As Cancelations Keep Coming Down The Pipeline, CBS Admits It’s Been A ‘Challenging’ Year

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Throughout its 2024-2025 television season, which is still ongoing as the 2025 TV schedule unfolds, CBS showcased a diverse array of the most popular series among all networks. However, it’s worth noting that this period also saw a significant number of high-profile cancellations on their channel. For instance, they replaced the ongoing spinoffs of FBI with Tom Ellis’ CIA and said goodbye to Blue Bloods (again, making room for a new spinoff). It’s important to clarify that these decisions were not related to any behind-the-scenes drama involving CBS or its parent company Paramount.

Why Paramount And CBS Have Both Been Headline-Makers Recently

People following news from CBS and Paramount may have noticed recent headlines about both companies. Notably, Paramount is currently being taken over by Skydance. This acquisition, which was initially proposed in July 2024, is expected to be finalized once the FCC’s review is completed.

60 Minutes, CBS’s primary weekly program, has encountered several challenges over the past few months, including a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration regarding the editing of an interview with Kamala Harris which aired in October 2024. This turmoil led to the resignation of long-time executive producer Bill Owens in April, who felt his journalistic independence was compromised due to increased oversight from Paramount executives.

CBS CEO Addresses Recent Challenges And How He’s Handling Things

At CBS’ 2025-2026 Fall TV schedule unveiling event (according to Deadline), network president and CEO George Cheeks discussed his role during the merger process and why his main objectives have not been significantly impacted by events happening at higher levels within the corporation. In simpler words, he said:

During the CBS’ 2025-2026 Fall TV lineup announcement (reported by Deadline), CEO George Cheeks explained his job responsibilities during the merger and why his primary goals haven’t been heavily influenced by what’s going on at higher corporate tiers. He put it this way:

This period has been exceptionally tough for our industry and our company in particular. As a leader, it’s crucial to respond effectively during trying times. My primary focus is ensuring the team feels secure and knows we’re all in this together. We need to identify what we can manage, such as creating an exceptional schedule like Amy and her team are working on, and simply standing united, saying, “We’re a team, a family. We’ll navigate through this challenge together.

Despite CBS being known for years as a network where procedural dramas and multi-camera sitcoms could endure for generations, the recent string of cancellations, including shows like NCIS: Hawai’i and the uncertain fate of S.W.A.T., which was canceled, then renewed, and ultimately canceled again, has raised some concerns. It’s important to note that the 2023 industry strikes significantly impacted decisions about the survival or demise of various shows.

It seems that George Cheeks recognizes his limited control over matters at Paramount and CBS as a whole, and instead chooses to concentrate on one of his major yearly responsibilities – guiding the Fall TV schedule. He’s also eager to acknowledge CBS Entertainment head Amy Reisenbach for maintaining the stability of the company.

Speaking directly to that, Cheeks said:

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that despite the annual turbulence in the industry, we consistently manage to curate a robust lineup of films. This yearly challenge enables us to make tough choices, aiming for an optimal viewing experience. We pour all our effort into ensuring this, making it our guiding principle throughout the entire selection process.

During the schedule reveal event, it was mentioned that the cancellation of shows like The Equalizer and other projects, including the FBI spinoffs, was primarily a financial decision. Prolonging a series’ run and increasing its success can provide creators with opportunities to negotiate for better financial deals. However, studios and networks tend to be hesitant about such negotiations, even if other aspects are favorable.

Occasionally, a new production like Luke Grimes’ upcoming “Y: Marshals,” a spinoff of the popular “Yellowstone” series, may have such high anticipation that its appeal could surpass even an established drama’s draw. This is my guess for the situation with “Y: Marshals,” as it marks the franchise’s initial broadcast offering.

People will need to be patient and find out if this year’s Fall TV schedule can measure up against CBS’ previous prime-time strategies. If FBI’s CIA spinoff doesn’t satisfy the craving left by its canceled counterparts right away, there might be a few sternly worded messages sent.

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2025-05-11 21:57