The network known for its powerhouse police procedurals is shaking things up in a big way. CBS has officially released its Fall 2025 primetime schedule, and the changes are both strategic and fan-driven — with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
From an all-NCIS Tuesday lineup to the return of Boston Blue in a familiar slot, and the much-anticipated Yellowstone spinoff held back for midseason, CBS seems to be betting big on what it knows fans love — just not always when they expect it.
🚨 Tuesdays Belong to NCIS — Completely
In a bold move, CBS has officially turned Tuesday nights into an NCIS-exclusive event, locking in:
- 8 PM: NCIS (Original flagship series)
- 9 PM: NCIS: Sydney
- 10 PM: NCIS: Origins (prequel focusing on a young Gibbs)
This triple-threat strategy aims to dominate the Tuesday night ratings war, while leaning hard into the franchise’s enduring popularity. It’s a clear sign CBS is doubling down on the NCIS brand — and giving long-time fans the universe they’ve been asking for.
“We know our viewers love NCIS, and we’re giving them more of what they want — all in one night,” said CBS programming executive Laura Benson in a press release.
🕵️ FBI Shifts to a New Night
One of the network’s other big procedural franchises, FBI, is moving out of its usual slot to make room for the NCIS block. While CBS hasn’t finalized all time slots publicly, FBI and its spinoffs (FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International) will now occupy Wednesday primetime, creating a new midweek power play.
The move is risky — and fans have mixed reactions — but CBS is confident the FBI franchise can hold its own, even with a time shift.
👮 Boston Blue Returns to Its Familiar Home
After testing out different slots last season, Boston Blue — the gritty police drama that mixes street-level crime and political tension — is returning to its original Thursday night slot. This decision seems aimed at anchoring the night with a proven performer, alongside returning veterans like S.W.A.T. and Blue Bloods reruns (now limited to special events).
“Boston Blue fits perfectly on Thursdays. That’s where the story began — and where it belongs,” said one CBS insider.
🐎 Yellowstone Spinoff Pushed to Midseason
In perhaps the only disappointment for viewers, CBS has announced that the eagerly awaited Yellowstone spinoff will not debut in the fall. Instead, it’s being saved for midseason 2026, most likely to fill gaps left by holiday breaks or to serve as a ratings booster when competition is lighter.
Little is known about the new series, but with Taylor Sheridan at the helm, expectations are sky-high.
📺 CBS: Playing It Safe or Playing It Smart?
While some fans have raised concerns that CBS is relying too heavily on familiar franchises — rather than developing new ones — there’s no denying that shows like NCIS, FBI, and Boston Blue continue to dominate in ratings.
With a stacked fall and a loaded midseason, CBS is signaling that its playbook of dependable dramas and strategic scheduling still works — at least for now.
🗓️ CBS Fall 2025: At a Glance
- Tuesdays: All NCIS Night (NCIS, NCIS: Sydney, NCIS: Origins)
- Wednesdays: FBI Universe Takes Over
- Thursdays: Boston Blue returns to its roots
- Midseason: Yellowstone Spinoff Premiere (TBA)
