When you watch a show you love, you expect excitement, growth, and maybe a little chaos — but what you don’t expect is a storyline stretching longer than a cross-country road trip. Yes, CBS knows how to deliver gripping drama, but even fans have limits. Some plots have been going in circles so long that they feel like they’ve become part of the furniture.
In this article, we’ll dive into the CBS storylines that seriously need to wrap up. Whether they’ve drifted off course, lost their spark, or simply stuck around far too long, these arcs are overdue for their final curtain call. So grab your popcorn, because we’re breaking down the five CBS narratives that have worn out their welcome.
Why Are CBS Storylines Dragging On?
Before jumping into the list, it’s worth understanding why certain story arcs seem never-ending.
Ratings Pressure Keeps Shows in Loops
Let’s be honest: if something boosts ratings, networks cling to it like it’s gold. But sometimes stretching a storyline hurts the overall quality.
Fan Attachment Can Backfire
Ironically, the more fans love a character, the more writers avoid giving them closure — and that’s where the fatigue begins.
Filler Episodes Turn Arcs into Slogs
When writers run out of fresh ideas, storylines often start spinning in circles. Cue viewer frustration.
The 5 CBS Storylines That Need to Wrap Up Already
Let’s break down the culprits — the arcs that have overstayed their welcome and desperately need an ending.
1. The On-Again, Off-Again Romance on “NCIS”
“NCIS” has mastered slow-burn narratives, but some romantic arcs have simmered so long they’re basically dehydrated.
Fans Want Resolution, Not Repetition
Viewers have waited years for certain relationships to move forward — or stop pretending to.
Emotional Loops Drag the Show Down
Romance should enhance a series, not stall character growth. Ending these dragged-out dynamics would refresh the overall tone.
2. “Blue Bloods” Family Dinner Conflicts That Never Evolve
Don’t get us wrong—those Sunday dinners are iconic. But the conflicts? They’re stuck in replay mode.
The Recycled Conflict Formula
Every week it feels like a new version of the same moral dilemma.
Viewers Want Bigger Stakes
The cast is talented enough to handle deeper, more dynamic arcs. The show just needs to stop hesitating.
3. “FBI” and the Endless Internal Power Struggles
There’s drama, and then there’s too much drama — especially when every episode feels like déjà vu in a different jacket.
Same Fight, Different Day
Territorial disputes, advisor disagreements, chain-of-command breakdowns… we’ve seen this dance a hundred times already.
Time to Shift Focus Back to the Cases
The show shines when it leans into investigative intensity, not repetitive in-house politics.
4. “Young Sheldon” Future-Foreshadowing That Never Pays Off
Yes, the references to “The Big Bang Theory” are cute — at first. But the hints and teases have become a bit… much.
Viewers Know What Happens Already
Dragging out these moments feels unnecessary when fans already know the ending.
It’s Time to Advance Sheldon’s Story
Instead of teasing the future, the show should focus on delivering strong standalone arcs.
5. “The Neighborhood” Ongoing Culture-Clash Gags
The clash between the Butlers and Johnsons was hilarious and meaningful early on. Now? It’s starting to feel repetitive.
The Jokes Have Lost Their Edge
The same jokes, same misunderstandings, and same awkward moments can only work for so long.
Growth Would Make the Show Stronger
Audiences want to see characters evolve, not stay stuck in the same dynamic forever.
The Real Problem: Stagnation Hurts Even Great Shows
When Storylines Lose Momentum
Even strong characters can’t carry an arc that refuses to move forward.
Fans Crave Freshness
Today’s viewers want evolution, plot progression, and emotional depth — not copy-paste narratives.
Ending Some Arcs Opens Doors to New Energy
Sometimes writers need to close a chapter before they can open an exciting new one.
How CBS Shows Can Bounce Back
CBS has massive potential — they just need to make bold creative choices.
Give Characters Real Closure
End storylines gracefully, not abruptly.
Embrace New Story Directions
Fans appreciate risks when they’re done well.
Listen to the Audience
Social media makes it easier than ever to know what viewers want — and don’t want.
The Bottom Line
CBS remains a powerhouse, but even the best networks fall into storytelling traps from time to time. Closing these long-running, exhausted arcs could breathe new life into beloved shows and keep fans hooked in the long run.
Conclusion
Enough is enough — truly. CBS has built a legacy of great television, but certain storylines have drifted way past their expiration date. Wrapping them up doesn’t just satisfy fans; it creates space for new chapters, new conflicts, and a fresh shot of excitement. Fans don’t want to abandon the shows they love — they just want them to evolve. By putting a proper end to these overused arcs, CBS can reclaim the storytelling sharpness that made viewers fall in love in the first place.
FAQs
1. Why do CBS shows stretch storylines so long?
Mainly for ratings, character popularity, and network pressure to keep successful arcs alive.
2. Which CBS show has the most dragged-out storyline?
Opinions vary, but many fans point to long-running relationship arcs in “NCIS” and family dilemmas in “Blue Bloods.”
3. Are these storylines hurting ratings?
Not always immediately, but long-term fatigue can push viewers away.
4. Will CBS likely end these arcs soon?
It depends on audience feedback, social buzz, and creative direction from showrunners.
5. What can fans do to encourage storyline closure?
Engage on social platforms, join fan discussions, and express constructive criticism to highlight what viewers want.
