The television network has officially canceled four of its previously successful and well-received shows, citing financial pressures and an already packed programming schedule as the primary reasons behind the decision. Executives explained that, despite the popularity of the series, the current budget constraints made it unsustainable to continue production, and the network is now focusing on managing its limited airtime more strategically.

CBS breaks silence on plans to cancel The Equalizer and FBI spin-offs(Image: CBS)
TV station CBS has left fans devastated as it cancels four shows across its entertainment listings.

The decisions, which have been revealed over previous weeks, have seen CBS cancelled FBI spin-offs Most Wanted and International, SWAT and, days before its final episode aired, The Equalizer.

The latest decision, which sees The Equalizer starring Queen Latifah be pulled from air, has come as a surprise for fans as it was known to be one of the network’s most-watched dramas. The series aired its season five finale last week, which has now served as the end of the series completely.

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FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International are still airing episodes, with the shows set to finish on the 20th May.

President of CBS Entertainment Amy Reisenbach said it had been a difficult decision to end the shows, as she explained the reasons behind the axing.

Queen Latifah in The Equalizer has finished its final season on CBS(Image: CBS)
Speaking to Deadline, she revealed: “It’s not easy to end shows and we had a lot of options this year.

“The schedule is really full and so we always have to look at all of our shows, look at the aggregate information, the creative of where they are in their life cycle, what the finances look like, what the ratings are, and then we make those tough decisions.”

TV fans have pointed out that with CBS ending FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, it’s leaving room for the new spin-off FBI: CIA. The series, starring Lucifer star Tom Ellis, is set to air in the 2025-2026 season.

The main FBI show is currently on its seventh season, and will remain on air until at least its ninth season in 2027.

Ahead of the new spin-off FBI: CIA, Reisenbach commented: “We love working with Dick Wolf and we’re so excited to bring CIA onto the schedule..

FBI: Most Wanted will finish on CBS on May 20(Image: CBS)

“We have to be fiscally responsible and ultimately, those deals and the shows just weren’t penciling out for us from an economic perspective. But we want to be in the business with Dick. We’re excited to launch a new two-hour block next season.”

Reisenbach also confirmed that there are no plans to bring back SWAT, meaning its cancellation is “permanent”. The show was previously cancelled in 2023 and 2024, but received surprise renewals.

The TV series, which starred Shemar Moore and focused on the Los Angeles Police Department, was axed for a third time earlier this year whilst the new season was underway with filming.