CBS was quick off the mark, renewing eight shows for the 2026-27 TV season — a move that came as a big surprise considering what’s been going on behind the scenes since the Paramount Global and Skydance merger.
Initial reports stated that the extensive budget cuts would affect the entire organization, particularly CBS.
The home to Boston Blue, Fire Country, and NCIS was expected to wave goodbye to a wealth of series as the network heads into next season.
Many of the renewed shows may have decided to work with CBS to come in at a lower price point.
But we probably won’t be privy to what that entails until the season is over and all the shows start to take shape for the fall — and beyond.
As always, TV Fanatic will keep you up to speed on that front. For now, let’s take a look at all the shows renewed and which could be headed for cancellation.
Tracker – Renewed
Tracker has got to be one of the bizarrest broadcast dramas because it relies so little on a secondary cast. That probably makes it make more sense financially for the network.
It has been a solid performer, with Tracker Season 3 currently averaging 8.08 million viewers and a 0.49 rating in the demo.
The show does get a health boost from streaming and DVR, so it makes sense that it has secured such an early renewal.
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage – Renewed
It’s a rarity that spinoffs resonate, never mind a spinoff of a spinoff.
But Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage is a true success story, averaging 5.47 million viewers and a 0.38 rating.
The series will remain intact for the 2026-27 season and, in turn, keep The Big Bang Theory universe alive.
Ghosts – Renewed
Ghosts is another anomaly for CBS.
Far too often, remakes of British comedies don’t translate well for U.S. audiences.
Ghosts Season 5 is averaging 4.39 million viewers and a 0.34 rating. Yes, the show has lost some steam this season, shedding almost 20% of its total viewer tally.
But the show is performing well enough to score renewal after renewal. It would have to lose far more ground to be considered on the bubble.
NCIS – Renewed
The NCIS universe has long been the crown jewel of CBS’s line-up, and it has birthed countless spinoffs.
The original series remains a solid option, with NCIS Season 23 pulling in 5.63 million viewers and a 0.32 rating.
Of course, these numbers are way down from the show’s heyday, but CBS has been vocal about the franchise’s strong post-airdate viewing.
A positive note: NCIS is up vs. last year. That’s a big feat in this day and age.
The Neighborhood – Ending
The Neighborhood has had a long and successful run — a broadcast comedy that has reached eight seasons is unheard of nowadays.
It’s great for the show and also great for the fans.
The Neighborhood Season 8 has dipped in the ratings, averaging 3.60 million viewers and a 0.30 rating.
These numbers could have gotten the show another season, but creatively, it’s a good time to end the series.
Matlock – Renewed
Matlock had a red-hot first season on CBS, but Matlock Season 2 has been all over the shop in terms of writing and ratings.
The Kathy Bates drama has shed almost a quarter of its live+same-day numbers, with 4.85 million viewers on the case and a 0.28 rating in the demo.
Yes, the show remains a solid multi-platform performer, but with so much criticism this season, Matlock needs an overhaul.
NCIS: Origins – Renewed
Last season, I thought NCIS: Origins could be one-and-done, because the initial on-air ratings weren’t too strong.
However, NCIS: Origins Season 2 is averaging 4.15 million viewers and a 0.24 rating — up a little year over year.
It makes sense, then, that CBS has already handed out a renewal.
Sheriff Country – Renewed
Fire Country has been on a slippery slope for the last few years, raising the real chance that Sheriff Country wouldn’t reach the level of success expected.
Thankfully, Sheriff Country Season 1 is averaging 4.75 million viewers and a 0.24 rating.
This is a solid result for Friday evenings, so it makes sense that the spinoff has been picked up for next season.
DMV – Could Go Either Way
This comedy series didn’t set the ratings on fire when it premiered in October, but it has been consistent.
DMV Season 1 is hovering around 3.11 million viewers and a 0.24 rating. It’s not bad, given the shows that have been renewed with similar numbers.
However, the fact that it didn’t get an early renewal raises significant questions about what CBS has planned for next season.
FBI – Renewed
After CBS canceled FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted, it seems that fans have stopped watching the mothership in protest.
FBI Season 8 has shed almost 40% of its year-over-year demo tally, down to a 0.24 rating, along with 4.47 million viewers.
Still, CBS is all about keeping shows around these days, so it’s not too surprising that it has secured a renewal for next season.
But the big question is how long it will continue if it continues shedding the same percentage of viewers each season.
CIA – Could Go Either Way
We don’t have enough data on CIA to make an informed decision, but we do know that CIA Season 1 Episode 1 had 3.78 million viewers and a 0.20 rating.
New shows tend to drop post-premiere, so there’s not much room for them to dip. It could be a solid performer on streaming.
We’ll get a better idea of how it’s performing in the coming weeks. But CBS does launch fewer dramas nowadays, and given its links to the wider FBI franchise, CIA could stick around, even if the numbers are smaller than expected.
Fire Country – Renewed
Fire Country has featured questionable storytelling over the last few years, so it’s no surprise it’s continued to drop in the ratings this season.
Fire Country Season 4 is averaging 3.79 million viewers and a 0.20 rating.
The numbers remain decent for Friday evenings, which is probably what compelled CBS to issue a renewal. But it’s hard to imagine long-term viability here if viewers are rejecting the show.
Elsbeth – Renewed
The Good Wife franchise remains intact thanks to Elsbeth’s continued success.
The Carrie Preston-fronted series has never been a big success in traditional ratings, but it has been a powerhouse in delayed viewing.
Elsbeth Season 3 is currently averaging 3.77 million viewers and a 0.19 rating — down 25% year over year in the demo.
Boston Blue – Renewed
The Blue Bloods spinoff that everyone questioned when it nabbed a series order last year has actually been a decent series.
Boston Blue Season 1 has attracted 4.05 million viewers and a 0.17 rating. The numbers may seem soft, but CBS has been vocal about the show’s total numbers being much higher.
With some more well-marketed guest spots from franchise alums, perhaps the show could surge a bit.
NCIS: Sydney – Renewed
There’s no mistaking that the numbers for NCIS: Sydney are rough. NCIS: Sydney Season 3 is currently pulling in around 2.89 million viewers and a 0.15 rating in the demo.
They are not great numbers, but remember that the show is far cheaper to produce than the network’s other scripted shows because it’s a co-production.
For that reason alone, it will probably be around for the years to come.
Watson – Certain Cancellation
Watson scored a surprise renewal last season, but it probably won’t be as fortunate this year.
Watson Season 2 is pulling in 2.56 million viewers and a 0.14 rating — down 62 percent and 50 percent, respectively.
The show missed out on an early renewal and is the network’s lowest-rated and least-viewed scripted series. That’s not a good spot to be in.
Okay, TV Fanatics! What’s your take on CBS’s decisions so far for next season? Which shows do you think deserve a renewal, and which do you think should be canceled?
You made it to the end — and that means a lot.
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