📺 Major CBS Cancellations and Reasons Behind Them
CBS is refreshing its programming lineup for the 2025–2026 season, leading to the cancellation of several long-standing and newer series. Each show had unique reasons for ending — from budget constraints to viewership drops. Here's a full breakdown:
🔥 Cancelled CBS Shows and Why They Were Cancelled
Blue Bloods
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Why Cancelled:
While Blue Bloods remained popular, the show's high production costs — particularly due to veteran cast salaries (Tom Selleck and others) — made it increasingly expensive to produce. CBS decided to conclude it after Season 15 to reallocate budgets toward new projects. -
Extra Insight:
There were also behind-the-scenes talks about scheduling challenges with the aging cast.
FBI: Most Wanted
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Why Cancelled:
Despite being a strong performer initially, FBI: Most Wanted saw a decline in live viewership in recent seasons. CBS wants to avoid franchise fatigue and invest energy into the upcoming spinoff CIA. -
Extra Insight:
Changing audience preferences for new procedural dramas influenced this decision.
FBI: International
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Why Cancelled:
Similar to its sister show, FBI: International faced lower ratings and higher production costs (due to international filming). CBS found it more cost-effective to focus on domestic-based shows for its primetime lineup.
S.W.A.T.
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Why Cancelled:
S.W.A.T. faced multiple cancellations and revivals in the past. This time, CBS officially ended it after Season 8 due to rising production costs and a shift toward lighter, broader-audience dramas and comedies. -
Extra Insight:
The show’s syndication value remains strong, so it could still find a second life on streaming platforms later.
Poppa’s House
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Why Cancelled:
Despite featuring stars Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr., Poppa’s House couldn’t generate strong viewership numbers. Its first season didn’t meet CBS’s expectations for sitcom success, leading to an early cancellation.
The Summit
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Why Cancelled:
Reality show The Summit failed to create a buzz and maintain steady viewership, especially in the highly competitive reality TV segment. -
Extra Insight:
CBS prefers to invest in established reality franchises like Survivor and Big Brother.
After Midnight
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Why Cancelled:
Late-night comedy After Midnight struggled with ratings compared to competitors. As CBS rethinks its late-night strategy, the show was officially scrapped after two seasons.
🌟 CBS's Strategy After These Cancellations
CBS isn't just cutting — it's repositioning. The network is planning to introduce new original dramas, franchise spinoffs (CIA from FBI creators), and reality formats tailored for younger demographics and streaming-friendly audiences.
This move reflects an industry-wide trend: networks are prioritizing flexible, lower-cost productions with strong digital and live ratings potential.
