CBS is hell-bent on landing another mystery procedural despite having a roster chock full of them. The latest to get a development is a modern take on Van Helsing’s story. The monster hunter is well-known and beloved and this iteration, hailing from Lionsgate Television, is set to be written by Jonathan Lee (Lockerbie) and executive produced by Elementary creator Rob Doherty as well as Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman.
The premise of the show, however, has me raising an eyebrow. Per Deadline, CBS’ Dr. Abraham Van Helsing will be working alongside his ex, FBI special agent Mina Harker as they solve cases in New York which have been dubbed the city’s “most harrowing.” This is the kind of show that’s right up the network’s alley but they already have a Tuesday block centered on FBI agents.
It’s doubtful that they’re interested in taking on a fourth that also doesn’t share a universe with the franchise. CBS already burned NCISverse fans by cancelling NCIS: Hawaii due to having the flagship, the upcoming prequel, and NCIS: Sydney all premiering seasons in the same television year. There’s precedence for the network only holding onto up to three shows that follow the same kind of narrative focus with a unique twist.
If the Van Helsing TV series does get picked up that might mean one of the FBI shows has to go. It won’t be the flagship since it’ll be on until at least 2028. FBI: International is the youngest spin-off which gives it more wiggle room to be kept which leaves FBI: Most Wanted as the most likely choice of being final seasoned in the near future.
The series is right on its parent show’s heels in terms of age and it’s been plagued with high cast turnover. While that’s not uncommon for Dick Wolf Entertainment programs–I mean just look at what’s going on in the One Chicago Universe–the show hasn’t quite settled when it comes to its cast either. It’s been a bit of a revolving door from season to season and, while International has had its own issues with this as well, it could prove to be a problem in the show’s veteran years.
I’d say FBI: Most Wanted’s ratings could help it out but CBS showed this year that factor can be outweighed by expense. Blue Bloods, which TVLine reports had 8.4 million viewers on average for the first part of its final run, is still ending despite being the no. 8 series across broadcast. NCIS: Hawaii got the axe even with it being the no. 8 returning drama.
CBS wants to keep things “fresh” and that’s meant making calls that have upset casts, crews, and fans alike. But, from their view, their newbie series will make up for this in the long run. Tracker was the most watched scripted series on network TV with 10.8 million viewers on average. Elsbeth didn’t make that list but with 7.4 million viewers on average, it’s second only to Tracker as the most watched new drama for the television year.
Matlock and Watson are the two new dramas joining NCIS: Origins as the freshman class looking to make their mark on the network in the upcoming TV season and secure their spot on its roster. In 2025, Sheriff’s Country will be added to the slate. CBS has another go at Einstein on their development plate as well. As you can see, it’s getting crowded.
Fans of the network’s shows are going to have to brace because if they continue to exceed expectations, having good ratings compared to the rest of broadcast isn’t going to save them. We could be in the same situation we found ourselves in this year, saying goodbye to quality TV to make room for the network’s new, shiny offerings despite solid ratings and devoted fan bases.
Right now, this is only speculation since neither Van Helsing nor Eistein have been picked up for a series order. But it is clear CBS is looking for a new mystery drama and with its full roster that does mean at least one show is going to have to go if one or both of them get the green light.
We’ll keep you posted as news comes in. Stay tuned to Hidden Remote!
