CBS revealed major updates to its 2025-26 TV lineup on Tuesday, introducing two new series -- comedy DMV and drama Einstein -- while canceling two shows and passing on two pilots, as relayed by Pop Culture. The network's decisions reshape its schedule, blending fresh concepts with strategic cuts. Here's a breakdown of the changes.
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Cancellations and Missed Opportunities
CBS axed first-season comedy Poppa's House after a respectable but underwhelming performance. Starring Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. as father and son, alongside Essence Atkins and Tetona Jackson, the multi-camera series trailed behind CBS' top comedies -- Ghosts, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, and The Neighborhood. The network prioritized stronger performers for its schedule.
Similarly, The Summit won't return for a second season. The adventure reality series, hosted by Manu Bennett, followed 16 strangers racing to summit a mountain in 14 days for a share of $1 million. Despite its intense premise, the show failed to match the viewership of CBS staples Survivor and The Amazing Race.
Two pilots also missed the cut. A proposed The Neighborhood spinoff, featuring Marty and Malcolm Butler (Marcel Spears and Sheaun McKinney), was shelved as the parent series nears its eighth and final season. Likewise, Zarna, a comedy headlined by Zarna Garg and executive produced by Mindy Kaling, lost its spot. The pilot followed an immigrant mother pursuing her American dream, but CBS opted for DMV instead.
New Series to Watch
CBS greenlit DMV, a single-camera workplace comedy based on Katherine Heiny's short story. Starring Harriet Dyer and Tim Meadows, the series dives into the chaotic world of the Department of Motor Vehicles. "Our quirky and lovable characters are making minimum wage, doing a thankless job where customers are annoyed before they even walk in," the logline reads. The show's relatable humor secured its place in the 2025-26 lineup.
The network also ordered Einstein, a drama featuring Matthew Gray Gubler as Albert Einstein's great-grandson. Gubler plays a brilliant but reckless professor whose legal troubles force him to assist a local police detective (Rosa Salazar) in solving complex cases. The series marks Gubler's return to CBS after Criminal Minds.
Additionally, CBS expanded its FBI universe with CIA (formerly FBI:CIA), starring Tom Ellis as a charismatic CIA officer. Paired with a by-the-book FBI agent, Ellis' character tackles threats on U.S. soil. "Their differences may actually be their strength," the logline notes, promising a dynamic partnership.
What's Next for CBS
These moves reflect CBS' focus on refreshing its lineup while maintaining viewer favorites. DMV and Einstein aim to capture audiences with humor and intrigue, while CIA strengthens the network's procedural dominance. As The Neighborhood approaches its finale, CBS is betting on new stories to fill the void. Fans can expect more details on the 2025-26 season as casting and premiere dates emerge.
