CBS is taking a bold stand in the world of television, doubling down on scripted shows while other networks scale back. But is this a risky move or a strategic masterstroke? The network's future hangs in the balance.
The fall premiere week kicked off with a bang, leveraging the massive audience of a football doubleheader to launch a slew of new and returning shows. The spotlight was on two female-led mysteries: the Emmy-nominated 'Matlock', starring Kathy Bates, and 'Elsbeth', a spinoff of 'The Good Wife' featuring a quirky lawyer solving crimes with the NYPD. These shows embody the classic 'CBS show' formula: reliable procedurals with creative twists, consistently ranking among the network's most-watched.
CBS stands tall as the most-watched broadcast network for 17 consecutive seasons, a feat that has allowed them to renew beloved shows annually. But the 2025-26 season sees CBS swimming against the tide. While other networks opt for cheaper unscripted content and sports, CBS is launching several new scripted shows. They've earned this confidence, having dominated the most-watched new series for nine consecutive TV seasons.
But here's where it gets controversial: CBS is facing financial pressures. Linear television revenue is declining, and parent company Paramount aims to cut costs post-merger with Skydance. Yet, CBS executives remain optimistic, attributing their success to quality programming and a close development relationship with their sibling studio. This strategy has resulted in shows like 'Tracker' and 'Matlock' ranking among the top 8 TV shows in multiplatform viewing across all streamers and broadcasters.
CBS is not shying away from innovation. They've strategically delayed new shows to allow writers to refine their ideas, as seen with the upcoming 'Einstein' drama series. This approach ensures a solid foundation for new projects. However, the future remains uncertain. With new leadership focusing on Paramount+, potential cuts loom, and the possibility of more sports programming could impact the network's schedule.
And this is the part most people miss: CBS's success hinges on its ability to adapt to changing viewer preferences while maintaining its signature style. As the network navigates financial challenges and leadership changes, will their scripted show strategy pay off? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is CBS making the right call, or should they follow the trend of unscripted content? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
