CBS Drops Full Fall Lineup: Premiere Dates and Show Times for Watson, NCIS, and More

CBS is turning up the heat this fall with a revamped primetime schedule, giving fans even more reason to get excited about the return of scripted television. The biggest shakeup? Second-year drama Watson—originally slated for midseason—is now heading to Monday nights this October, taking over the prime 10 p.m. slot starting October 13. That’s right: CBS is betting big on brains, mystery, and momentum.

The move comes as the highly anticipated FBI spinoff CIA hits a production delay and shifts to midseason. While CIA was fast-tracked earlier this year with Tom Ellis set to lead, the series still hasn’t cast its supporting roles and won’t begin filming until early fall. Adding to the creative shuffle, Warren Leight (Law & Order: SVU) has taken over as showrunner, replacing David Hudgins (FBI: Most Wanted).

Meanwhile, CBS is stacking its fall 2026 slate with returning hits, fresh new dramas, and a few major event specials to capture early buzz from the NFL’s season kickoff.

It all begins Wednesday, September 24 with the return of Survivor at 8 p.m., followed by The Amazing Race on Thursday, September 25 at 9 p.m. 48 Hours is back on Saturday, September 27 at 10 p.m., and 60 Minutes anchors the Sunday lineup on September 28 at 7:30 p.m., leading into the Big Brother 27 finale at 8:30 p.m.

The official launch into scripted drama takes off Sunday, October 12, when Matlock debuts at 8:30 p.m., followed by Elsbeth at 9:30 p.m., both premiering after that evening’s NFL doubleheader and 60 Minutes. Just one day later, Monday, October 13 delivers a stacked lineup with the final season of The Neighborhood at 8 p.m., new comedy DMV at 8:30 p.m., FBI at 9 p.m., and Watson taking over the spotlight at 10 p.m.

Tuesdays start sizzling October 14 with NCIS returning at 8 p.m., followed by the debut of NCIS: Origins at 9 p.m., and NCIS: Sydney holding down the 10 p.m. slot.

CBS doubles down on comedy Thursday, October 16, with Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage at 8 p.m., Ghosts at 8:30 p.m., and new episodes of Matlock and Elsbeth moving to their regular time slots at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., respectively.

The network goes full-throttle with firepower on Friday, October 17, returning Fire Country at 8 p.m., launching the gritty Sheriff Country at 9 p.m., and introducing the Boston-set police drama Boston Blue at 10 p.m. On Sunday, October 19, CBS’s most-watched series Tracker returns at 8 p.m., followed by new family drama The Road at 9 p.m.

Rounding out the month, Friday, October 24 sees Sheriff Country and Fire Country settle into their regular time slots at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., completing CBS’s powerhouse fall rollout.

In addition to its loaded lineup, CBS is also hosting two major events: the Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, and a special Earth, Wind & Fire Grammy tribute airing on September 21—a cheeky nod to the 21st night of September.

🌀 MainEvent.News Spin:

CBS isn’t just ready for fall—they’re gunning for #1. By shifting Watson into a flagship Monday night slot and building a lineup stacked with new dramas, franchise extensions, and beloved returning hits, the network is sending a clear message: Fall 2026 belongs to CBS. With clever scheduling that rides NFL momentum and high-profile premieres all through October, the Eye Network is laser-focused on retaking the primetime crown.