The Equalizer is off the bubble, the CBS drama will return for Season 5

Just as fans were worried about the fate of The Equalizer, CBS has made its decision on the show's future! See if the adventures of Robyn McCall continue!

Usually, fans of shows "on the bubble" have to wait until May for the networks to make a decision on renewal or cancellation. However, CBS is getting an early start, no doubt due to the chaos caused by the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Those strikes marred the normal pilot season, cutting into network revenue and less money to spend on shows.

CBS is thus going ahead with some renewals, including for freshman shows Elsbeth and Tracker and shockingly reversing the cancellation of SWAT. However, So Help Me Todd and CSI: Vegas have been canceled before their season finales. 

One show on the bubble was The Equalizer, as just yesterday, folks were concerned over the fate of the Queen Latifah-led drama. While it was renewed for two seasons in 2022, the show's ratings have been rougher since returning in February. The fact that it has only 10 episodes for Season 4 and a few breaks in between new eps hasn't helped. There were also worries about re-upping the cast contracts, no doubt with pay raises.

So the question was whether or not The Equalizer could return, but CBS made a good decision for fans!

The Equalizer is coming back for Season 5

CBS confirmed that the show will return for Season 5 with the cast mainly intact. This will be a relief to fans as it's likely Season 4 will end on a big cliffhanger, and fans can be assured it will be resolved. 

"The Equalizer, led by the incomparable Queen Latifah, has all the best elements of a powerful drama," said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. "The series is stacked with suspense, heroism, high stakes and formidable characters our audience roots for. We look forward to another dynamic season."

CBS is likely paying attention to the show's following, as it's the #1 entertainment program among African American viewers. Combined with good ratings and over 10 million additional viewers via online play, the show's popularity has been a key factor in its renewal.

This leaves NCIS: Hawaii as the one major CBS show whose fate has yet to be determined. That's a whole other issue but at least fans can tune in for more adventures of Robyn and her team when The Equalizer Season 5 hits later in 2024.

The Equalizer Season 4 streaming Sundays at 9/8c on CBS.