New York — The crime drama “The Equalizer,” featuring Queen Latifah as lead and executive producer, will not return for a sixth season after CBS decided against renewal. This announcement marks the conclusion of the show, which was the last scripted series awaiting a decision prior to CBS’s unveiling of its 2025-26 schedule.
Produced by Universal Television, “The Equalizer” will wrap with its Season 5 finale, which was crafted by the creative team with the possibility of serving as a series finale in mind. While there had been hopes for a 13-episode concluding season, factors including budget constraints ultimately influenced the network’s choice.
Leading into the decision, it was reported that the show’s producers were willing to adjust the budget as requested by CBS, with Latifah likely making personal concessions to accommodate the network’s financial parameters. However, this effort was not enough to secure a renewal as CBS finalized its lineup.
This season has been particularly challenging for CBS, which faced a host of cancellations. Of the six shows previously in limbo, only the veteran comedy “The Neighborhood” received a renewal for its eighth season. The remaining five, which included “The Equalizer,” faced the axe alongside “FBI: Most Wanted,” “FBI: International,” “S.W.A.T.,” and the debuting sitcom “Poppa’s House.”
Following a strong debut behind the Super Bowl in 2021, “The Equalizer” quickly became notable, representing the fourth network primetime drama led by a Black woman. The series enjoyed initial success, establishing itself as a staple on Sundays. Nonetheless, its viewership has gradually declined, placing it in a competitive middle tier among CBS’s line-up, alongside shows like “NCIS: Origins” and “FBI: Most Wanted.”
The show offered a modern take on the 1980s classic of the same name, with Latifah portraying Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who uses her skills to assist those in need. Although there were reports of potential behind-the-scenes tensions, sources indicate that the cast and crew remained enthusiastic about the prospect of another season.
Supporting cast members included Lorraine Toussaint, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, and Laya DeLeon Hayes. The production team comprised multiple seasoned executives, including Andrew Marlowe, Terri Edda Miller, and Richard Lindheim, the latter of whom co-created the original series.
As CBS braces for its upcoming programming slate, it has already announced several new scripted series, among them a “Fire Country” spinoff and a “Blue Bloods” offshoot. Such changes reflect broader industry trends as networks continue to evaluate and adapt their offerings amid shifting viewer preferences.