We’re used to our favorite TV shows going off the air over Christmas and New Year. We usually see them return in January, but that’s not happening with The Equalizer season 5. We have to wait longer than January 2025 for the return.
There is a good reason for the delayed return. It will also be better for the show once it does come back. The good news is that the wait isn’t too long—definitely not as long as 911 and the rest of TGIT!
When will The Equalizer season 5 return with new episodes?
CBS has opted to hold The Equalizer season 5’s return for February, after the Super Bowl. That means you’ll want to put Sunday, Feb. 16 into your diary. This is when Tracker season 2 will be back, and it’s when The Equalizer will move to the later timeslot. Watson is taking over the post-Tracker timeslot in February 2025.
In a way, the push to the later timeslot is worrying. We’ve seen shows end up canceled after being moved to Sundays at 10/9c. However, we’re loyal to the series, and that means we’ll watch live, right? It doesn’t matter what time the show is on!
Why the delayed return is a good thing for The Equalizer
While we are disappointed that we have to wait for the Queen Latifah series to return, it’s a good thing for the series. Let’s just start with how messy January is on Sundays. There are championship games in the NFL and there are award shows. Even when CBS doesn’t air something, it will want to pre-empt episodes as it’s a suicide mission going up against the other networks with big events.
So, holding until after the Super Bowl makes a lot of sense. It means there is no interrupted schedule just as the show comes back.
Then there’s a more consistent schedule when it does return. There are six extra weeks covered with a break already, which means fewer breaks are needed to get The Equalizer through to May for its finale, which is the preferred time for a fall show’s finale. Consistency is better for the fans, improving the chances of renewal.
Will The Equalizer season 6 happen?
Of course, there are eyes on the show’s future. This is one of those shows on the bubble, and it’s not just because of the linear ratings. It’s also linked to the licensing agreement with Sony. If Sony chooses not to go ahead or the price for the show isn’t viable for CBS, we could see The Equalizer come to an end.
However, CBS wants to expand the franchise. There is a potential spin-off in the works, which could at least help keep some of the characters’ stories alive.
The Equalizer returns on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 10/9c on CBS.
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