CBS Spinoffs: Expanding Show Universes from FBI to Fire Country
The trend of reboots and revivals has transformed into a surge of sequels and prequels — with CBS leading the charge.
Over the years, the network has expanded its programming with shows like FBI, Fire Country, and NCIS, allowing them to develop their narratives through various series.
Fire Country, which made its debut in 2022, centers on inmate Bode (Max Thieriot), who returns home to volunteer for the California Conservation Camp Program. Following this, a backdoor pilot was created for Morena Baccarin‘s character, leading to the forthcoming Sheriff Country series — and the expansion of the franchise shows no signs of stopping.
“I think there’s still a lot of room to explore. There’s more room to explore in Edgewater and outside of Edgewater,” Thieriot, who acts as an executive producer, revealed to Us Weekly exclusively in May 2024. “When I started, I was always putting the cart before the horse. In my mind, I had probably at least three other versions outside of Fire Country. Whether any of those will ever come to fruition — that remains to be seen. But I definitely have a couple more ideas for this universe.”
Additionally, there’s the new show Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, which builds on the popular franchises of The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon.
“You can watch Young Sheldon without needing to know anything about The Big Bang Theory,” said star Montana Jordan to Us in October 2024. “And I think this new series stands on its own as well. It’s a fresh beginning, allowing viewers to follow Georgie and Mandy as they navigate various life challenges. It’s a universally relatable theme that everyone can connect with.”
Continue reading for an overview of each show CBS has — or plans to — develop with at least one spinoff:
‘Elsbeth’
After making her debut on The Good Wife and The Good Fight, Carrie Preston returned to CBS with her own show, Elsbeth, which premiered in 2024.
‘FBI’
Beginning in 2018, FBI was launched on CBS and set the stage for FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. The network is also developing a fourth franchise, FBI: CIA.
‘Fire Country’
Edgewater was first introduced with the premiere of Fire Country in 2022. The interest in this fictional town led to a backdoor pilot for Sheriff Country, which has since been greenlit for a full series starring Baccarin. There’s even a potential for Jared Padalecki to have his own show titled Fire Country: Surfside.
‘Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage’
The Big Bang Theory has endured since its initial airing from 2007 to 2019. The series has led to the spinoff Young Sheldon, which has paved the way for the upcoming Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage prequel.
‘NCIS’
The NCIS franchise originated from JAG, which first aired on NBC in 1995. After NBC canceled the show after one season, CBS picked it up, introducing the beloved character Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) alongside his team in the eighth-season finale of JAG in 2003.
This backdoor pilot quickly led to the full first season of NCIS, which has since expanded to include Hawaii Five-0, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawaiʻi, and NCIS: Sydney. Recently, NCIS: Origins premiered in October 2024, featuring Austin Stowell portraying a younger version of Harmon’s character.
‘The Equalizer’
The reboot of the original series debuted in 2021, featuring Queen Latifah in the lead role. Following five successful seasons, CBS has announced a potential spinoff starring Titus Welliver and Juani Feliz.
‘The Neighborhood’
Cedric the Entertainer and Max Greenfield have been bringing laughter with their series since 2018, and it has been reported that a spinoff, Crutch, has been picked up by Paramount+. This new series will feature Tracy Morgan as the character Francois “Frank” Crutchfield.
‘Boston Blue’
In Boston Blue, Donnie Wahlberg reprises his role as NYPD officer Danny Reagan, now taking on a new position with the Boston PD. Once there, he partners with detective Lena Peters, the eldest daughter in a respected law enforcement family.
