CBS has officially revealed its Fall 2025 primetime schedule, and as expected, it’s a mix of comforting familiarity, surprising cancellations, and bold new titles that could reshape the network’s future. Known as America’s most-watched network, CBS is betting big on proven hits while also launching fresh dramas and comedies that aim to capture younger audiences.
Returning Favorites: CBS Doubles Down on Hits
Unsurprisingly, CBS is sticking with many of its top-rated franchises.
- The FBI Universe (FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International) will remain a cornerstone of the lineup. The flagship FBI continues to dominate Tuesdays, with Most Wanted and International keeping their time slots. With franchise crossovers already teased, CBS is clearly leaning into the success of Dick Wolf’s empire.
- Blue Bloods Spinoff – Boston Blue: As the original Blue Bloods nears the end of its historic run, the spinoff will officially debut this fall with Donnie Wahlberg leading the cast. CBS is billing the new series as both a continuation and reinvention, hoping to attract old fans while drawing in a new generation.
- NCIS Franchise: NCIS and NCIS: Hawai‘i are back, while NCIS: Origins, the prequel exploring the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, is one of CBS’ biggest bets for the season.
Other returning series include The Equalizer, Young Sheldon spinoff Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, and long-running reality staples like Survivor and The Amazing Race.
The Surprising Cuts: Fan Favorites Get the Axe
With renewals come cancellations, and CBS made some tough calls this year.
- The Equalizer: Despite steady ratings, Queen Latifah’s drama will conclude after its current season. CBS executives cited “natural story closure” and the desire to free up space for new content.
- CSI: Vegas: The reboot is officially done, ending after three seasons. While the series brought back iconic characters and loyal fans, it struggled to capture the same ratings momentum as its predecessor.
- Comedies on the Chopping Block: Several mid-tier sitcoms, including Bob Hearts Abishola and United States of Al, will not be returning. CBS hinted at retooling its comedy slate with fresher, more modern offerings.
The New Shows: Bold Swings for CBS
CBS is also rolling out several new series it hopes will become its next big hits.
- Boston Blue (Blue Bloods spinoff): Donnie Wahlberg reprises his role as Danny Reagan, now moving to Boston to lead a new task force. The series promises the same family-driven drama of Blue Bloods but with a sharper, more contemporary edge.
- NCIS: Origins: A prequel set in the 1990s following a young Gibbs, played by a new actor, with Mark Harmon narrating. Fans are already buzzing about the chance to revisit Gibbs’ backstory.
- The System: A legal thriller following an ambitious defense attorney (played by Morena Baccarin) who exposes corruption in the justice system while balancing her own troubled past.
- Family Law (comedy): A fresh single-camera sitcom centered on a dysfunctional family of lawyers forced to work together. CBS is clearly trying to diversify its comedy lineup after years of multicam dominance.
CBS’ Strategy: Familiarity + Risk-Taking
Industry insiders say CBS’ Fall 2025 slate highlights the network’s dual strategy: leaning on franchise loyalty while carefully experimenting with riskier, high-concept dramas.
Kelly Kahl, CBS Entertainment President, explained:
“Our audience values the consistency of returning to their favorite characters every week, but they also crave fresh stories. This lineup honors the CBS legacy while building the foundation for the future.”
Fan Reactions: Excitement and Frustration
As always, fans have been vocal online. The confirmation of Boston Blue drew cheers from Blue Bloods loyalists who weren’t ready to say goodbye to the Reagan family. The cancellation of CSI: Vegas, however, sparked disappointment, with some fans calling for another streamer to pick it up.
Meanwhile, NCIS: Origins has already become a trending topic, with fans debating whether a prequel can live up to the iconic original.
The Bigger Picture
CBS has long dominated broadcast television by offering stability and familiarity, and this year’s schedule reflects that philosophy. But with competition from streaming services and shifting viewer habits, CBS also recognizes the need to innovate.
The Fall 2025 slate, with its mix of dependable franchises and ambitious newcomers, may determine whether CBS can maintain its crown as the most-watched network in an increasingly fragmented TV landscape.
Looking Ahead
The new lineup officially kicks off in late September, with premiere dates to be announced in the coming weeks. For now, CBS is making one thing clear: the network isn’t just playing it safe — it’s preparing for the next chapter of broadcast television.
