Queen Latifah’s “The Equalizer” Ends After Five Seasons
Robyn McCall’s adventures in justice have reached their conclusion. CBS has decided not to renew the crime drama The Equalizer, starring and executive produced by Queen Latifah, for a sixth season. This decision marks the final verdict on the last remaining CBS scripted show or pilot still pending before the announcement of the network’s 2025-26 lineup on May 7.
According to sources, there are currently no plans to shop The Equalizer to other networks or streaming platforms. The episode that concluded Season 5 will now also serve as the show’s final episode.
Previously, as reported by Deadline, there was some consideration given to ending The Equalizer with a shortened, 13-episode sixth season. Although the chances of renewal were uncertain, hovering at about 50-50, there were hopeful indicators. Key financial considerations often dominate renewal discussions, and it’s understood that the show’s producers had agreed to cut the show’s budget to meet CBS’s requirements, with Queen Latifah herself reportedly making some personal concessions.
However, these efforts did not secure a renewal. As CBS finalized its 2025-26 schedule, the decision was made to cancel The Equalizer.
Final Episode Designed as Potential Series End
The creative minds behind the series seemed to have anticipated the possibility of cancellation. Sources indicate that the Season 5 finale was intentionally crafted to potentially serve as a proper series conclusion.
RELATED: 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
This year has been tough for series on the brink of cancellation at CBS. A slew of early renewals in February left six scripted series from full seasons in uncertainty. Out of these, only the long-running comedy The Neighborhood received a renewal for its eighth and final season. The other five series—dramas FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International, The Equalizer, and S.W.A.T., along with the new comedy Poppa’s House—were all cancelled.
With FBI in the first year of a three-season renewal, Universal Television had three of its series (FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International, and The Equalizer) and two upcoming spinoff pilots (The Equalizer spinoff and FBI offshoot CIA) under consideration for the next season. Of these, only CIA was picked up. With S.W.A.T. coming from Sony TV, all cancelled CBS dramas this season were produced by external studios.
RELATED: Eriq La Salle To Direct First Episode Of CBS’ ‘FBI’ Offshoot Series ‘CIA’ Starring Tom Ellis
The network’s new scripted series for the 2025-26 season includes a Fire Country spinoff titled Sheriff Country, a Blue Bloods offshoot called Boston Blue, and CIA on the drama front, plus the comedy DMV. The drama Einstein is slated for the 2026-27 season. All these new entries, except for CIA, are products of CBS’s sibling company, CBS Studios.
The Equalizer, marking the fourth network primetime drama led by a Black woman, initially launched with a substantial boost, premiering right after the Super Bowl in 2021. It quickly became a hit and has remained a solid performer on Sunday nights. However, like many other shows, its viewership has declined over time, placing it in the middle tier of CBS’s offerings this season, alongside series like NCIS: Origins, NCIS: Sydney, and FBI: Most Wanted.
RELATED: ‘Elsbeth’ Boss Talks Kaya’s Shocking Promotion As Carra Patterson Pivots To Guest Star, Christine Baranski, & Musical Season Finale
The modern version of The Equalizer features Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, a mysterious woman with a complex past who leverages her extensive CIA skills to assist those in desperate need. Despite rumors of behind-the-scenes tensions, the production team was reportedly ready to continue into another season.
Lorraine Toussaint, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, and Laya DeLeon Hayes acted alongside Queen Latifah. The executive production team included Andrew Marlowe, Terri Edda Miller, co-showrunners Joseph C. Wilson and Adam Glass, Dana Owens (Queen Latifah’s real name), John Davis, John Fox, Debra Martin Chase, original series co-creator Richard Lindheim, Shakim Compere, and Loretha Jones.
RELATED: 2025 Upfronts & Newfronts Schedule: When And Where Networks And Streamers Are Pitching Ad Buyers
Similar Posts
- First Look at Titus Welliver in ‘The Equalizer’—Could This Be CBS’s Next Big Spinoff?
- FBI Spinoff with CIA Twist Coming to CBS: What You Need to Know!
- “XO, Kitty” Scores Season 3 on Netflix, Debuts Summer Episode Post-Cliffhanger!
- Season 3 Cast of ‘The Traitors’ Revealed, Alan Cumming Teases Unfair Play in New Trailer
- South Park Targets Trump Again in Explosive Episode 3, Season 27 – Towelie’s DC Adventure!
Taylor Monroe takes readers behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, from Hollywood trends to rising stars. With a passion for storytelling, Taylor brings engaging and fresh perspectives.
