As the 2024-25 television season progresses, CBS has emerged as a dominant force in the ratings, claiming eight of the top ten most-watched programs. According to a report published on April 8, 2025, by TVLine, CBS’s flagship drama, Tracker, leads the pack with an impressive 11.1 million viewers, marking a 3% increase compared to its first season. This show, which stars Justin Hartley, has also secured the title of the highest-rated broadcast drama among viewers aged 18-49, boasting a demo rating of 0.80.
Following closely behind, Matlock, the season's most-watched new series, has captured 9.6 million viewers, reflecting a staggering 55% increase over its predecessor, So Help Me Todd, and achieving a demo rating of 0.60. Meanwhile, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage has emerged as the most-watched comedy on television, drawing 8 million viewers, although it has seen a 13% decline compared to Young Sheldon.
Despite the success of its new offerings, CBS is not without its challenges. The network has also announced the cancellation of two series from its popular FBI franchise: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. Both shows will conclude their current seasons, with Most Wanted finishing its sixth season and International wrapping up its fourth. The decision to cancel these shows comes amidst reports of declining ratings and difficult renewal negotiations with NBCUniversal.
While the original FBI series, which premiered in 2018, continues to thrive—having been renewed for three additional seasons until at least 2027—fans of the spin-offs have expressed their disappointment. Social media reactions have been swift and emotional, with viewers lamenting the loss of two shows they felt had much more to offer. One fan tweeted, "So FBI International and FBI Most Wanted are getting canceled?!" while another remarked, "I just heard that 2 of my shows have been cancelled. Why is FBI International & Most Wanted being cancelled? Both are good shows w/lots of possibilities."
In a broader context, CBS's ability to curate its lineup reflects the ever-changing landscape of television programming, where viewer preferences and ratings can dictate the fate of beloved shows. The network's strategy has seen success with new entries like High Potential, which has gained 7.1 million viewers, up 51% from The Good Doctor, and Elsbeth, which has drawn 7.7 million viewers in its second season, up 5% from its previous season.
Despite some shows thriving, others are struggling. The Equalizer, for instance, has experienced a significant drop in viewership, attracting only 6 million viewers in its later time slots, down 24% from previous episodes. Similarly, long-standing favorites like Blue Bloods and NCIS have seen declines in their audience numbers, with Blue Bloods being canceled after 7.9 million viewers, down 15%, and NCIS facing an 18% drop.
As CBS navigates the complexities of its programming slate, the network remains focused on delivering content that resonates with its audience. The cancellation of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International may leave a gap for fans, but the network is not standing still. A new spin-off, FBI: CIA, is currently in development, promising to introduce fresh narratives to the franchise. This new series will feature a dedicated FBI agent and a street-smart CIA agent working together to combat domestic terrorism in New York City.
Viewers remain hopeful that the success of shows like Tracker and Matlock will continue to bolster CBS’s standing in the competitive television landscape. As the ratings continue to roll in, the network's ability to adapt and evolve will be crucial in maintaining its viewer base and ensuring that its programming remains relevant.
In the meantime, fans of the canceled FBI spin-offs can still catch the remaining episodes of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International as they air throughout the 2025-26 season. Though the future of these beloved characters remains uncertain, the original FBI series will carry on, providing some comfort to loyal viewers.
As CBS continues to lead the ratings race, the future of television remains as unpredictable as ever, with new hits emerging and old favorites fading away. The network's ability to balance viewer preferences with business realities will ultimately define its success in the coming years.
