CBS Unveils 2025-26 TV Season: Yellowstone Spinoff, New Dramas, and Cancellation Decisions

CBS is gearing up for its 2025-26 television season with a slate of new shows, continuations of established franchises, and some difficult decisions regarding current programming. Amy Reisenbach, CBS Entertainment chief, unveiled the network’s plans on May 7th, highlighting a significant expansion of the Yellowstone universe and several other noteworthy developments.

The most prominent announcement was the planned Yellowstone spinoff, tentatively titled Marshals, which will star Luke Grimes reprising his role as Kayce Dutton. The show is slated to premiere on Sunday nights starting next spring, further solidifying CBS’s commitment to attracting a broad audience with compelling drama. According to Reisenbach, Marshals will follow Kayce Dutton as he leaves the Yellowstone ranch behind and joins the ranks of the marshals. Utilizing the unique skill set he acquired as a Navy SEAL combined with his inherent cowboy abilities, Kayce will work to bring justice to the Montana range. This premise promises a blend of action, suspense, and the rugged landscapes that have become synonymous with the Yellowstone franchise.

While details surrounding Marshals are still emerging, one key question remains: will Kelsey Asbille, who portrays Monica Dutton, Kayce’s wife, be part of the new series? Monica’s character has been integral to Kayce’s storyline, and her presence would undoubtedly enrich the narrative. The fate of Monica Dutton remains uncertain at this time. Fans are also anticipating the announcement of another Yellowstone spinoff centered around the fan-favorite couple Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser, and Beth Dutton, played by Kelly Reilly. CBS has yet to officially announce this project, but speculation and excitement are high among viewers.

The financial aspect of Marshals was also addressed during the CBS presentation. Given Taylor Sheridan’s reputation for producing shows with substantial budgets, concerns arose about the cost of this new Yellowstone spinoff. George Cheeks, co-CEO of Paramount Global, reassured audiences that the budget for Marshals would be "in line" with other network shows, suggesting a more restrained approach compared to some of Sheridan’s other projects. The show will air on Paramount+ after premiering on the network.

Sheridan’s level of direct involvement in Marshals is another element that is still being determined. Reisenbach acknowledged that Sheridan is incredibly busy with his numerous projects, which include Landman, Lioness, and 1923. CBS will seemingly accommodate his schedule as much as possible.

In addition to the exciting news surrounding Marshals, CBS addressed the recent cancellation of The Equalizer, starring Queen Latifah, after five seasons. Reisenbach described the decision as "tough," emphasizing that it is never easy to end shows. The decision to cancel The Equalizer was driven by a "full" schedule that includes new shows, like The Road, a Sheridan-produced singing competition featuring Blake Shelton. Reisenbach noted that the creators of The Equalizer were aware of the possibility of cancellation, which allowed them to craft a "satisfying" ending for fans in the May 4 finale.

Other CBS shows that have been canceled include FBI: International, FBI: Most Wanted, S.W.A.T., and the comedy Poppa’s House. These cancellations reflect the network’s effort to make room for new programming and refresh its lineup.

Despite these cancellations, CBS is investing in new content and expanding existing franchises. Donnie Wahlberg, known for his role as New York police detective Danny Reagan on Blue Bloods for 14 seasons, introduced his new Boston Blue spinoff. Sonequa Martin-Green, recognized for her work on Strange New Worlds, will co-star in the new series. Martin-Green will portray Det. Lena Peters, the eldest daughter of a prominent Boston law-enforcement family.

Wahlberg reflected on his time on Blue Bloods, stating that it was a "very special show." He declined to provide specific details about Boston Blue, including whether Blue Bloods regulars like Tom Selleck, who played the patriarch of the Reagan family, will make appearances. Wahlberg humorously noted that he, a Dorchester, Mass. native, will have to suppress his love for Boston in his new role as his transplanted Reagan family character seemingly dislikes Boston.

The 2025-26 CBS television season promises a mix of familiar favorites and exciting new ventures. The Yellowstone spinoff, Marshals, is poised to be a major draw, capitalizing on the popularity of the original series. The new Boston Blue spinoff with Donnie Wahlberg and Sonequa Martin-Green also presents a promising addition to the network’s drama lineup. The decision to cancel established shows like The Equalizer reflects the network’s strategy of adapting to changing audience preferences and investing in fresh content. As CBS continues to evolve, it aims to deliver a diverse range of programming that appeals to a wide audience and solidifies its position as a leading television network. The announcements made by CBS Entertainment chief Amy Reisenbach provide a glimpse into the network’s vision for the future, highlighting its commitment to compelling storytelling, expanding successful franchises, and embracing new creative opportunities.