The Equalizer Season 5 recently concluded on CBS, and fans of the Queen Latifah crime drama have been eager to learn about the series’ future and whether Season 6 has been renewed or canceled. The fifth season, which premiered on October 20, 2024, aired weekly every Sunday until May 4, 2025. The series follows Latifah’s Robyn McCall, an ex-CIA operative with a shady past. McCall uses her skills to help those less fortunate than her and with no one else to help them.
Wondering if CBS has pulled the plug on The Equalizer after a five-season run? Here’s the series’ current status, explored.
Has CBS canceled or renewed The Equalizer for Season 6?
Yes, CBS has canceled The Equalizer Season 6.
The cancellation was announced two days ahead of the Season 5 finale’s release. Moreover, Universal Television reportedly has no plans to shop the series across other platforms (via Deadline).
Multiple cast members from The Equalizer have shared their thoughts on the series’ cancellation. Queen Latifah took to Instagram to express gratitude towards the fans, cast, crew, and producers for her time spent on the show. Additionally, she also promised fans a new project, coming “real soon,” that she “can’t wait” to share with them.
Meanwhile, Lorraine Toussaint and Laya DeLeon Hayes, who played Aunt Viola “Vi” Marsette and Delilah “Dee” Fulton, respectively, also expressed gratitude towards fans on their respective Instagram posts.
Why was The Equalizer canceled after Season 5?
The Equalizer was canceled likely because of declining ratings.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, ratings for The Equalizer Season 5 averaged only a little under 6 million. This is a considerable drop from the previous season’s 7.89 million.
Deadline previously reported that Season 6, which would’ve been the final installment, had been in consideration. Queen Latifah had entered negotiations with Universal Television, which was looking to cut back on the show’s budget. However, at the time, the outlet also spoke of Season 5 being the final season if plans for Season 6 fell through.
Moreover, a spin-off starring Titus Welliver‘s Elijah Reed and Juani Feliz‘s Samantha Reed, which had been in development, was also scrapped by CBS (via TVLine). The Reeds were introduced in Season 5, Episode 16, “Sins of the Father,” which served as a backdoor pilot for the spin-off before its cancellation.
