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CBS Drops Mid-Season Bombshells: 2026 Premiere Storylines Revealed, 'Survivor' Hits 50!

A diverse group sits on a raft under a "Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans" sign. Overcast sky and mountains in the background.

CBS is cranking up the excitement this mid-season with a slate of premieres and returning favorites that promise suspense, laughs, and jaw-dropping moments. From high-stakes espionage to culinary showdowns and fan-favorite comedies, there’s a little something for every TV junkie. Whether you’re marking your calendar for the new series or catching up on returning hits, the network’s mid-season lineup is shaping up to be appointment television.


If you thought January was slow, think again. CBS is rolling out premieres of “CIA,” “Marshals,” and “America’s Culinary Cup,” alongside returning hits like “Survivor,” “NCIS,” and “Ghosts.” With tension-filled plots, romantic entanglements, and explosive twists, the mid-season schedule is ready to keep viewers glued to their screens. Here’s a sneak peek at the most buzz-worthy storylines and premieres to watch.



CBS Mid-Season Premiere & Returning Show Schedule

Show

Premiere Date

Plot Highlights

Notable Guest Stars / Returns

CIA

Mon., Feb. 23

CIA agent Colin Glass teams with FBI agent Bill Goodman after a top-secret weapon is stolen; sparks fly due to clashing viewpoints

Jeremy Sisto as FBI’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine

Marshals

Sun., Mar. 1

Kayce Dutton joins U.S. Marshals to hunt fugitives targeting women on the reservation

Luke Grimes stars

America’s Culinary Cup

Wed., Mar. 4

16 chefs battle for a $1 million prize under Padma Lakshmi’s watchful eye

Padma Lakshmi hosts

The Neighborhood

Mon., Feb. 23

Calvin secretly coaches Dave during a big job interview, creating chaos and comedy

-

DMV

Mon., Feb. 23

Colette discovers she might infiltrate Ceci’s inner circle by dating her cousin Miguel

Mark Feuerstein returns as Brent

FBI

Mon., Feb. 23

An undercover operation forces Nina and Scola to reassess their relationship

Shantel VanSanten returns as Nina Chase

Survivor

Wed., Feb. 25

Season 50 premiere with 24 contestants battling it out in Fiji for $1 million

-

Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage

Thu., Feb. 26

Jim struggles with retirement, driving the family insane

-

Ghosts

Thu., Feb. 26

Sam and the gang face new ghosts from the past

-

Matlock

Thu., Feb. 26

Olympia and Matty scramble to regain Julian’s trust after a shocking discovery

-

Elsbeth

Thu., Feb. 26

Elsbeth confronts a wealthy biohacker obsessed with eternal youth

Hamish Linklater guest stars as Archer

Sheriff Country

Fri., Feb. 27

Mickey fights to protect her community as the sheriff’s office comes under attack

-

Fire Country

Fri., Feb. 27

A massive wildfire pushes Station 49 to their limits, testing both courage and judgment

-

Boston Blue

Fri., Feb. 27

Jonah struggles with grief and family tension after Ben’s killer is released

-

Tracker

Sun., Mar. 1

Injured and framed, Colter relies on Billie to stop a relentless assassin

Sofia Pernas returns as Billie

Watson

Sun., Mar. 1

Watson races against the clock to save a man and his pregnant wife from a sinkhole

-

NCIS

Tue., Mar. 3

Knight embarks on her first elite mission, hunting a former team member with Torres’ help

Emily Wickersham returns as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop

NCIS: Origins

Tue., Mar. 3

Gibbs and Diane navigate married life while balancing work and personal drama

-

CBS is clearly doubling down on the formula that keeps audiences coming back: suspense, competition, and just enough drama to make you shout at the TV. The “CIA” premiere promises a partnership fraught with tension, while “Marshals” delivers action with a moral edge. Meanwhile, foodies will want to tune in to “America’s Culinary Cup” for the culinary chaos and one million-dollar prize at stake.


Returning favorites aren’t slacking either. “Survivor” kicks off its milestone season with a bang, dropping contestants into Fiji with alliances and betrayals waiting to unfold. Comedies like “The Neighborhood” and “DMV” continue to sprinkle in humor and heart, while dramas like “FBI” and “NCIS” give viewers the procedural tension they crave.


CBS’ mid-season schedule isn’t just about keeping viewers entertained; it’s a strategic mix of fresh content and familiar faces designed to capture attention and spark conversation. Whether you’re invested in the next big mystery, craving laughs, or ready to watch a culinary showdown, there’s a premiere worth blocking out your evening for.


As the network gears up for these launches, viewers can expect action-packed storylines, character-driven drama, and a few surprises that will get everyone talking. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare for a mid-season filled with intrigue, humor, and edge-of-your-seat moments because CBS isn’t holding back.

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