CBS cancels several series for the 2025–26 season, including Blue Bloods and FBI. Learn the reasons and what’s next for the network.
A new season also brings new decisions. For CBS, the 2025–26 period marks a before and after in its programming, with a wave of cancellations that has shaken both fans and the television industry. While some were expected, others surprised with their abrupt endings or strategic implications. Among veteran dramas and fresh but unsuccessful bets, the network is realigning its focus toward the future.
Blue Bloods, FBI and S.W.A.T.: when longevity is not enough
The departure of Blue Bloods is undoubtedly one of the most emotional for viewers. Despite its popularity, behind-the-scenes figures sealed its fate: high salaries for Tom Selleck and other veteran cast members made the police drama financially unsustainable. This decision reflects not only budgetary concerns but also a common dilemma in long-running series: the difficulty of innovating without altering their core identity.
Similarly, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International failed to maintain their initial numbers. The former, despite a strong start, faced franchise fatigue and a fragmented audience. The network preferred to prevent overextension and channel energy toward CIA, the upcoming spinoff set to inherit the torch. As for FBI: International, the logistical costs of filming abroad were a key factor. CBS chose to focus on domestic productions better suited to modern broadcast demands.
S.W.A.T. is also ending, this time definitively after several cancellation scares. Its eighth season will be its last. While the show maintains strong syndication presence, the network is shifting towards less costly dramas with broader appeal, aiming to attract a family-friendly and diverse audience.
Failed bets: Poppa’s House, The Summit and After Midnight
It wasn’t just established series that got cut. CBS also cleaned house among its newer projects. Poppa’s House, starring Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr., was one of the major comedy bets of the past season. However, it delivered underwhelming results and failed to meet the network’s sitcom standards.
In the realm of reality TV, The Summit failed to stand out in an oversaturated market. Despite high aspirations, it was overshadowed by longstanding hits like Survivor and Big Brother, which continue to perform well both live and digitally. Meanwhile, After Midnight, with its late-night comedy concept, couldn’t compete with stronger offerings in the same slot and ends after two seasons.
These cancellations point to a more aggressive strategy by CBS to refresh its lineup, especially targeting a younger audience accustomed to streaming platforms.
The future: restructuring, franchises, and new demographics
Far from a retreat, this wave of cancellations is part of a larger plan. CBS is aiming for more efficient programming in terms of both cost and impact. The development of CIA, the new spinoff from the FBI universe, symbolizes this balance between brand continuity and adaptation to new narratives. This move reflects an industry-wide trend, where franchises remain valuable but must reinvent themselves to stay relevant.
According to Jobaaj Stories, CBS is betting on more flexible content suitable for both live broadcasts and digital consumption. The mix of new original dramas, reality formats, and light-hearted comedies seeks to broaden demographic reach without losing brand identity. There’s also a noticeable inclination toward emerging talent, with series designed from the outset to adapt to the multiplatform ecosystem.
As CBS fine-tunes its new profile, the 2025–26 season could mark a turning point not just for the network, but for broadcast television as a whole. The lingering question is: will this reset help CBS stay relevant against the streaming giants?
