Hey, have you heard about what’s going on with The Equalizer and Poppa’s House on CBS? Their futures are looking pretty uncertain right now, and fans are holding their breath to see how things shake out.
Let’s kick things off with The Equalizer. This show has been a steady player on CBS for five seasons, with Queen Latifah shining as both the star and an executive producer. It’s got a loyal following, but word on the street is that a sixth season might be its last—if it even happens. Nothing’s locked in yet.
Latifah is currently hashing out her contract with Universal Television, the studio that produces the show, and there’s talk of trimming costs to make a renewal more doable. CBS has a packed lineup, and even though The Equalizer has been a strong performer, the network’s got some tough calls to make. Think back to last year when they dropped NCIS: Hawai’i and So Help Me Todd despite solid ratings—it’s a reminder that no show’s totally safe when the schedule’s tight. A final season could give fans a proper goodbye, but for now, it’s all up in the air.
Then there’s Poppa’s House, the newbie comedy starring Damon Wayans and his son, Damon Wayans Jr. As a first-season show, it’s still trying to prove itself, and its odds of landing a second season hinge on budget negotiations. If they can keep costs down, it might boost its chances, but it’s got competition.
CBS is working on three other comedy pilots—DMV, Zarna, and a spinoff of The Neighborhood—and there’s likely only one open slot. That puts Poppa’s House in a tricky spot. It’s shown some potential early on, but it’s definitely got an uphill climb ahead.
Zooming out a bit, CBS has already made some moves for its 2025-26 lineup. On the safe list, we’ve got Watson, The Neighborhood (which is heading into its eighth and final season), and S.W.A.T. (a show that’s dodged cancellation twice now—talk about a survivor).
But not everyone’s so lucky—FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International got the axe, clearing space for newbies like Sheriff Country and Boston Blue. It’s a balancing act for CBS: keeping the hits fans love while mixing in fresh faces. With so many shows and only so many time slots, some cuts are bound to happen.
So, where does that leave The Equalizer and Poppa’s House? Decisions should be coming down the pipeline in the next few weeks, but both are still teetering on the edge. For The Equalizer, a final season could happen if the stars (and budgets) align.
For Poppa’s House, it’s all about early buzz and some smart cost tweaks to snag that second season. CBS fans, buckle up—renewal season is always a rollercoaster, and not every show makes it to the finish line. Keep an eye out for updates!
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