CBS’s Winter 2025 Schedule: A Closer Look at NCIS, Ghosts, and Tracker
As the chilly months approach, television fans are gearing up for some of their favorite CBS shows to make their much-anticipated return. The network has officially announced its Winter 2025 lineup, featuring new episodes of NCIS, Ghosts, and Tracker—along with a few other surprises in store for devoted viewers. Below, we explore what to expect from each returning favorite, examine the bigger context of CBS’s scheduling decisions, and delve into why these series continue to be among the most beloved on network television.
The Big Announcement
Thursday, Jan. 9
9 p.m.: Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage (Encores)
9:30 p.m.: Ghosts (Encores)
10 p.m.: CBS drama encores
Thursday, Jan. 16
8 p.m.: Hollywood Squares (Series premiere; moves to Wednesdays at 10 p.m. starting Jan. 29)
Sunday, Jan. 26
6:30 p.m. ET (approx.): AFC Championship Game
10 p.m. ET (approx.): Watson (Series premiere)
Monday, Jan. 27
8 p.m.: The Neighborhood
8:30 p.m.: Poppa’s House
9 p.m.: NCIS
10 p.m.: NCIS: Origins
Tuesday, Jan. 28
8 p.m.: FBI
9 p.m.: FBI: International
10 p.m.: FBI: Most Wanted
Wednesday, Jan. 29
8 p.m.: Hollywood Squares (New time period premiere)
9 p.m.: The Price Is Right at Night
10 p.m.: Raid the Cage
Thursday, Jan. 30
8 p.m.: Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage
8:30 p.m.: Ghosts
9 p.m.: Matlock
10 p.m.: Elsbeth
Friday, Jan. 31
8 p.m.: NCIS: Sydney (Season 2 premiere)
9 p.m.: Fire Country
10 p.m.: S.W.A.T. (New time period premiere)
Sunday, Feb. 2
7 p.m. ET: 60 Minutes
8 p.m. ET: Grammy Awards
Wednesday, Feb. 5
8 p.m.: Hollywood Squares
9 p.m.: Super Bowl Greatest Commercials
10 p.m.: Raid the Cage
Wednesday, Feb. 12
8 p.m.: Hollywood Squares
9 p.m.: The Price Is Right at Night
10 p.m.: Raid the Cage
Sunday, Feb. 16
7 p.m.: 60 Minutes
8 p.m.: Tracker
9 p.m.: Watson (Episode 2, regular time period premiere)
10 p.m.: The Equalizer (New time period premiere)
Every year, CBS carefully crafts its winter schedule to keep audiences hooked after the holiday season. For 2025, the network is doubling down on proven hits, ensuring fan-favorite series maintain a regular presence on weeknights. The highlight of the new year’s slate is undoubtedly NCIS, marking its continued legacy as one of television’s longest-running procedural dramas. Coupled with the comedic charm of Ghosts and the high-stakes action of Tracker, the schedule caters to a broad audience—young adults, families looking for lighthearted fun, and viewers who can’t get enough of crime-solving intrigue.
The network revealed the premiere dates through a series of social media teases followed by an official press release. Leading up to the announcement, fans on platforms like Twitter and Instagram speculated heavily about production delays, crossover episodes, and potential cast changes. While some rumors turned out to be false, CBS did confirm that these three shows will kick off on consecutive nights, aiming to keep momentum high right from the get-go.
NCIS: A Stalwart of Prime-Time Television
A Legacy Continues
NCIS is the crown jewel of CBS’s crime-procedural lineup, having enthralled viewers for over two decades. Season 2025 not only continues its enduring storylines but also sees the show adapting to new cases in the digital age. Over the past few years, NCIS has tackled themes ranging from cybercrime to global terrorism, weaving in arcs that reflect current global events. Despite the changing landscape, the core values—teamwork, loyalty, and justice—remain at the forefront.
Cast Updates
One of the big questions going into the winter premieres involves potential cast shake-ups. Although longtime favorites have kept viewers coming back season after season, NCIS occasionally refreshes its lineup to introduce new story arcs or reflect real-life departures. For Winter 2025, most of the main cast is set to return, ensuring continuity. That said, the showrunners have hinted at a few cameo appearances that might surprise dedicated fans. Whether these guest roles connect to older storylines—like those involving past antagonists or even spin-off crossovers—remains to be seen.
What to Expect from the New Episodes
Fans can anticipate a blend of stand-alone episodes and multi-episode arcs. One rumor suggests that the second half of the current season will explore a global art theft ring, placing the team in high-stakes international settings. There’s also ongoing buzz about personal storylines for the core characters, which could bring a more emotional dimension to the series. If last year’s story arcs are any indication, viewers can look forward to a balanced mix of crime-fighting and character-driven drama.
Ghosts: The Sitcom That Won Our Hearts
Surprising Success
In an era of serious TV dramas and edgy streaming platforms, Ghosts arrived as a breath of fresh air. Adapted from a British series, this comedic gem quickly carved out its own identity on CBS. Centering on a couple who inherit a crumbling country estate—occupied by a motley crew of spirits—the show mines humor from everyday struggles, historical quirks, and supernatural mishaps. The result is a lighthearted, family-friendly series that has proven a consistent ratings performer.
