‘The Equalizer’ Spinoff Not Moving Forward, Mothership Series Remains In Renewal Consideration At CBS

CBS has opted not to proceed with the proposed Equalizer spinoff starring Titus Welliver, Deadline has learned. The project had flown largely under the radar, with the final decision made after the planted spinoff episode of The Equalizer, guest starring Welliver and co-lead Juani Feliz, aired this past Sunday, April 20, I hear.

That leaves bubble drama The Equalizer, starring and executive produced by Queen Latifah, as the only remaining CBS scripted title — pilot or series — yet to learn its fate for next season. As Deadline reported, there is still chance for the series to snag a pickup for what could be a 13-episode sixth and final season. Its odds are considered 50-50 but the fact that talks with producing studio Universal Television are continuing is a promising sign.

CBS swiftly canceled the studio’s two FBI spinoffs, Most Wanted and International, a month and a half ago.

As usual, finances are believed to be part of the conversation. Word is that Queen Latifah had agreed to concessions that could help the series’ renewal odds.

The Equalizer offshoot was the last 2025 CBS pilot whose future had not been determined. The network this season had ordered three drama and three comedy pilots — stand-alone or planted spinoffs — with three making it to series: standalone drama pilot Einstein starring Matthew Gray Gubler, the FBI companion CIA (working title) and stand-alone comedy pilot DMV. In addition to the Equalizer offshoot, as previously reported by Deadline, not moving forward are stand-alone comedy pilot Zarna and the proposed spinoff from veteran comedy The Neighborhood.

A reimagining of the classic series, The Equalizer stars Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills as a former CIA operative to help those with nowhere else to turn.

Welliver played Hudson Reed, a former top CIA operative with a dark secret who is connected to Robyn by an old mentor. Feliz played Samantha Reed, who has been trained by her father to be a weapons expert, skilled martial artist and true chameleon all while hiding a mysterious past.