Queen Latifah Speaks Out After CBS Cancels The Equalizer: “It’s Out of My Hands”

After five impactful seasons, The Equalizer has met its end on CBS—and star Queen Latifah is finally opening up about the cancellation and what it means for the future of the beloved action-drama.

In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Latifah, 55, revealed that the decision to cancel the show was not within her control. “It is a little out of my hands in terms of what happens with it from this point forward,” she admitted, reflecting on the series’ sudden conclusion. Still, she emphasized her gratitude: “We made some good TV.”

Premiering with a bang after the 2021 Super Bowl to over 20 million viewers, The Equalizer—a reboot of the 1985 series starring Edward Woodward—quickly established itself as a unique blend of social justice storytelling and action-thriller drama. Latifah’s role as Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative turned vigilante for the vulnerable, became an empowering icon on network television.

But despite its strong start and critical acclaim, including nominations from the NAACP Image Awards, BET, and Critics’ Choice, the show faced declining ratings. In a last-ditch effort, Latifah reportedly agreed to concessions for a shortened sixth season, hoping to give the series a proper farewell. However, CBS canceled the series on May 2, just two days before the Season 5 finale aired, citing financial reasons.

“There’s so much to be grateful for,” Latifah said, reflecting on the journey. “I’m thankful. I’m in a very grateful place. I’m grateful to the fans of the show for sticking with it.” She also acknowledged her fellow cast and crew—Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, Laya DeLeon Hayes, Lorraine Toussaint—and the behind-the-scenes team that made the show feel like “family.”

Plans for a spinoff featuring Titus Welliver and Juani Feliz were also shelved, another blow to the fanbase hoping to see the Equalizer universe expand.

Following the cancellation, Latifah took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message: “My kick-ass role as Robyn McCall was everything I hoped it would be. The Equalizer blew past every dream we had for it, and having the opportunity to do this for five seasons honestly feels surreal.”

She concluded with love to her loyal viewers: “That’s exactly why we keep doing this. We can’t thank you enough. It means the world to us.”

Though The Equalizer is no longer on the air, Latifah’s impact as Robyn McCall and the show’s mission of justice will continue to resonate with fans who believed in it—and in her.