Looks like CBS is closing the book on two potential spinoffs before the stories could really get started.
Despite buzz from a recent backdoor pilot, CBS is not moving forward with the proposed Equalizer spinoff starring Titus Welliver and Juani Feliz. The duo appeared in the April 20 episode of The Equalizer, setting the stage for what could’ve been a fresh chapter in the franchise. Welliver played Hudson Reed, a former CIA heavy-hitter with a murky past and deep ties to Queen Latifah’s Robyn McCall. Feliz, meanwhile, played his daughter, Samantha—equal parts weapons expert, martial artist, and mystery.
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The planted pilot introduced a darker, more shadowy thread to the Equalizer universe, but CBS decided not to pull that thread any further. Word is, the decision came shortly after the episode aired—and despite fans’ curiosity, the show won’t go to series.
It’s a similar story over in comedy land.
A Neighborhood spinoff was also on the table, with Marcel Spears and Sheaun McKinney set to reprise their roles as Marty and Malcolm Butler in a Venice Beach-set storyline. The concept: same brothers, new zip code, and a whole new set of neighborhood dynamics. But that idea also didn’t make the final cut.
CBS has been busy reshuffling its 2025-2026 slate, and while the network is letting go of some projects, it’s doubling down on others. Fresh orders include the drama Einstein starring Matthew Gray Gubler, comedy pilot DMV, and CIA, a newly minted spinoff in the FBI franchise led by Tom Ellis. Meanwhile, Fire Country is spawning Sheriff Country, and the Blue Bloods world is expanding with Boston Blue.
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Still in limbo is The Equalizer itself, which remains on the bubble as it awaits word on a potential sixth—and possibly final—season. There’s talk of a 13-episode renewal if all the financial pieces fall into place. Reportedly, Queen Latifah has made some key concessions to help the show’s chances. Translation? There’s still a fighting shot.
Also axed was Poppa’s House, a freshman comedy series that won’t return for a second season, and stand-up comedian Zarna Garg’s pilot Zarna, which didn’t get picked up.
So where does that leave things?
CBS is clearly in the mood to mix things up—tightening the belt in some areas while making room for new franchises to breathe. It’s a tough goodbye for fans hoping to see more of the Reed family or watch Marty and Malcolm thrive in Venice, but as is often the case in TV land: sometimes the spinoff doesn’t spin.
Now all eyes are on Queen Latifah’s McCall to see if she’ll return for one last run.