CBS’ 2025-26 Drama Dilemma: Will ‘The Equalizer’ Get a Final Season, or Face the Ax?
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
CBS is once again grappling with difficult renewal decisions, and two notable series—The Equalizer and Poppa’s House—remain on the chopping block as the network solidifies its lineup for the 2025-26 season. With a packed slate and ongoing budget concerns, both shows face stiff competition as CBS navigates the challenges of maintaining a balanced schedule.
An Overcrowded Slate
The renewal of Watson has left limited room for other scripted series, putting The Equalizer, starring Queen Latifah, and Damon Wayans’ freshman sitcom Poppa’s House in precarious positions. While both shows have performed adequately in the ratings, their numbers fall within a range that hasn’t guaranteed survival, especially as CBS undergoes another year of tough cancellation decisions. Already, three CBS dramas—FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International, and S.W.A.T.—have been axed, while Blue Bloods ended after a brief final run. These cancellations make it clear that CBS is making tough choices, even when it comes to popular franchises.
Budget Talks and Comedy Competition
In the case of Poppa’s House, CBS is reportedly in discussions to trim the show’s budget, which could improve its chances for renewal. However, the sitcom is up against fierce competition from three new comedy pilots: DMV, Zarna, and a planted spinoff of The Neighborhood. Sources indicate that CBS is likely to pick only one new comedy for next season, and with The Neighborhood already renewed for an eighth and final season, as well as returning Thursday half-hours Ghosts and Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, the remaining slot is hotly contested.
The multi-camera Zarna, led by comedian Zarna Garg, has reportedly shown promise after a solid table read, while DMV, a single-camera comedy featuring Harriet Dyer and Tim Meadows, has been described as testing well. Both are said to be strong contenders, further complicating the future of Poppa’s House.
Ongoing Discussions for The Equalizer
Meanwhile, The Equalizer faces a different set of challenges. Star and executive producer Queen Latifah is currently negotiating a deal with Universal Television, the studio behind the series. Sources suggest that cost-cutting measures are being explored, but the discussions have been positive, and insiders remain optimistic that the show could return for a potential sixth and final season. If the renewal doesn’t happen, the upcoming Season 5 finale might end up serving as the series finale.
A planted spinoff of The Equalizer is also reportedly on the table, though there’s been little chatter about its immediate development. Should CBS decide to move forward with the spinoff, it could mean splitting the schedule to accommodate both the main series and its offshoot—adding yet another layer of complexity to the network’s packed drama lineup.
A Crowded Field of Pilots and Spinoffs
The competition for CBS’s limited schedule slots is fierce. The network has already lined up several new drama series for the fall, including the Fire Country spinoff Sheriff Country and Blue Bloods offshoot Boston Blue, while also renewing three freshman dramas: Matlock, NCIS: Origins, and Watson. Additionally, there’s buzz around a potential straight-to-series order for a new FBI spinoff, as well as early excitement for the drama pilot Einstein, starring Matthew Gray Gubler. All these developments create an uphill battle for The Equalizer to secure a place on the upcoming schedule.
Beyond these near-term decisions, CBS is also exploring longer-term projects. Robert and Michelle King’s Cupertino script is reportedly a network favorite, and there’s chatter of a potential Yellowstone spinoff starring Luke Grimes. While not immediately competing for next season’s slots, these projects hint at CBS’s broader development strategy, which could still impact decisions made now.
A Decision Looming
As CBS continues to weigh its options, the network’s final decisions on The Equalizer and Poppa’s House will likely hinge on ongoing budget negotiations and the performance of the competing pilots. With limited space left on the 2025-26 slate, CBS faces the unenviable task of deciding which shows to keep and which to cut. The outcome will not only shape the immediate future of these series but also provide insight into how CBS plans to navigate an increasingly crowded and competitive scripted landscape.
