Making a decisive programming overhaul, CBS has pulled the plug on six of its television series in advance of the 2025–2026 season, marking a significant change in its content direction.
The Shows Getting the Axe
Though CBS has not released full official statements detailing the reasoning behind each cancellation, sources close to the network confirm the following series will not return:
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“NCIS: Hawaii” – Despite being part of the beloved NCIS franchise, the Hawaii spin-off failed to maintain the consistent momentum of its predecessors. Ratings plateaued in its third season, and CBS chose to redirect resources toward fresher crime drama formats.
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“So Help Me Todd” – This quirky legal dramedy had a promising premise and a devoted fan base, but ultimately couldn’t compete with more serialized, high-stakes courtroom thrillers.
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“East New York” – While initially praised for its representation and gritty narrative, the show struggled to secure a stable time slot and suffered from behind-the-scenes creative differences.
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“CSI: Vegas” – The revival of the once-mighty CSI brand couldn’t replicate the magic of its original run. Audience interest waned, and CBS opted not to renew it for another round.
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“True Lies” – Based on the classic 1994 film, this reboot failed to find its identity and connect with modern audiences, leading to its early demise after just one season.
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“The Equalizer” (pending final confirmation) – Queen Latifah’s reboot had several strong seasons but is reportedly “on the bubble,” with inside sources claiming cancellation is “90% certain,” as CBS looks to trim high-cost productions.
Why the Shake-Up?
CBS’s decision reflects broader trends across the television industry:
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Streaming Disruption: With Paramount+ becoming an increasingly important part of CBS’s parent company strategy, some shows may transition to digital platforms or be replaced by streaming-native originals.
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Budget Efficiency: Older or high-production-cost shows are being reevaluated. Reboots and spin-offs, which once felt safe, no longer guarantee returns.
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Evolving Audience Habits: Modern viewers increasingly prefer streaming-friendly, binge-worthy shows with concise seasons and tightly crafted storylines.Procedurals, once the network’s bread and butter, must now compete with premium drama from Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+.
What’s Next for CBS?
The cancellation spree isn’t just about making room—it’s about redefining identity. CBS has already greenlit several new pilots, many focused on inclusive storytelling, sci-fi twists, and true crime-inspired narratives. Industry watchers expect more crossover events, digital tie-ins, and hybrid streaming-broadcast formats in 2026.
Moreover, CBS is looking to double down on live content—sports, award shows, and reality programming like Survivor and The Amazing Race—which continues to pull strong ratings and advertiser dollars.
The Verdict
CBS’s decision to cut six shows before the 2025–2026 season is not just a lineup change—it’s a signal. The network is adapting, recalibrating, and responding to a media landscape that refuses to stand still. While fans of the canceled shows may be disappointed, they can take some solace in knowing that CBS is clearing space for innovation. And in today’s entertainment world, standing still is more dangerous than taking a risk.
