The 2026 television landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, particularly at CBS, where a “major reset” is currently redefining the network’s prime-time identity. As the industry grapples with rising production costs and shifting viewer habits, the “Eye Network” has made a series of ruthless decisions that have left fans of several long-standing franchises in shock. However, amidst a flurry of high-profile cancellations, the flagship series FBI has emerged as the undisputed titan of the schedule, securing its future through a multi-season renewal that stands in stark contrast to the fate of its sister shows.
The Great Reset: Why CBS is Cleaning House
The early months of 2026 have been defined by a “quality over quantity” approach at CBS. To make room for a new generation of dramas like Sheriff Country and Boston Blue, the network has had to prune its existing forest. This reset isn’t just about ratings; it’s about ownership and long-term viability. Many shows reaching their sixth or eighth seasons become exponentially more expensive due to cast salary bumps and licensing fees.
The casualties of this 2026 reset have been significant. Fan favorites like The Neighborhood are set to conclude their runs in May 2026, and even the late-night circuit wasn’t immune, with the surprising announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final episode later this year. These moves signal a network-wide pivot toward fresh intellectual property and more cost-effective procedural hits.
The FBI Franchise Fracture
Perhaps the most jarring aspect of the 2026 reset is the dismantling of the “All-FBI Tuesday” block. For years, the trio of FBI, FBI: International, and FBI: Most Wanted provided a seamless night of justice-themed entertainment. However, CBS has officially moved to break up the set.
While the flagship FBI remains a ratings juggernaut, both FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted have faced the axe. Industry insiders point to a combination of high production costs (particularly the overseas filming for International) and the network’s desire to launch the upcoming spin-off, FBI: CIA, without saturating the schedule. By consolidating the franchise back to its core, CBS is betting that the original series can carry the torch alone—or at least with fewer companions.
FBI: The Iron-Clad Renewal
While other shows are fighting for survival, the original FBI is sitting comfortably on a “triple-layer” safety net. Thanks to a massive multi-season pickup orchestrated by Dick Wolf and CBS leadership back in 2024, the flagship series is officially renewed through Season 9, which will cover the 2026–2027 broadcast season.
This renewal is a testament to the show’s unwavering popularity. Even after moving to its new Monday night 9/8c time slot in late 2025, FBI maintained its position as Monday’s #1 entertainment program. The chemistry between Special Agents Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and OA Zidan (Zeeko Zaki) continues to be the primary engine driving the show’s success, proving that even in a “reset” era, some formulas are simply too valuable to change.
What to Expect in Season 8 and Beyond
As we navigate the current 2025–2026 season (Season 8), the show has taken on a more serialized tone to match its new Monday night neighbors. The current season has delved deeper into the personal lives of the JOC (Joint Operations Center) team, specifically focusing on Jubal Valentine’s leadership under pressure and Maggie’s evolving role as a mentor.
Looking ahead to Season 9 in late 2026, fans can expect:
-
The Return of the Core Cast: Barring any shock finales, the main ensemble is expected to remain intact.
-
Expansion of the “New” Universe: With International and Most Wanted winding down, the flagship will likely absorb some of the thematic elements of those shows, perhaps through more frequent high-stakes global cases handled by the New York field office.
-
The Launch of FBI: CIA: Watch for “backdoor pilot” elements later this spring that will introduce the characters of the new spin-off, setting the stage for a new partnership in the 2026–2027 season.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 CBS reset is a reminder that in modern television, no show is truly “safe”—unless it’s a Dick Wolf powerhouse. While we mourn the loss of the broader FBI Tuesday block and other long-running favorites, the survival of the original FBI ensures that the heart of the franchise will keep beating for years to come.
