CBS has picked up a fifth season of the drama The equalizerstarring and executive produced by Queen Latifah, for 2024-25.
As Deadline reported last week, the renewal was entirely expected, as the delay was related to main studio Universal Television negotiating a deal with Queen Latifah. It recently closed, paving the way for renewal.
Until now, The equalizer’The series’ seasons were limited to 18 episodes, which top talent often requests when signing on to an aired drama series. During the Queen Latifah negotiations, there was a push to increase the number to 20 or more, but I’ve heard that Season 5 will be 18 episodes again.
After Elsbeth renewed and So help me, Todd And CSI: Vegas canceled last week NCIS: Hawaii remains the only CBS scripted series in limbo. (All other CBS comedies and dramas, including Veteran, have already been picked up for next season Blue bloodwhich will begin in the fall with eight episodes.)
As Deadline reported last week, Hawaii’The future of the series is said to be the subject of tough business discussions, with a portion of the fourth season of 13 or fewer episodes still possible. It could be a final chapter for the show, the first part of the series NCIS Franchise with a female lead.
The equalizer has delivered a strong performance for CBS and is currently the No. 8 most-watched non-sports broadcast, averaging 7.89 million linear viewers (in the most recent Nielsen data) and over 10 million viewers in Live+35 multiplatform viewers. It is also the No. 1 entertainment program among African Americans.
“The equalizer“led by the incomparable Queen Latifah, has the best elements of powerful drama,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “The series is full of excitement, heroism, high stakes and impressive characters that delight our audience. We look forward to another dynamic season.”
Co-produced by CBS Studios, The equalizer is one of four drama series produced for CBS by Universal Television, part of the Universal Studio Group FBIs, all of which were also recently renewed, the flagship for three seasons.
A reinterpretation of the classic series, The equalizer Queen Latifah stars as Robyn McCall, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills as a former CIA agent to help those with nowhere else to go.
Lorraine Toussaint, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira and Laya DeLeon Hayes also star. Andrew Marlowe, Terri Edda Miller, co-showrunners Joseph C. Wilson and Adam Glass, Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), John Davis, John Fox, Debra Martin Chase, Richard Lindheim (co-creator of the original series), Shakim Compere, Joseph C. Wilson and Loretha Jones are executive producers. The equalizer airs on CBS and is available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.