CBS has officially announced the renewal of its popular drama series “The Equalizer” for a fifth season, set to air in the 2024-2025 broadcast season. The show, starring and executive produced by Queen Latifah as the enigmatic Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative turned problem solver, has been a consistent performer for the network.
This renewal marks a significant milestone for “The Equalizer,” as it surpasses the original series in the number of seasons aired. The 1980s version of “The Equalizer” ran for 88 episodes, whereas the current iteration will end its upcoming season with 56 episodes.
The decision to renew “The Equalizer” came after weeks of speculation and negotiation between lead studio Universal Television and Queen Latifah. Although there were talks of expanding the season beyond the usual 18 episodes, the upcoming fifth season will stick to this format.
“The Equalizer” has been a standout success for CBS, ranking as the #8 most-watched entertainment program among all non-sports broadcast programs. It has garnered an average of 7.89 million linear viewers and over 10 million viewers across all platforms, including streaming services like Paramount+.
CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach expressed excitement about the show’s continuation, praising Queen Latifah’s leadership and the series’ compelling elements of suspense, heroism, and strong characters that resonate with audiences.
The show’s success is not only in its ratings but also in its representation. “The Equalizer” stands as the #1 entertainment program among African American viewers, highlighting its broad appeal and significance in diverse storytelling.
As CBS solidifies its lineup for the upcoming season, “The Equalizer” joins a roster of renewed series, showcasing the network’s commitment to delivering compelling and diverse content to its viewers. Fans can anticipate more of Queen Latifah’s impactful portrayal of Robyn McCall as she continues her journey of righting wrongs and helping those in need.
“The Equalizer” airs on CBS and is available for streaming on Paramount+. Stay tuned for updates as the series prepares for its fifth season premiere.