Queen Latifah’s The Equalizer in Jeopardy—Will Season 5 Be the End?

As CBS prepares to finalize its programming lineup, the fate of three shows remains uncertain, with the possibility of cancellations looming. While the network has made several renewals this year, such as Tracker starring Justin Hartley, there are a few shows still in limbo, with some on the chopping block. The network has confirmed the renewal of shows like Fire Country and all three NCIS series—NCIS, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Sydney—while others, including S.W.A.T. (for the third time) and both FBI spin-offs, have been canceled.

Three shows, in particular, are up in the air: The Equalizer, Poppa’s House, and Watson, all of which air on Sunday or Monday nights. Here’s a closer look at the shows still awaiting their fate:

The Equalizer

Currently in its fifth season, The Equalizer has garnered a loyal fanbase since its debut, with Queen Latifah playing the titular role of Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who helps people in need while navigating her complex personal life. This reboot of the 1985 TV series and the trilogy of films starring Denzel Washington has continued to resonate with viewers.

Sources have reported that CBS is considering a sixth season, but it could very well be the show’s final one. While the fifth season’s finale could potentially serve as a series conclusion, it remains unclear how satisfying it would be as a definitive end. Regardless of whether the show gets renewed or not, CBS is reportedly exploring the possibility of a spin-off, meaning the story may continue in another form.

Poppa’s House

Premiering last fall after being delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, Poppa’s House saw a strong start, prompting CBS to order 18 episodes for the season. The show, starring father and son duo Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr., follows their comedic interactions as a multi-generational family. However, despite its promising debut, sources say the show is “vulnerable” and may not secure a second season. For now, it remains unclear whether Poppa’s House will earn a renewal, but it’s clear CBS will make a decision soon. Other first-season shows, like NCIS: Origins, have found success in landing a second season, but Poppa’s House faces stiff competition in the network’s crowded slate.

Watson

The most recent of the three shows, Watson premiered in January of this year, and has only had a short time on the air. The show, starring Morris Chestnut as Dr. John Watson, picks up six months after the death of Sherlock Holmes, diving into the world of a grieving Watson as he navigates a new chapter of his life. Watson represents CBS’s second attempt to adapt Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes universe following the success of Elementary, which ran for seven seasons from 2012 to 2019. With just two months on the air, the show still has time to gain traction with viewers, and its fate will likely depend on how the next few months unfold.

As CBS reviews its programming lineup, the future of these three shows remains uncertain. While The Equalizer has been a fan favorite, Poppa’s House and Watson still have plenty to prove before a final decision is made. As always, networks are balancing ratings, critical reception, and production costs when making renewal decisions, and for these shows, the clock is ticking.