CBS is doubling down on franchise firepower, strategic scheduling, and headline-making talent in its newly revealed 2025–2026 primetime lineup — and the network isn’t holding back. In a high-stakes press briefing held in Los Angeles, CBS announced a dynamic slate featuring 16 returning series and 8 highly anticipated new titles, signaling a record-breaking level of franchise expansion and scheduling ambition.
From stacking the NCIS universe on a single night to launching a Yellowstone spinoff on broadcast TV for the first time ever, CBS is clearly betting big on brand recognition and audience loyalty.
“Super Tuesday” Becomes a Franchise Fortress
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing shift comes on Tuesdays, where CBS will introduce a never-before-seen programming block entirely dedicated to the NCIS universe. Kicking off with the flagship NCIS at 8 p.m., the night will then roll into prequel series NCIS: Origins at 9 p.m. and conclude with the international drama NCIS: Sydney at 10 p.m.
This triple-stack marks the first time CBS has aligned the franchise in one night — a bold move CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach dubbed “Super Tuesday.” It's not just a scheduling tactic; it’s a brand statement.
Fridays Bring a Firestorm of Bruckheimer Productions
Fridays follow a similar strategy, anchored by a trio of shows from powerhouse producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The night kicks off with new spinoff Sheriff Country, seamlessly transitioning into its parent series Fire Country at 9 p.m. At 10 p.m., the action continues with the debut of Boston Blue, a Blue Bloods spinoff that adds prestige with the casting of Sonequa Martin-Green in a lead role.
This back-to-back lineup of high-octane, law-and-order dramas positions CBS to dominate end-of-week viewing, leveraging familiar brands with new narratives.
Sundays Tap Into Yellowstone’s Massive Appeal
CBS is also making history on Sundays with a move that’s sure to generate major buzz. Following three consecutive years as the most-watched broadcast drama, Tracker keeps its 8 p.m. slot — but the real shakeup comes at 9 p.m.
In the fall, the slot will feature The Road, a country music competition created by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton. In the spring, it shifts to Y: Marshals, a Yellowstone spinoff centered on Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton. This marks the first time a series from the Yellowstone universe will premiere on network television rather than Paramount+ — a milestone moment for both CBS and fans of the sprawling Western franchise.
Survivor Turns 50 — And Gets a Delicious Companion
Over on Wednesdays, CBS continues to build around its long-running reality staples. Survivor remains in its 8 p.m. slot, returning for a landmark 50th season in the spring. Following it will be America’s Culinary Cup, a brand-new cooking competition series hosted by Padma Lakshmi, blending prestige and flavor in primetime.
Earlier in the season, The Amazing Race returns to its 9:30 p.m. slot in the fall, replacing The Summit, which has been canceled. And come January, Wednesdays will temporarily feature Hollywood Squares, The Price Is Right, and Harlan Coben’s Final Twist — a new true crime series hosted by the master of suspense himself.
Mondays Mix Comedy, FBI Drama, and CIA Intrigue
CBS has found a strong rhythm for Mondays, balancing laughs and thrills with a strategic blend of genres. The night begins with The Neighborhood and new workplace comedy DMV. Then, the long-running procedural FBI holds its 9 p.m. position, leading into CIA, a slick new spinoff that explores espionage and intelligence in high-stakes global scenarios.
It’s a blend that reflects CBS’s comfort with cross-demographic appeal — pairing broad comedies with procedural intensity in a way that keeps multiple audiences engaged across the night.
Familiar Favorites and Smart Stability
On Thursdays, CBS is keeping its proven lineup intact. The night includes Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Ghosts, Matlock, and Elsbeth, a lineup that continues to perform consistently and serves as a reliable lead-in to streaming platforms over the weekend.
Saturdays will remain unchanged as well, featuring CBS Encores at 8 p.m. and true crime staple 48 Hours at 10 p.m.
CBS’s 2025-2026 Schedule at a Glance:
Monday (Fall & Spring)
8:00 p.m. — The Neighborhood
8:30 p.m. — DMV (New Series)
9:00 p.m. — FBI
10:00 p.m. — CIA (New Series)
Tuesday (Fall & Spring)
8:00 p.m. — NCIS
9:00 p.m. — NCIS: Origins
10:00 p.m. — NCIS: Sydney
Wednesday (Fall)
8:00 p.m. — Survivor
9:30 p.m. — The Amazing Race
Wednesday (January)
8:00 p.m. — Hollywood Squares
9:00 p.m. — The Price Is Right
10:00 p.m. — Harlan Coben’s Final Twist (New Series)
Wednesday (Spring)
8:00 p.m. — Survivor
9:30 p.m. — America’s Culinary Cup (New Series)
Thursday (Fall & Spring)
8:00 p.m. — Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage
8:30 p.m. — Ghosts
9:00 p.m. — Matlock
10:00 p.m. — Elsbeth
Friday (Fall & Spring)
8:00 p.m. — Sheriff Country (New Series)
9:00 p.m. — Fire Country
10:00 p.m. — Boston Blue (New Series)
Saturday (Fall & Spring)
8:00 p.m. — CBS Encores
10:00 p.m. — 48 Hours
Sunday (Fall)
7:00 p.m. — 60 Minutes
8:00 p.m. — Tracker
9:00 p.m. — The Road (New Series)
Sunday (Spring)
7:00 p.m. — 60 Minutes
8:00 p.m. — Tracker
9:00 p.m. — Y: Marshals (New Series)
10:00 p.m. — Watson
A New Era for Broadcast
With its record-breaking reliance on franchises, strategic nightly branding, and headline-worthy talent, CBS’s 2025–2026 schedule signals a network not just adapting to the evolving TV landscape—but dominating it. Whether you’re a die-hard procedural fan, a reality competition addict, or just tuning in for Taylor Sheridan’s latest, this year’s lineup has something for everyone—and a whole lot to talk about.
