Biggest Letdowns in CBS and Other 2026 TV Cancellations
In 2026, television said farewell to numerous cherished series, including several popular CBS shows and a Law & Order spinoff.
Colbert announced in July 2025 that CBS would be canceling The Late Show.
“Before we kick off the show, I want to share something I discovered just last night. Next year will mark our final season; the network [CBS] will conclude The Late Show in May,” he stated at that moment, met with boos from the audience.
Colbert then reflected on the legacy of The Late Show.
“I understand your feelings. This isn’t merely the end of our show, but also the conclusion of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced; this is all simply disappearing,” he continued. “I want to express my gratitude to the people at CBS for being excellent partners … And I’m incredibly thankful to the audience, both here and around the globe, who have joined us nightly.”
CBS executives issued a statement regarding their decision to terminate the renowned late-night program, clarifying that it was not “connected in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other developments at Paramount,” but rather attributed to financial reasons.
The network also canceled several other series, including DMV and Watson. Keep scrolling for more disappointing TV cancellations in 2026:
‘Law and Order: Organized Crime’ (NBC)
Law & Order: Organized Crime, which debuted in 2021, experienced numerous changes in showrunners. Matt Olmstead took the lead initially but stepped down that same year. Ilene Chaiken replaced him, staying for one season before Barry O’Brien took over.
Bryan Goluboff became the showrunner for the third season but left after three months. Sean Jablonski took on the role next, but departed due to “creative differences,” leading to David Graziano taking over for the closing episodes of the season.
NBC renewed the series for season four with John Shiban as showrunner, but he too left during the production of the fifth season, marking the sixth change in showrunners within the show’s five seasons. NBC officially announced the cancellation of the series in April 2026.
DMV (CBS)
DMV’s fate hung in the balance as CBS made decisions regarding comedy pilots Eternally Yours and The Tillbrooks (formerly known as Regency). While The Tillbrooks wasn’t picked up, Eternally Yours was, sealing DMV’s fate.
‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ (CBS)
CBS had previously indicated in July 2025 that The Late Show would conclude. The network later confirmed that following its finale in May 2026, Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen will replace it. This comedy talk show currently airs after The Late Show and is followed by Byron Allen’s other late-night game show, Funny You Should Ask.
2026 has been particularly harsh regarding the cancellation of our beloved shows. Netflix severed ties with Boots just two months post-premiere. Based on Greg Cope White’s memoir, this scripted series followed Cameron (Miles Heizer) as he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps alongside his best friend Ray (Liam Oh) during the 1990s, the […]
Watson (CBS)
Watson, another CBS show, faced a similar fate without renewal. Initially, in January it was reported that CBS had secured early renewals for most shows, leaving only Watson and DMV uncertain. Deadline noted that Watson‘s survival hinged on the success of Marshals and CIA, both of which swiftly received renewals.
‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’ (The CW)
There’s something uniquely appealing about a Canadian import on The CW that always captures our interest. Therefore, the disappointment was palpable.
