CBS Has Canceled Six Shows Before the 2025–2026 Season: What Fans Need to Know
CBS has canceled six major shows ahead of the 2025–2026 season, marking one of the most significant programming overhauls in the network’s recent history. As part of a strategic shift to refresh its lineup and manage rising production costs, the long-standing broadcaster has concluded long-running series and scrapped underperforming new entries.
Established in 1927 as the Columbia Broadcasting System, CBS has grown into one of the “Big Three” American television networks, known for its iconic “Eye” logo and a legacy of influential news, sports, and entertainment programming.
In this comprehensive report, we cover:
- Complete list of the six CBS shows canceled for 2025–2026
- Official reasons behind each cancellation
- Fan reactions and legacy of the shows
- Potential spin-offs and replacements
- How this reflects CBS’s evolving content strategy
Full List: CBS Shows Canceled Before the 2025–2026 Season
CBS has officially canceled the following six shows:
- Blue Bloods – Ended after 14 seasons
- Poppa’s House – Canceled after one season
- The Summit – Reality series canceled after one season
- FBI: Most Wanted – Franchise spin-off ends after six seasons
- FBI: International – Canceled after four seasons
- S.W.A.T. – Concluded after eight seasons
These decisions reflect a broader network strategy to streamline operations, reduce costs, and prepare for new content in the 2025–2026 broadcast year.
1. Blue Bloods (2010–2024) – A Legacy Concluded
Final Season: Season 14 (concluded December 2024)
Reason for Cancellation: Rising production costs and cast salaries, despite strong ratings
One of CBS’s most beloved procedural dramas, Blue Bloods followed the Reagan family — a multi-generational clan of law enforcement officers in New York City. Starring Tom Selleck as Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, the show maintained a loyal fan base for over a decade.
Although it remained a top performer in the ratings, escalating costs — particularly for its veteran cast — led CBS to end the series on its own terms.
Good News for Fans: A Spin-Off Is in Development
Rumors of a spin-off titled Boston Blue are confirmed in early development. The series will reportedly follow Donnie Wahlberg’s character, Danny Reagan, as he relocates to Boston to lead a new unit — keeping the Reagan legacy alive in a fresh setting.
2. Poppa’s House (2024–2025) – Sitcom Axed After One Season
Star Power: Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr.
Reason for Cancellation: Low viewership despite strong cast
Poppa’s House was a multi-camera family sitcom that explored generational dynamics through humor and heartfelt moments. The show centered on a father-and-son duo co-hosting a radio advice show while navigating personal and professional challenges.
Despite the comedic pedigree of the Wayans family, the series failed to gain traction in CBS’s competitive comedy block, leading to a swift cancellation after just 10 episodes.
3. The Summit (2024) – Reality Series Ends After One Season
Host: Manu Bennett
Prize: $750,000 shared by final three contestants
Reason for Cancellation: High production costs and moderate ratings
The Summit was a high-stakes reality competition that challenged 16 contestants to climb a mountain in New Zealand within 14 days. Along the way, they faced physical trials, social betrayals, and eliminations orchestrated by the mysterious “Mountain’s Keeper.”
Filmed on location with complex logistics, the show proved expensive to produce. While it attracted a niche audience, CBS decided not to renew it for a second season, ending its run in April 2025.
4. FBI: Most Wanted (2020–2025) – Franchise Fatigue?
Seasons: 6
Reason for Cancellation: Declining viewership and franchise saturation
A spin-off of the flagship FBI series, Most Wanted followed a specialized team of agents tracking down fugitives across the U.S. The show had a solid start but gradually lost momentum as audiences showed signs of “procedural fatigue.”
With three FBI-branded shows airing simultaneously, CBS has chosen to consolidate the franchise and focus on the core series.
5. FBI: International (2021–2025) – Overseas Costs Take Toll
Seasons: 4
Reason for Cancellation: High overseas production costs and declining engagement
Set across Europe, FBI: International followed a team of agents working abroad to prevent transnational threats. While it offered a fresh setting, the cost of filming overseas and inconsistent ratings made it unsustainable.
However, CBS is exploring a potential new spin-off: FBI: CIA, which could shift the focus to domestic intelligence operations and inter-agency collaboration.
6. S.W.A.T. (2017–2025) – Hondo’s Final Ride
Star: Shemar Moore as Sgt. Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson
Seasons: 8
Reason for Cancellation: Rising costs and shifting network priorities
Born from the 1975 series and 2003 film, S.W.A.T. modernized the story of an elite LAPD unit handling high-risk operations. The show built a passionate fan base and had strong syndication potential.
It was initially canceled in 2023, but due to overwhelming fan support — including social media campaigns and petitions — CBS reversed its decision and granted two additional seasons.
Ultimately, however, the financial burden and evolving content strategy led to its final conclusion in March 2025.
Why Did CBS Cancel So Many Shows at Once?
The mass cancellations are part of a deliberate network-wide strategy driven by several key factors:
1. Rising Production Costs
Long-running shows with veteran casts (e.g., Blue Bloods, S.W.A.T.) face escalating salary and filming expenses. For FBI: International, overseas logistics added significant overhead.
2. Franchise Fatigue
With multiple FBI series airing, audience engagement began to split. CBS is now streamlining the brand to strengthen the flagship show.
3. Audience Shifts & Streaming Competition
Traditional broadcast viewership continues to decline. CBS is reallocating resources toward streaming content on Paramount+, where original programming is growing.
4. Strategic Rebranding for 2025–2026
The network is making room for new formats, including limited series, reality hybrids, and diverse storytelling to attract younger demographics.
Fan Reactions: Outrage, Nostalgia, and Hope
The cancellations sparked strong reactions across social media:
“They canceled S.W.A.T. after bringing it back once? Hondo deserves better. #SaveSWAT” – @LAPDLoyal, Los Angeles
“Blue Bloods was the last good family cop show. CBS is losing its soul.” – @ClassicTVFan, Chicago
“At least Boston Blue might happen. The Reagan family isn’t done yet.” – @ReaganNation, New York
Despite disappointment, many fans appreciate that CBS ended shows on their own terms rather than letting them decline in quality.
What’s Next for CBS in 2025–2026?
CBS is not scaling back — it’s reinventing. Upcoming plans include:
- New spin-offs: FBI: CIA and Boston Blue in development
- More diverse casting: A push for inclusive storytelling across genres
- Hybrid formats: Blending reality, drama, and documentary styles
- Paramount+ integration: Some canceled shows may find a second life on the streaming platform
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did CBS cancel so many shows before 2025–2026?
Due to rising production costs, franchise fatigue, declining viewership for some spin-offs, and a strategic shift to refresh the network’s lineup.
Is Blue Bloods completely gone?
The original series has ended, but a spin-off titled Boston Blue is in development, continuing the Reagan family story.
Will S.W.A.T. return on Paramount+?
Not confirmed, but fan demand remains high. A revival or limited series is possible in the future.
Why was FBI: International canceled?
High overseas production costs and lower-than-expected ratings led to its cancellation after four seasons.
Is CBS moving away from procedural dramas?
No. CBS remains committed to the genre but is consolidating franchises and exploring new formats within the space.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for CBS
The decision that CBS has canceled six shows before the 2025–2026 season is more than just a programming shuffle — it’s a signal of transformation.
As the network balances legacy, cost, and innovation, it’s clear that audience loyalty and financial sustainability are now equally important.
While fans mourn the end of beloved series, the door remains open for new stories, spin-offs, and evolutions of the CBS brand — a network that has adapted for nearly a century and shows no signs of stopping.