CBS Unveils 2026-27 Schedule: ‘FBI Block’ & ‘Elsbeth’ Shift; ‘Ghosts’ & ‘Matlock’ Benched
CBS has announced its 2026-27 TV schedule, revealing a significant shift in programming. The network will feature only two half-hour comedies, marking an unprecedented low for CBS. Notably, the lineup showcases franchise blocks such as FBI on Tuesdays, NCIS on Wednesdays, and Fire Country on Fridays. However, fan favorites Ghosts and Matlock will not return, along with NCIS: Origins. Instead, CBS will introduce several promising new dramas.
Key Highlights of CBS’s 2026-27 Schedule
- Returning Hits: The network emphasizes retaining successful series, including the third-season Tracker and freshman Marshals.
- Comedy Reductions: CBS President Amy Reisenbach acknowledged fewer half-hour comedies but pointed out comedic elements in hour-long shows.
- NCIS Expansion: The NCIS franchise will grow with NCIS: New York featuring LL Cool J reprising his role as Sam Hanna.
New Series Introduction
Several new series will debut in the upcoming season:
- NCIS: New York: Follows Agent Sam Hanna and a new team on high-stakes missions in New York City.
- Cupertino: A legal drama about a lawyer fighting against a tech giant for justice.
- Elsbeth: Originally a drama, this series transitioned to a comedy format after its Emmy recognition.
- Eternally Yours: A comedy featuring a vampire couple struggling to rekindle their romance after centuries.
- Einstein: Starring Matthew Gray Gubler as a quirky professor helping a local detective with crime cases.
Shifts in Programming
The Monday comedy block will be revamped, with the slots occupied by FBI and CIA. The new schedule aims to maximize viewer engagement, particularly in the comedy genre. CBS has strategically positioned its tried-and-true series to maintain viewer loyalty. Notably, the lineup continues to capitalize on high-performing shows such as Young Sheldon.
Special Events Upcoming
CBS will also feature special programming, including the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards on November 14, marking its first live broadcast in history. Additionally, the iconic game show The Price is Right will air live for the first time, bringing a fresh and interactive experience to viewers in December.
This upcoming season previews CBS’s commitment to innovative storytelling while maintaining strong franchise foundations. Collectively, these changes promise to reshape CBS’s programming landscape as it moves into the 2026-27 television season.
