CBS has officially picked up a fifth season of the popular drama series, The Equalizer, starring and executive produced by the talented Queen Latifah. The renewal for the 2024-25 season was anticipated, with the delay attributed to negotiations between lead studio Universal Television and Queen Latifah. The deal has been finalized, ensuring the return of the show for another season.
Season 5 Details
Previous seasons of The Equalizer were limited to 18 episodes, a common request from top talent in the industry. While there was an attempt to increase the episode count to 20 or more during the negotiation process, it has been confirmed that Season 5 will once again consist of 18 episodes. The Equalizer’s success on CBS has solidified its place among the network’s most-watched non-sports broadcast programs. With an average of 7.89M linear viewers and over 10 million viewers in Live+35 multi-platform viewership, the show continues to draw a large audience.
CBS Scripted Series in Limbo
With the renewal of The Equalizer, NCIS: Hawai’i remains the only CBS scripted series whose fate is uncertain. While most other CBS comedy and drama shows have already been picked up for the next season, Hawai’i’s future is currently the subject of challenging business discussions. There is a possibility of a partial Season 4 with 13 episodes or fewer, potentially marking the end of the series.
“The Equalizer, led by the incomparable Queen Latifah, has all the best elements of a powerful drama,” stated Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. The show boasts suspense, heroism, high stakes, and compelling characters that resonate with the audience. It has also been recognized as the #1 entertainment program among African Americans, further cementing its importance in today’s television landscape.
Co-produced by CBS Studios, The Equalizer is part of the four drama series that Universal Television creates for CBS. Alongside the three FBI series, The Equalizer has been a flagship show for three seasons. The series follows Robyn McCall, played by Queen Latifah, as an enigmatic woman with a mysterious past who utilizes her skills as a former CIA operative to assist those in need. The show’s ensemble cast includes Lorraine Toussaint, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, and Laya DeLeon Hayes.
The renewal of The Equalizer for Season 5 signifies the continued success and popularity of the series. With Queen Latifah at the helm, the show has captivated viewers with its thrilling storyline and compelling characters. As fans eagerly await the new season, The Equalizer remains a standout drama on CBS, showcasing the best elements of the genre.