As the 2022-2023 television season rolls out, CBS shows are on the chopping block, with some fan favorites poised for renewal and others teetering on the edge of cancellation. For TV enthusiasts, this is a critical time. It’s a season of anticipation and nerve-wracking decisions—will your favorite shows make the cut or face the axe?
In this article, we’re diving deep into the CBS shows that are making waves this year. We’ll break down which shows are likely to be renewed, which ones are on the cancellation bubble, and what factors are driving these decisions. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of NCIS, excited about So Help Me Todd, or curious about any other CBS offerings, we’ve got you covered.
CBS in 2022-2023: The Big Picture
CBS has long been a powerhouse when it comes to traditional network television, offering a mix of drama, comedy, and reality programming. But like every other network, it’s constantly adjusting its lineup based on ratings, viewer demand, and even behind-the-scenes changes in production.
The 2022-2023 season is crucial for the network, and with streaming services on the rise, CBS is under pressure to deliver strong performances from its returning and new shows. With shows like NCIS and Blue Bloods keeping the network stable, it’s the newer entries that will face the hardest challenges.
Let’s look at some key shows and see how they stack up against the competition. Are they likely to be renewed, or will they be shown the door?
The NCIS Franchise: Stronger Than Ever
NCIS is arguably one of the most iconic shows on television. This long-running procedural drama has seen several spin-offs, including NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and the more recent addition, NCIS: Hawai’i. It remains a staple of CBS’s primetime lineup, drawing in millions of viewers each week.
Why Renewal is a Sure Bet for NCIS
The original NCIS show continues to dominate ratings with a loyal fan base that spans across generations. With a talented ensemble cast, intriguing storylines, and a winning formula of crime-solving paired with character development, NCIS has kept audiences engaged since it first aired in 2003.
- Ratings: As of the latest seasons, NCIS consistently draws in top-tier ratings, especially with its ability to appeal to a wide range of demographics. Even though viewership numbers for traditional TV have declined overall, NCIS remains a hit.
- Cast and Crew: The show’s talented cast, including the return of Mark Harmon as Leroy Gibbs (for a limited time), has kept audiences emotionally invested. Plus, the introduction of new characters, like Gary Cole’s Alden Parker, has brought fresh energy to the show.
- Network Stability: CBS can rely on NCIS to anchor its Monday night lineup, meaning there’s no major risk in renewing the show for another season.
Will We See Another Spin-Off? With NCIS: Hawai’i still in the mix and performing well, CBS might look to expand the NCIS universe further. As long as these shows continue to bring in the numbers, expect more spin-offs and crossovers to come.
So Help Me Todd: A Show on the Rise
So Help Me Todd, a legal dramedy starring Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Astin, debuted to mixed reviews in the fall of 2022. While it didn’t set the world on fire with its ratings, it still showed potential to grow into something great. But is that enough to earn it a second season?
Why Renewal is Possible for So Help Me Todd
Here’s why So Help Me Todd might be on track for a renewal, despite its rough start:
- A Strong Lead Cast: Marcia Gay Harden’s presence is a major selling point. She’s an Emmy-winning actress with the gravitas to carry a legal drama, and the chemistry between her and Skylar Astin has potential.
- Unique Premise: The show offers a twist on the legal drama genre, mixing law cases with personal drama. It’s not quite like anything else on TV, which could help it carve out a niche audience.
- Target Audience: While it’s not breaking records in the ratings, So Help Me Todd does appeal to a more mature, primetime audience that’s loyal to CBS. This demographic is less likely to abandon a show quickly, so it could still find success in later seasons.
Why It Could Be Canceled On the flip side, So Help Me Todd faces challenges:
- Ratings: The show hasn’t been lighting up the charts, and CBS tends to prioritize shows that consistently deliver strong numbers.
- Competition: Legal dramas are a crowded genre, and So Help Me Todd might struggle to stand out against powerhouses like Bull (before its cancellation) or other legal series on rival networks.
- Critical Reception: The show’s mixed reviews could be a sign that it hasn’t fully found its stride yet.
The Fate of Newcomers: Will They Make It?
Every year, CBS introduces a slew of new series, hoping to add fresh faces to its lineup. While some new shows take off immediately, others are quickly forgotten. Here’s a look at a few contenders for the 2022-2023 season.
East New York
This procedural drama about a police precinct in Brooklyn stars Amanda Warren and Jimmy Smits. Its promise of gritty, character-driven crime stories in a New York setting could appeal to fans of Blue Bloods and Law & Order. However, early ratings and critical reception suggest it’s going to need more than just star power to keep audiences engaged.
- Renewal Potential: High, if it can secure consistent viewership. The setting and dynamic between the characters could be a huge draw.
True Lies
Based on the hit 1994 movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, True Lies is an action-packed series with a comedic twist. But, like many action-driven shows, it faces the issue of being able to hold an audience week after week. While the action scenes might be a spectacle, viewers need more than explosions to stick around.
- Renewal Potential: Moderate to low, depending on whether it can distinguish itself from similar action series and prove its ability to bring in steady numbers.
Why Some Shows Are Safe Bets: NCIS & Other Returning Favorites
Returning favorites like Blue Bloods, Young Sheldon, and The Equalizer are safe bets for renewal. These shows have strong fan bases, consistent ratings, and dedicated viewership, which makes them CBS’s bread and butter. Unless something drastic happens, these shows are highly likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
- Blue Bloods: A steady performer with strong ratings, it’s likely to stay on the air for many more seasons.
- Young Sheldon: As a prequel to The Big Bang Theory, it’s a hit with both fans of the original show and newcomers.
- The Equalizer: Queen Latifah has found her groove as the action-packed lead, making this series a fan favorite that CBS is likely to keep around.
What Will CBS Keep? What Will They Drop?
At the end of the day, CBS’s decision-making process comes down to ratings, audience retention, and cost-effectiveness. Shows that consistently pull in high numbers will likely be renewed, while shows that struggle to maintain viewership could be in jeopardy.
Conclusion: A Mix of Renewal and Uncertainty for CBS
As CBS looks toward the 2022-2023 season, it’s clear that the network is relying on its heavy-hitting franchises like NCIS and Blue Bloods to provide stability. However, newer shows like So Help Me Todd and East New York still face uncertainty, depending on how they perform in the long term.
The key to success for these shows lies in whether they can carve out their own niche and attract a loyal audience. Only time will tell whether these newcomers can find their footing or whether CBS will opt for new ideas altogether.
FAQ: Will NCIS Continue After 2023?
Q: Is NCIS getting canceled anytime soon?
A: As of now, NCIS shows no signs of being canceled. The series continues to perform well in ratings and remains a fan favorite. With its established history and loyal audience, it’s safe to say NCIS will likely continue for several more seasons unless there’s a major shift behind the scenes.
