time favorites.
FAQs
Q1: Why was The Equalizer canceled?
A1: CBS canceled The Equalizer after five seasons as part of a broader restructuring to make room for new programming in the 2025-2026 season.
Q2: What is NCIS: Origins about?
A2: NCIS: Origins is a prequel series focusing on a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs during his early career as a Probationary NIS Agent, with Mark Harmon narrating.
Q3: When will NCIS: Tony & Ziva premiere?
A3: NCIS: Tony & Ziva is set to premiere in late 2025 on Paramount+.
Q4: Are there any new FBI spin-offs?
A4: Yes, CBS is developing FBI: CIA, a new spin-off focusing on a collaboration between FBI and CIA agents tackling domestic terrorism in New York City.
Q5: Which CBS shows are returning for the 2025 season?
A5: Returning shows include NCIS, Fire Country, Ghosts, Elsbeth, and Tracker, among others.
