Franchise-driven successes return
CBS renewed ‘Boston Blue’, a ‘Blue Bloods’ spin-off starring Donnie Wahlberg that topped network ratings in 2025-26, and ‘CIA’, a February 2026 debut from Dick Wolf’s ‘FBI’ universe that excelled on streaming. Both illustrate the network’s focus on franchise power and cross-platform performance. These decisions were revealed during the May upfronts. Hello! US
Cancellations follow ratings struggles
The Sherlock Holmes-inspired medical drama ‘Watson’, led by Morris Chestnut, was canceled after two seasons, and workplace sitcom ‘DMV’ ended after one. ‘DMV’ earned a 65% Rotten Tomatoes score but failed to attract enough viewers. Chestnut spoke to fans on Instagram, calling the news disappointing but part of ‘the show biz beast’. People + 1
““Hey everybody, as the world has heard, unfortunately Watson will not be coming back for season three. Yes, it’s disappointing, but that’s the way the show biz beast is. Yes, the nature of the beast, and you have to take the good with the bad.””
Morris Chestnut
Network changes mirror industry cuts
More than a dozen shows across networks have been canceled since January 2026, from NBC’s ‘Brilliant Minds’ to Fox’s ‘Going Dutch’ and The CW’s ‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’. Even long-running titles like ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ and daytime programs such as ‘Access Hollywood’ have been dropped. CBS’s decisions fit within this wider reshaping of TV lineups. People
Adapting to audience shifts
CBS’s blend of renewals and cancellations reflects a strategy to invest in content with strong audience loyalty and multi-platform reach. By cutting lower-rated series, the network reallocates resources toward projects with greater growth potential. This mirrors industry efforts to stay competitive as streaming platforms reshape viewing habits. People
