CBS Fall 2026 Program Highlights: What to Expect with Comedy Changes, FBI Lineup, and Midseason Premiere Plans for ‘Ghosts’ and ‘Matlock’
CBS Unveils Fall Schedule Featuring Minimal Comedies
CBS has announced its fall schedule, revealing that it will feature only two half-hour comedies, marking a historic low for the network. The lineup is expected to signal a significant shift in programming for CBS.
The new schedule includes four established franchise blocks, with the FBI series on Mondays, NCIS on Tuesdays, Fire Country on Fridays, and a pair of shows from Robert and Michelle King on Thursdays. Notably absent from the fall slate are Ghosts and Matlock, both of which have been postponed to midseason, along with NCIS: Origins. New dramas set to debut include NCIS: New York, Cupertino, and Einstein.
CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach expressed confidence in the network’s returning series, emphasizing a “strong foundation of returning hits who are early in their cycle.” This is evident with Tracker in its third season and the new series Marshals, both of which are maintaining viewership as the top-rated shows on Sundays, following 60 Minutes.
"We have a triple threat and are not going to mess with perfection," Reisenbach stated. The successful Friday lineup, consisting of Sheriff Country, Fire Country, and Boston Blue, has kept CBS at the forefront of viewership for the past 16 years.
Changes to the Monday comedy block will see FBI taking over the 8 PM hour, followed by CIA and Harlan Coben’s Final Twist. The traditional comedy offerings, such as The Neighborhood and the recently canceled DMV, will be absent.
When addressing the reduced number of half-hour comedies, Reisenbach pointed out that CBS maintains comedic elements within its hour-long series. Upcoming series such as Elsbeth, which transitioned from drama to comedy during the Emmys, and the midseason launch of Einstein, starring Matthew Gray Gubler, will incorporate these comedic aspects.
Tuesdays will continue to embrace the NCIS branding, with a new spinoff, NCIS: New York, set to debut alongside NCIS at 8 PM and NCIS: Origins at 10 PM. The latter will make way for NCIS: Sydney, which will air in midseason.
Despite similarities between Ghosts and the new series Eternally Yours, CBS chose to position the latter behind Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage on Thursdays. This strategic decision aims to leverage the strong launch potential of Young Sheldon, the network’s top comedy series.
The schedule also included details on several new series. Notably, NCIS: New York features LL Cool J reprising his role as Sam Hanna, tasked with defending the city alongside a new team. The family comedy Eternally Yours explores the life of a vampire couple navigating the complexities of love after centuries together, while Cupertino presents a legal drama focused on a lawyer battling tech industry giants.
In addition to regular programming, CBS will introduce specials including the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and a live rendition of The Price Is Right, marking its first live airing in its 54-year history on CBS.
This fall, CBS is aiming to reevaluate its programming strategy, hoping to engage viewers with a blend of established and new content.
