CBS is exploring the potential for a spinoff of The Equalizer, the hit crime drama starring Queen Latifah. According to Deadline, episode 516 of the current season will introduce two new characters that could serve as anchors for a new series.
Casting is underway for the roles, which include a younger female martial artist and weapons expert with a mysterious backstory, as well as an older male former CIA operative. It’s unclear if the latter shares a history with Robyn McCall, Queen Latifah’s character, from their time at the agency. Both roles are designed as guest star appearances with options to join as series regulars if the spinoff moves forward.
READ: CBS Renews Popular Drama Series ‘The Equalizer’ for Fifth Season, Surpassing Original Series
Unlike its predecessors—the original 1985 series and the film franchise—this potential spinoff would feature a two-lead format, deviating from the single-lead dynamic seen across earlier iterations of The Equalizer.
Although episode 516, set to air in the spring, is not formally designated as a backdoor pilot, CBS has been incorporating potential spinoff characters into regular episodes of its shows. For instance, the network used a similar approach with Fire Country, introducing Morena Baccarin as a sheriff last season before greenlighting a spinoff centered on her character. Additionally, Tracy Morgan’s guest arc on CBS’ The Neighborhood led to the Clutch spinoff on Paramount+.
If successful, The Equalizer could join CBS’ expanding lineup of multi-series franchises, which already includes NCIS and FBI.
Since its debut following the Super Bowl in 2021, The Equalizer has consistently ranked as a Top 10 program in total viewership. The show, which stars Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative using her skills to help those in need, currently airs Sundays at 9 p.m. but will move to a 10 p.m. time slot starting February 16.
The series also features Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, Laya DeLeon Hayes, and Lorraine Toussaint in its main cast. Produced by Universal Television in association with CBS Studios, The Equalizer is executive produced by Joseph C. Wilson, Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), Debra Martin Chase, Shakim Compere, John Davis, John Fox, Loretha Jones, and Rob Hanning.