CBS was the network that generated the most buzz during the first quarter of 2025. The network pulled the plug on several beloved titles in a short time span, leading many to question whether any of the shows they've come to know and love were safe. Well, now that the dust has settled, and the network has consolidated its new lineup, we're here to reassess.
CBS may be parting ways with shows that we wish were coming back, but the network has also issued renewals to shows we can't wait to see more of come the fall season. Here's a breakdown of what to expect (and what to lament) as we gear up for the summer.
Returning: NCIS
While many other franchises on CBS, such as the FBI and CSI franchises, have gradually been scaling back, the NCIS franchise remains as strong as ever, with no signs of slowing down! Not only will NCIS be coming back for season 23, but CBS has also handed out renewals to NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney which will all be coming back for the 2025-26 season.
For NCIS, the next season is going to surely see Parker seeking justice after the death of his father in the season 22 finale. While the death wasn't quite as big as fans had been led to believe it would be, it will set the tone for season 23 and we're likely to see a very different side of Parker next season.
Canceled (again): SWAT
SWAT was the show that refused to die for multiple seasons. It was canceled, then renewed, then canceled again, then renewed again. It was an inspiring turn of events, but one that was bound to come to an end. CBS definitively axed SWAT in March, meaning its current season would be its last. There was initial pushback from star Shemar Moore, who floated the idea of working with another network to keep the show going, but it doesn't appear as though there have been any takers.
SWAT, as we know it, will conclude when the finale airs on May 16. It will mark the end of an era, but showrunner Andrew Dettmann told TVLine that the finale will not mark the end of 20 Squad, as he felt it was important to suggest that the adventures would continue well after the cameras stopped rolling.
Renewed: Matlock
While it's hard to see beloved shows coming to an end, the changing of the guard helps to bring about space for new shows to enter the mix. Among the new series that entered the fray this season was the new Kathy Bates-led legal drama Matlock, which quickly won audiences over to become the biggest new series of the season, and rightfully so.
It's been so great getting to see Bates back on primetime, and her performance in the show's first season was absolutely flawless. The same rings true for Skye P. Marshall's breakthrough performance as Olympia, a character who quickly won our hearts and secured her place among the greatest TV lawyers to ever grace our screens. We hope to see both of these incredible forces recognized at the Emmys and can't wait to see more of their magnetic chemistry when Matlock returns for season 2 this fall!
Scrapped: The Equalizer
The Equalizer is no more. This one was especially tough on fans, because the show seemed to be in excellent shape heading into the home stretch of season 5. Not only had it not been canceled yet, but there were plans to launch a spinoff starring Juani Feliz and Titus Welliver. How quickly things change. The spinoff was scrapped, and The Equalizer was canceled right before its final episode aired on May 4.
Queen Latifah, the titular hero, remains undeterred. She thanked fans for their support in a heartfelt message, and admitted that the show's success surpassed the high expectations she had heading into the pilot back in 2021. "It blew past every dream we had for it, and having the opportunity to do this for five seasons honestly feels surreal," she concluded. The Equalizer will be missed.
Extended: Fire Country
Also coming back this fall is Fire Country which continues to be one of CBS's hottest hits -- yes, pun intended! The Max Thieriot-created and led firefighter drama shows no signs of slowing down and is about to truly evolve into a franchise player on CBS.
Not only will we be seeing a new season of Fire Country in the fall, but CBS is set to expand the franchise with the new spinoff Sheriff Country, which is expected to air alongside the flagship series this fall. Additionally, CBS has been floating around a spinoff starring Jared Padalecki, who guest-starred in a handful of episodes this season. Needless to say, Fire Country isn't likely going anywhere anytime soon, with CBS betting big on the show and expanding it out into a franchise we can't wait to enjoy!