Building on its midseason 2026 lineup announced in January, CBS became the first broadcast network to reveal its fall 2026 primetime schedule on Wednesday. The slate introduces a new NCIS spin-off starring LL COOL J and Scott Caan, shifts popular procedurals, and holds comedies like Ghosts and Matlock for later, with new series and specials rounding it out.
CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach highlighted the network's strategy in a statement: 'CBS broadcasts the most-watched entertainment shows in the country and continues to launch more every season. We'll build on that this fall by expanding the powerful NCIS franchise, introducing a new original drama from the creators of The Good Wife and Elsbeth, and a new comedy from the acclaimed duo behind Ghosts.'
The lineup scraps the Monday comedy block, slotting FBI at 8 p.m., CIA at 9 p.m., and season 2 of Harlan Coben's Final Twist at 10 p.m. Tuesdays anchor with NCIS at 8 p.m., newcomer NCIS: New York at 9 p.m.—following Senior Special Agent Sam Hanna (LL COOL J) partnering with a roguish agent (Scott Caan) in New York City—and NCIS: Origins at 10 p.m., with NCIS: Sydney replacing Origins midseason due to a reduced episode order for the latter. Thursdays open with Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage leading into new comedy Eternally Yours at 8:30 p.m., about two 500-year-married vampires navigating their daughter's human boyfriend; Elsbeth shifts to 9 p.m., followed by new drama Cupertino at 10 p.m., starring Mike Colter as a wronged lawyer battling Silicon Valley giants alongside Rachel Keller. Sundays begin with 60 Minutes at 7 p.m., then Marshals, Tracker, and drama encores. Survivor and The Amazing Race anchor Wednesdays, Fire Country and others fill Fridays, and Saturdays feature encores and 48 Hours.
Specials include the MTV Video Music Awards on September 27, Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards on November 14, and a live primetime Price Is Right in December. Held for midseason are Einstein (starring Matthew Gray Gubler and Melissa Fumero), Ghosts (with fall Halloween and Christmas specials counting toward season 6), Matlock, and NCIS: Sydney. Previously canceled shows from earlier plans include DMV, The Neighborhood, and Watson.
