Despite the bulk renewals from CBS for the 2025-2026 TV season, there is some bad news for SWAT and The Equalizer fans. The two shows remain on the bubble.
These two being bubble shows isn’t all that surprising. We’re used to it as fans of the two now, but that doesn’t mean we’re not worried. It means we look at the reasons for the two shows to remain on the bubble and the chances of a renewal.
Both are outside-studio shows for CBS
One of the downsides for both SWAT and The Equalizer is that they are outside shows. That means CBS licenses them, with SWAT coming from Sony and The Equalizer coming from Universal. This has caused issues in the past, and it was the reason for SWAT’s cancellation and then un-cancellation. If the licensing terms are great, CBS can opt to cancel rather than negotiate.
The studios can also have a say if they don’t think they’re getting what they need from CBS for the future of their shows. This leads to a battle that can often take renewals down to the wire.
The Equalizer season 5 finale could work as a series finale
According to Deadline, The Equalizer’s season 5 finale could work as a series finale. This may have been written in a way because of how the renewal went down to the wire during the spring 2024 renewal cycle. However, there are talks for a sixth, and potentially final, season.
Something that will need to be considered is how the show can save money. One of the ways is to reduce the number of episodes individual members of the cast are in. This is something that’s happened in other shows, such as FBI and FBI: Most Wanted, and it’s something that The Equalizer cast are reportedly talking about.
Of course, there is the potential to continue The Equalizer universe. The series is getting a backdoor pilot starring Titus Welliver, so this could be a way to keep the universe going without the Queen Latifah series.
SWAT’s lower ratings don’t help the show
SWAT does have lower linear ratings than other TV shows, which doesn’t help the chance of renewals. However, it’s important to note that this series is a Friday night show, when the linear ratings are traditionally lower. SWAT has been able to keep a consistent audience on a Friday, which is a reason to renew it.
It looks like with Skydance still looking at taking over CBS’s parent company Paramount Global sometime in March or April, some decisions will remain in limbo. The new owners need to come in and look at what’s right for the network moving forward, similar to the way Nexstar did with The CW. The world of TV is not what we used to know it as.
SWAT airs on Fridays and The Equalizer airs on Sundays both at 10/9c on CBS.
Stay up to date with the latest TV crime dramas with Precinct TV.