There’s never a dull moment as we approach upfronts because there’s almost always some shows in jeopardy in the lead-up to May.
Last year, it was NCIS: Hawai’i, which was ultimately canceled despite being one of the most-watched shows on broadcast TV. As a diehard NCIS: Hawai’i fan, the decision from CBS to end the show without so much as a conclusion was a gutpunch. I’m concerned that The Equalizer will meet the same fate this season.
Hey CBS, we need to talk. Again. Remember how NCIS: Hawai’i got blindsided with cancellation despite a loyal fanbase, promising ratings, and major potential? Yeah, that one still stings. And now, whispers are flying around that The Equalizer might be the next victim. Let’s just say… fans are not having it.
If CBS is even thinking about pulling the plug on The Equalizer, it’s about to ignite another storm. In this deep dive, we’re unpacking why The Equalizer matters, how history could repeat itself, and what CBS really needs to consider before making another blunder.
We’re at the beginning of April, and it’s the sole CBS drama still awaiting word on its future. The network banished the Queen Latifah drama to the 10 p.m. slot on Sundays to make way for freshman dud Watson. I’m calling that show a dud because its numbers haven’t been great, and the plot hasn’t been the most creative. Watson is a Dud, and You Won’t Change My Mind Simply put, the series has a fantastic cast buoyed by Morris Chestnut, but there isn’t much of note going on to make me want to tune into every episode.
Admittedly, I was stunned to hear that it had been renewed because it’s usually easy to tell which shows resonate with the CBS audience. Moving The Equalizer to a later time period understandably resulted in reduced on-air numbers. There’s a case to be made for the series to air in the 8 p.m. slot because it features high action, with a dash of procedural elements that make it perfect for leading off the night. Had CBS been more interested in salvaging the series, it would have been better off trialing it out in the 8 p.m. slot another night of the week.
CBS has a shot to get this right. Don’t let The Equalizer go down like NCIS: Hawai’i. It’s more than a show—it’s a statement, a movement, and a story that still has so much left to tell. Let’s hope CBS listens before it’s too late.
