CBS has announced its primetime schedule for the 2026–2027 fall season, revealing a significant reshuffle that notably affects two of its popular series, Matlock and Ghosts. Both shows, despite their strong performance, will be shifted from the fall lineup to debut during the midseason period.
Replacing these series in the fall schedule are several new programs, including NCIS: New York, a spinoff expanding the well-established NCIS franchise. This new addition is slated to air on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET. Alongside it, CBS is introducing the drama Cupertino and the comedy Eternally Yours, aiming to refresh its offerings while retaining a solid foundation of returning shows.
Network executives explained that moving Matlock and Ghosts to midseason reflects the depth of CBS’s schedule, allowing the network to distribute major titles more evenly throughout the broadcast year.
The lineup will continue to be anchored by returning favorites such as FBI, Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Tracker. Meanwhile, CBS has made room for new content by canceling DMV and Watson, and the long-running sitcom The Neighborhood is set to conclude after its final season.
Other projects, including Einstein, are also being reserved for midseason premieres, indicating a broader strategy to stagger key show launches across the year. CBS will maintain its reliance on major live events such as the MTV Video Music Awards, the Golden Globes, and a live special of The Price Is Right to attract viewers.
By delaying some hit series and introducing fresh titles in the fall, CBS appears to be adopting a staggered release approach designed to sustain audience engagement beyond the traditional fall season.
