14 shows axed: ‘The Equalizer,’ ‘Suits L.A.,’ ‘FBI: Most Wanted,’ and others say farewell

Although streaming platforms now set the pace of TV series viewing, television shows remain a cornerstone of free-to-air channels in the United States. Last week was a critical moment for these shows. In just a few days, dozens of productions discovered whether they would return for another season or be canceled for good. Most of these announcements were made in the lead-up to the so-called upfronts, events during which networks unveil their upcoming programming to advertisers (and the rest of the world), held in the week of May 12.

The cancellation grim reaper claimed 14 series across the four major networks: ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. Many of these, such as Suits L.A., Night Court, The Equalizer, FBI: Most Wanted, and Rescue: Hi-Surf, learned their fate last week. Others, like Blue Bloods — which wrapped up its 14-season run last December — and S.W.A.T., which was canceled in March after eight seasons and two previous revivals, had known their end was coming for months.

Many more series have been renewed. Grey’s Anatomy, Abbott College, Elsbeth, FBI, Fantasmas, Matlock, NCIS, NCIS: Origins, NCIS: Sydney, Tracker, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, Law & Order, and Law & Order: SVU are just a few of the titles set to return next season. The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad will also continue after being renewed for an additional four seasons, ensuring new episodes at least through 2029.

A few series are still awaiting their fate. Among them are Doctor Odyssey, Accused, and The Cleaning Lady, all of which are still waiting to hear whether they will be renewed for another season.

Pay-TV platforms and networks operate on their own schedules, announcing renewals and cancellations at their discretion. Nevertheless, Apple TV+ also chose last week to reveal that two of its comedies, Cycles and The Studio, would be returning for new seasons, while Acapulco will conclude with its fourth season, which is set to premiere in July.

Below is a list of the TV shows that have been renewed and cancelled by the major U.S. broadcast networks.

Renewed:

ABC: 911, Abbott School, Grey’s Anatomy, High Potential, The Rookie, Shifting Gears, Will Trent.

CBS: Elsbeth, FBI (two seasons), Fire Country, Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, Ghosts (two seasons), Matlock, NCIS, NCIS Origins, NCIS Sydney, The Neighborhood (for final season), Tracker, Watson.

Fox: The Simpsons (four seasons), Murder in a Small Town, Universal Basic Guys, Grimsburg, Krapopolis (two seasons), Doc, Family Guy (four seasons), Bob’s Burgers (four seasons), Going Dutch, American Dad (four seasons), Animal Control.

NBC:Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, Happy’s Place, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, St Denis Medical, The Hunting Party, Brilliant Minds.

Canceled:

ABC: The Conners.

CBS: Blue Bloods (show ended in December), The Equalizer, FBI International, FBI Most Wanted, Poppa’s House, SWAT.

Fox: 911: Lone Star, Rescue: HI-Surf.

NBC: Found, The Irrational, Lopez vs. Lopez, Night Court, Suits L.A.

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