Every year, some unlucky shows reach the end of their rope and are officially canceled by their network, but the 2024-25 season notably concluded many spinoff series. Practically every major network scrapped a franchise title this year, with some canceling familiar favorites and others ending new series that had only just begun. As is always the case, some shows ending were more shocking than others. Suits LA’s abrupt ending seemed inevitable despite the West-Coast spinoff being in its freshman season, but other cancelations seemed somewhat out of the blue.
Although 9-1-1: Lone Star was beloved by many, the Texas-based spinoff came to an end in early 2025 with a truncated final season. Despite news of 9-1-1: Lone Star’s cancelation coming before its fifth and final season aired, nothing about the last episodes truly felt final. Sadly, many TV show creators write season finales with the omnipresent risk of cancelation in mind, understanding that no title is ever safe. Regardless of past success or active fan bases, extenuating circumstances could threaten any major title during every TV cycle.
The 2024–2025 television season was a rollercoaster ride for fans of network TV spinoffs. From unexpected cancellations to surprising renewals, the landscape shifted dramatically. Let’s dive into the major spinoff cancellations and what they signify for the future of television.
The Fall of ‘S.W.A.T.’ and Its Spinoffs
‘S.W.A.T.’: A Legacy Concluded
After eight seasons, CBS decided to cancel ‘S.W.A.T.’ in March 2025. Despite its loyal fanbase and strong viewership, the network opted to end the series, citing financial considerations and a desire to pivot towards new content.
‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’: A Controversial Revival
In a surprising move, Sony Pictures Television announced ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles,’ a spinoff featuring Shemar Moore reprising his role as Hondo. However, this decision sparked controversy as key cast members like Jay Harrington and David Lim were not included in the new project. Harrington expressed his disappointment, revealing he was unaware of the spinoff plans until Moore contacted him privately.
‘Suits LA’: A Short-Lived Legal Drama
A New Chapter That Ended Quickly
NBC’s ‘Suits LA,’ a legal drama spinoff set in Los Angeles, premiered in February 2025. Despite featuring returning characters like Harvey Specter and Louis Litt, the series struggled to capture the audience’s interest. After just one season, NBC announced its cancellation in May 2025, marking the end of the ‘Suits’ franchise on network television.
The End of ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International’
Financial Decisions Over Fan Loyalty
CBS made the unexpected decision to cancel both ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International’ in March 2025. Despite being among the top 10 most-watched network primetime TV shows for the 2024–2025 season, CBS cited economic factors as the primary reason for their discontinuation.
‘NCIS: Hawai’i’: Aloha to a Franchise Favorite
The First Female-Led ‘NCIS’ Series Bids Farewell
‘NCIS: Hawai’i,’ the first female-led series in the ‘NCIS’ franchise, concluded its run in May 2024 after three seasons. CBS decided not to renew the series, marking the end of its expansion into new territories.
‘CSI: Vegas’: A Forensic Finale
A Surprise Ending to a Popular Franchise
‘CSI: Vegas,’ a spinoff of the long-running ‘CSI’ franchise, was canceled after its third season in May 2024. Despite averaging around 7.6 million viewers per episode, CBS cited an already-packed schedule as the primary reason for the show’s cancellation.
‘The Equalizer’: A Queen’s Exit
Queen Latifah’s Reign Comes to an End
‘The Equalizer,’ starring Queen Latifah, was canceled by CBS in May 2025. The network decided to end the series, despite its popularity, as part of a broader strategy to reallocate resources to new projects.
‘Station 19’: A Spinoff’s Final Call
The End of a Grey’s Anatomy Offshoot
ABC’s ‘Station 19,’ a spinoff of ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ concluded its run in 2024 after seven seasons. The decision to end the series was influenced by declining ratings and a shift in the network’s programming strategy.
‘Good Trouble’: A Canceled Continuation
The End of a ‘Fosters’ Legacy
Freeform’s ‘Good Trouble,’ a spinoff of ‘The Fosters,’ was canceled in March 2024 after five seasons. The decision was part of Disney’s $2 billion budget cut for the channel, leading to the show’s conclusion.
‘Evil’: A Supernatural Series’ Final Episode
A Paranormal Drama’s Unexpected End
‘Evil,’ a supernatural drama series, concluded its run in May 2024 after four seasons. The show’s cancellation was attributed to cost-cutting measures by Paramount Plus, despite its dedicated fanbase.
The Rise of ‘FBI: CIA’: A New Beginning
A Fresh Take on Crime Drama
In the wake of the cancellations, CBS announced a new spinoff, ‘FBI: CIA,’ set to premiere in the fall of 2025. Starring Tom Ellis, the series will feature a dynamic pairing of an unconventional CIA agent and a rule-following FBI agent, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to the franchise.
The Impact of Streaming on Network Decisions
Adapting to Changing Viewing Habits
The rise of streaming platforms has significantly impacted network television. With audiences increasingly turning to on-demand services, networks are reevaluating their programming strategies, leading to the cancellation of several spinoff series.
Financial Considerations Behind Cancellations
Balancing Budgets and Viewership
Many of the recent spinoff cancellations were driven by financial considerations. Networks are focusing on cost-effective programming and reallocating resources to projects with higher potential returns, impacting the fate of several spinoff series.
Fan Reactions and Industry Implications
Voices from the Audience
Fans have expressed disappointment over the cancellations, with many taking to social media to voice their concerns. The industry’s shift towards cost-cutting measures and away from established franchises may affect viewer loyalty and engagement in the long term.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Network Television
The 2024–2025 cycle marked a significant turning point for network television, with multiple spinoff cancellations reshaping the landscape. As networks adapt to changing viewer habits and financial pressures, the future of spinoff series remains uncertain. However, the introduction of new projects like ‘FBI: CIA’ indicates a willingness to innovate and evolve in response to industry challenges.