Fan-Favorite Hauntings
Each ghost in the cast brings a distinct personality shaped by their individual time period. From Revolutionary-era soldiers to Gilded Age aristocrats, the comedic tension and camaraderie among these spirits have become a major selling point. With the new winter episodes, the writers have teased at least one holiday-themed storyline—though the “holiday” in question might not be what viewers expect. Rumors of a mid-season wedding have also been making the rounds, which would undoubtedly cause comedic chaos among the otherworldly inhabitants.
Potential Crossovers?
While Ghosts might seem an unlikely candidate for a crossover, fans have joked online about the possibility of the show intersecting with other CBS programs like NCIS. While there’s been no official confirmation of such a creative venture, the speculation highlights how beloved Ghosts has become among the broader CBS viewership. If nothing else, fan theories keep social media buzzing, demonstrating how strong the show’s following is.
Tracker: Action, Adventure, and Mystery
The Newest Kid on the Block
Compared to the long-running NCIS and the fast-rising Ghosts, Tracker is a relatively fresh addition to CBS’s slate, having premiered just a couple of seasons ago. The series centers on an elite fugitive apprehension team that travels worldwide, tracking high-profile criminals who repeatedly evade local authorities. With an emphasis on gritty realism and breakneck pacing, Tracker provides a stark counterbalance to the comedic beats of Ghosts and the procedural familiarity of NCIS.
What Sets It Apart
Tracker thrives on high-stakes action sequences, exotic locales, and the tension that comes from moral and ethical dilemmas. Each fugitive the team hunts down has a unique backstory, forcing the protagonists to adapt. The show explores the psychological toll of the job as well, revealing the emotional price that comes with constant danger. According to cast interviews, the new winter episodes will delve deeper into the personal lives of the lead characters, perhaps shedding light on the team’s origins and the internal conflicts that drive them.
Season Highlights
Expect more complex stunts and larger-than-life settings. Teasers suggest an episode set in the Arctic tundra, where survival becomes as critical a threat as the criminals themselves. Another rumor points to a storyline featuring a tech-savvy adversary who turns the team’s own gadgets against them, pushing them to rely on old-school investigative skills. If the show’s track record is any indication, viewers can anticipate cinematic quality on a weekly basis—perfect for adrenaline junkies.
CBS’s Winter Programming Strategy
Building a Consistent Audience
Why do these three shows—NCIS, Ghosts, and Tracker—feature so prominently in CBS’s winter schedule? Simply put, each series appeals to a different core demographic. NCIS caters to viewers who crave procedural depth and a long-term attachment to characters. Ghosts fits well for families and those seeking comedic escapism. Tracker targets action aficionados, ensuring the network can capture multiple audience segments on consecutive nights.
Competing in a Crowded Landscape
CBS faces stiff competition from streaming giants and rival networks each winter. By assembling a diverse lineup, they strengthen their position to engage both loyalists and casual viewers. Additionally, the midseason timing capitalizes on holiday breaks, aiming to re-hook audiences as they settle back into weekday routines. Some speculation also exists that CBS may drop special online-only bonus content for all three shows, recognizing the ever-growing streaming audience.
Behind the Scenes: Production Schedules and Delays
In recent years, production challenges—ranging from safety protocols to location constraints—have impacted how quickly shows can return to air. Fortunately, CBS appears to have navigated these hurdles efficiently. Both cast and crew from NCIS, Ghosts, and Tracker have posted updates on social media, highlighting behind-the-scenes camaraderie and giving fans glimpses of sets and rehearsals. This transparency has built a sense of community around the shows, as fans feel more connected to the creative process.
Looking Forward
As excitement builds for the Winter 2025 premieres, fans are already speculating about the future of these series beyond the upcoming episodes. Will NCIS continue to push boundaries, or will it finally begin laying the groundwork for a conclusive season? Is Ghosts set to run for many more seasons given its broad appeal, or will the show remain intentionally compact to preserve its unique comedic spark? How will Tracker evolve as it matures from a newcomer into a seasoned action drama?
CBS’s decision to schedule these shows back-to-back underscores a broader strategy: deliver a one-two-three punch that keeps viewers engaged night after night. It’s a formula that has worked well before, and early indicators suggest it will be successful again. Each of these series has carved out its own niche, ensuring that 2025’s winter TV slate is anything but monotonous.
Final Thoughts
With the announcement of the Winter 2025 TV schedule, CBS has managed to unite long-standing fan favorites and exhilarating new hits in a way that underscores the network’s enduring formula for success. NCIS will continue its storied run of investigative drama, Ghosts will offer heartwarming laughter in a supernatural setting, and Tracker will bring heart-pounding adventure to viewers looking for adrenaline-fueled thrills.
For fans, the message is clear: come wintertime, CBS is the place to be. Whether you’re drawn by the procedural mastery of NCIS, the comedic brilliance of Ghosts, or the high-stakes action of Tracker, your TV nights promise to be filled with entertainment, suspense, and a few unexpected twists. Mark your calendars for January and beyond, because the new season is shaping up to be worth the wait.
