CBS has made some exciting announcements, renewing a total of 16 shows for the 2026–2027 season, with a focus on their most popular series. But here's where it gets interesting: among the renewals are some long-running favorites and a few surprises that might spark some debate. Let's dive into the details and explore the network's strategy. Renewals and Their Impact
CBS has renewed a diverse range of shows, including crime dramas, long-standing franchises, and reality hits. The renewals include the highly-rated 'Tracker', the comedy 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage', and the beloved 'Matlock'. Additionally, crime and procedural dramas like 'Elsbeth', 'Fire Country', and the reliable 'NCIS' are returning, along with new franchise entries 'NCIS: Origins' and 'NCIS: Sydney'. Long-running unscripted favorites 'Survivor' and 'The Amazing Race' complete the latest wave of renewals.
From a UK perspective, several of these returning shows already have established broadcast or streaming homes. 'Tracker' and the flagship 'NCIS' air on Disney+ in the UK, while Sky Witness is home to 'Matlock', 'Elsbeth', 'Fire Country', and the long-running procedural 'FBI'. Paramount+ UK carries the newer 'NCIS' spin-offs, and 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage' recently launched in the UK on the revamped TLC channel. However, neither 'Survivor' nor 'The Amazing Race' currently airs in the UK.
These renewals join a group of shows that had already secured their place in the 2026–2027 season earlier in the year, including spin-offs 'Boston Blue' and 'Sheriff Country', which do not yet have confirmed UK broadcasters. Given Sky's long-standing relationship with 'Blue Bloods' and its current home for 'Fire Country', it would not be surprising to see at least one of those projects land on Sky Witness once deals are finalized.
The previously announced slate also includes the hit comedy 'Ghosts', which airs in the UK on BBC iPlayer. CBS has also already ordered two brand-new scripted series, 'Cupertino' and 'Einstein', for the 2026–2027 season. Neither show has yet secured a UK broadcaster, which is not unexpected given that both are still awaiting their US debuts.
The Future of 'Watson' and 'DMV'
Once again, CBS has opted for a blitz of early renewals rather than waiting until later in the season. With most of its drama and comedy slate now locked in, there are only two scripted CBS series currently on the air whose futures remain undecided: the sophomore drama 'Watson' and the freshman workplace comedy 'DMV'. Both shows now find themselves on the bubble, with limited space on the drama side.
The medical drama 'Watson', set in the Sherlock Holmes universe, performed respectably during its midseason launch last year on Sundays behind 'Tracker'. However, a move to Mondays behind 'FBI' saw ratings decline, and the series currently ranks as CBS's lowest-rated scripted show. It is due to return to Sundays following its winter break, once again airing behind 'Tracker', with CBS expected to reassess its performance after that run.
The situation surrounding 'DMV' is less clear-cut. The single-camera workplace comedy launched strongly, pulling in over ten million multi-platform viewers during its premiere week and outperforming its lead-in, veteran sitcom 'The Neighborhood'. With 'The Neighborhood' ending after eight seasons, CBS will soon have a comedy vacancy to fill, but the network is also weighing 'DMV' against 'Eternally Yours', a vampire comedy pilot from the executive producers of 'Ghosts'.
Historically, missing out on one of CBS's early renewal waves is rarely a positive sign. Last season, only 'The Neighborhood' managed to secure a final-season renewal after being left on the bubble, while several other dramas and comedies were ultimately cancelled. That precedent does not bode particularly well for either 'Watson' or 'DMV' as decisions loom.
The Network's Strategy
CBS says the latest renewals are based on Nielsen season-to-date figures covering late September through mid-January, during which the network claims five of the top ten and eleven of the top twenty most-watched entertainment series in the US. Additional renewals and new series orders are expected to be announced as the 2026–2027 schedule continues to take shape.
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Dave Elliott, with over 25 years of experience in the digital industry and the founder and editor of Geektown, can often be found immersed in the latest TV shows, movies, video games, and comic books.
