CBS has officially announced the renewal of the drama series “The Equalizer” for its fifth season, set to air in 2024-25. The show, which stars Queen Latifah and is executive produced by her, has been a strong performer for the network. The decision to renew the show was somewhat delayed due to negotiations between lead studio Universal Television and Queen Latifah. However, a deal was recently closed, leading to the much-anticipated renewal of the series.
In the past, each season of “The Equalizer” has been limited to 18 episodes, a common request by top talent in the industry. Despite efforts to increase the episode count for the upcoming season to 20 or more, it has been confirmed that Season 5 will once again consist of 18 episodes. This decision was made during the negotiations with Queen Latifah.
Other CBS Shows and Future Plans
Following the renewal of “The Equalizer,” the only other scripted CBS series that remains in limbo is “NCIS: Hawai’i.” Tough business conversations are reportedly ongoing regarding the show’s future, with the possibility of a partial Season 4 with 13 or fewer episodes being considered. It could potentially be the final chapter for the show, which is the first installment in the NCIS franchise to feature a female lead.
“The Equalizer” has successfully captured the attention of viewers, currently ranking as the #8 most-watched non-sports broadcast program. It averages 7.89 million linear viewers and has over 10 million viewers in Live+35 multi-platform viewership. Additionally, the show is the #1 entertainment program among African Americans, showcasing its broad appeal and popularity.
Amy Reisenbach, the president of CBS Entertainment, praised the series, stating, “The Equalizer, led by the incomparable Queen Latifah, has all the best elements of a powerful drama.” She highlighted the suspense, heroism, high stakes, and formidable characters that keep audiences engaged. The show is co-produced by CBS Studios and is one of four drama series produced by Universal Television for CBS. Queen Latifah stars as Robyn McCall, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who utilizes her skills as a former CIA operative to assist those in need. The series also stars Lorraine Toussaint, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, and Laya DeLeon Hayes.
Executive Producers and Creative Team
The creative team behind “The Equalizer” includes Andrew Marlowe, Terri Edda Miller, co-showrunners Joseph C. Wilson and Adam Glass, Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), John Davis, John Fox, Debra Martin Chase, Richard Lindheim, Shakim Compere, Joseph C. Wilson, and Loretha Jones. Their collective efforts have contributed to the success and popularity of the series.
The renewal of “The Equalizer” for a fifth season by CBS is a testament to the show’s quality and appeal to audiences. With Queen Latifah at the helm, the series continues to deliver powerful storytelling and engaging performances, solidifying its place as a fan-favorite on the network.