Nationwide — CBS has officially canceled The Equalizer reboot after five seasons, marking the end of the Queen Latifah-led series that reimagined the classic 1980s crime drama. The network confirmed that the upcoming May 4 episode will serve as the show’s final broadcast, wrapping up the story of Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who used her skills to help those in desperate need.This decision brings to a close the last remaining “bubble” show on CBS’s schedule, following a string of recent cancellations that included the freshman sitcom Poppa’s House and two FBI franchise entries—FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted. CBS had also tested the waters earlier this season with a backdoor pilot for a potential Equalizer spinoff, but that project has been shelved as well.
Although fans are disappointed, the cancellation comes as little surprise. Industry insiders had considered The Equalizer vulnerable last season as well. One factor may have been its production structure: the show was a co-production between CBS Studios and Universal Television, which can complicate renewal decisions when profit-sharing is involved, especially for a series deep into its run.
CBS is already looking ahead to a reshuffled lineup. Several new dramas have been greenlit for next season, including a new FBI spinoff starring Tom Ellis, the comedy series DMV, and two more franchise extensions—Sheriff Country from the world of Fire Country and Boston Blue, a Blue Bloods spinoff. In addition, CBS picked up the Matthew Gray Gubler-led drama Einstein, though its premiere has been delayed until the 2026-2027 season.
Meanwhile, CBS continues to invest heavily in its successful properties. The hit comedy Ghosts has secured a two-season renewal, while other popular titles such as NCIS and Tracker have also been renewed for additional seasons. The network is clearly steering its focus toward franchises and high-performing series with strong syndication value.
The Equalizer originally debuted in 2021 and quickly established a loyal viewership, thanks in part to Queen Latifah’s commanding performance as Robyn McCall. The ensemble cast also included Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, Laya DeLeon Hayes, and Lorraine Toussaint. The show was developed by Andrew Marlowe and Terri Miller, and executive produced by a team that included Queen Latifah, Debra Martin Chase, John Davis, Loretha Jones, and others. Despite its cancellation, the series leaves behind a notable legacy as one of the few network dramas led by a Black woman.