The Equalizer & Poppa’s House on CBS Renewal Bubble—What’s Really at Stake for 2025-26?

As CBS approaches another critical season of renewal decisions, two scripted series remain in limbo: the veteran drama The Equalizer and freshman comedy Poppa’s House. While CBS has made strides with several of its other series, these two shows are facing an uncertain future, and it remains unclear whether they will make the cut for the 2025-26 season.

The good news for Poppa’s House, which stars Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr., is that discussions are ongoing, particularly around adjusting its budget. Reducing costs could improve the sitcom’s chances of securing a renewal, but it’s not the only series vying for the network’s limited comedy slots. With The Neighborhood renewed for an eighth and final season, Ghosts and Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage also renewed, CBS is juggling several pilots, including the DMV and Zarna, both of which are seen as serious contenders.

Poppa’s House may have some stiff competition from these potential newcomers. The DMV, a single-camera comedy starring Harriet Dyer and Tim Meadows, has already been filmed and tested well, while Zarna, a multi-cam series led by comedian Zarna Garg, is nearing completion. With CBS facing limited room on its comedy schedule, the final decision could come down to a mix of factors, including budget and overall scheduling.

Meanwhile, The Equalizer, starring Queen Latifah, remains a priority for CBS, though it is also in the midst of contract negotiations with its lead studio, Universal Television. While costs are a concern, those close to the show remain hopeful that the series will return for a potential sixth and final season. The upcoming Season 5 finale could potentially serve as a series finale if a renewal doesn’t come through. Furthermore, discussions about a The Equalizer spinoff are still under the radar, adding an extra layer of uncertainty for the drama’s future.

CBS is already looking ahead to the 2025-26 season with an already packed drama slate. Three dramas have been canceled this season—FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International, and S.W.A.T., with Blue Bloods wrapping early. However, the network has already committed to two new drama series: Sheriff Country, a spinoff of Fire Country, and a Blue Bloods offshoot, Boston Blue. CBS has also renewed several freshman dramas, including Matlock, NCIS: Origins, and Watson.

The competition for any remaining space on CBS’s drama roster is fierce. New spinoffs, such as the FBI offshoot (formerly known as FBI CIA) and Einstein, a drama starring Criminal Minds alum Matthew Gray Gubler, are in development, making it clear that CBS has little room left for any more series. Additionally, there are whispers of a potential Yellowstone spinoff starring Luke Grimes, though details remain scarce.

With its tight development strategy, CBS may opt to announce early pickups for the 2026-27 season, similar to how it greenlit Sheriff Country for the 2025-26 season last year. As for The Equalizer and Poppa’s House, only time will tell if they make it onto the network’s crowded schedule next year. For now, both shows remain on the bubble, with their futures hanging in the balance.