CBS Axes "The Equalizer" Days Before Season Finale as Queen Latifah Breaks Silence Over Ending
In a shocking move, CBS has canceled the popular drama series "The Equalizer", just days before its season finale. The show, which has been on the air for five seasons, stars Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who uses her skills to help those in need. The season finale, which was set to air on Sunday, will now serve as the series finale.
According to a report by Deadline, the cancellation of "The Equalizer" comes as a surprise to fans, who have been following the show’s journey since its premiere in 2021. The show has been a staple on CBS’s primetime lineup, with Latifah not only starring in the series but also serving as an executive producer alongside her production partner Shakim Comper.
In a tribute to the show on Instagram, Latifah expressed her gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans for their support over the years. "Stepping into a kick-ass role like Robyn was everything I hoped it would be," she wrote. "Shakim and I at Flavor Unit are always excited to bring these kinds of roles and projects to life—and then we just hope you love them as much as we do. The Equalizer blew past every dream we had for it, and having the opportunity to do this for five seasons honestly feels surreal." The source, New York Post, also reported that Latifah hinted at her next project, teasing that it would follow a similar path to "The Equalizer". "And don’t worry—I’ll be back kicking ass in something new real soon. Can’t wait to share it with you," she wrote.
The show, which was a reboot of the 1985 series of the same name starring Edward Woodward, also starred Tory Kittes, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, Laya DeLeon Hayes, and Lorraine Toussaint. During its run, "The Equalizer" was nominated for several awards, including BET, the NAACP Image Awards, People’s Choice, and Critics’ Choice. Latifah won the 2025 Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series at the NAACP Image Awards in February, as reported by the New York Post.
The cancellation of "The Equalizer" is part of a larger trend of CBS axing beloved law enforcement dramas. In February, the network pulled the plug on five other shows, including "S.W.A.T." and "FBI: Most Wanted". Despite the cancellation, Latifah remains positive about the show’s legacy and her own future projects. As quoted in the New York Post, Shemar Moore, star of "S.W.A.T.", reacted similarly to Latifah after his show was canceled, remaining resilient and proud of his work.
The 74-episode series earned a loyal fan base, but its viewership had dropped in its final season. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the show’s viewership dropped by almost 2 million, failing to reach 6 million viewers a week compared to last season’s 7.89 million viewers. Despite this, the show’s impact and legacy will continue to be felt, and fans can look forward to Latifah’s future projects. As reported by the New York Post, Latifah’s next project is expected to be just as exciting and action-packed as "The Equalizer".
CBS’s decision to end the series may have come as a shock to fans, but it seems that the network is focusing on new and exciting content. The New York Post will continue to provide updates on the latest TV news and trends.
In conclusion, the cancellation of "The Equalizer" marks the end of an era for fans of the show. However, with Queen Latifah’s hint at a new project, fans can look forward to more exciting content from the actress and producer. The New York Post will continue to provide updates on the latest entertainment news.