There's some disappointing news about Watson tonight, Monday, Dec. 22

Monday nights have been taken over by the medical detective series, Watson. There is some disappointing news tonight, Monday, Dec. 22.

In fact, the disappointing news is bigger than just the fact the series isn’t going to air a new episode tonight. The fall finale aired on Monday, Dec. 15, still not bringing us any answers to questions regarding Sherlock Holmes. This is a way to keep us engaged for 2026, but it’s where the disappointing news continues.

Back from the Dead — “Back From the Dead” - When a microbiology university researcher returns from an expedition to Siberia, she and her team members fall ill from a possible revived pathogen or “zombie virus.” Meanwhile, Watson catches up with his friend Sherlock Holmes after finding out he is alive, and Ingrid unexpectedly finds herself near the team, on the second season premiere of the CBS Original series WATSON, Monday, Oct. 20 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+

Watson season 2 won’t air new episodes in January or February 2026

CBS is opting for a long winter break for all of its fall shows. Most of them will return at the end of February, with the decision made due to the Winter Olympics airing on NBC throughout most of February 2026. It doesn’t make sense to bring shows back for a few weeks in January to then head on another break. At least, that’s what CBS thinks.

I do agree, especially when it means consistency on the other side of the break. There are fewer weeks to fill before May finales, which helps to reduce the on-off schedule that can damage the linear ratings.

However, this is where there is more bad news for Watson season 2, as the show won’t return in February either. We have to wait until March due to the medical detective series switching nights. Watson season 2’s winter premiere will air on Sunday, March 1.

“Giant Steps” - Pictured: Ritchie Coster as Shinwell Johnson and Morris Chestnut as Dr. John Watson Photo: Colin Bentley/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Watson is moving to a terrible timeslot

I don’t think we need any more disappointing news, do we? Unfortunately, there is more to share. Watson season 2 will air at 10/9c on Sundays when it returns.

It’s moving out of the Monday night timeslot due to CIA airing after FBI. The original plan was for CIA to air in that timeslot, so the move isn’t that much of a surprise. However, Watson airing so late on Sundays is a sign that this series isn’t going to get a third season. Sadly, this is now considered the death slot of TV, and it’s there to see the season run through to the end of season 2.

I guess there could be hope if enough people are tuning in on Sundays, but I don’t see it happening. We just have to look at the many shows that have been canceled after moving to this timeslot over the years, including Madam Secretary, NCIS: Los Angeles, and The Equalizer. Those shows had bigger followings from the start compared to Watson.

Watson is available to stream on Paramount+.

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