CBS Reveals Fall 2026 Premiere Dates: NCIS: New York, Cupertino and More Are Coming
- Je-Ree
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
CBS has officially locked in its fall premiere dates for the 2026-2027 television season, and the network is clearly sticking with what works while sprinkling in a few fresh faces. With returning hits like Tracker, Survivor, NCIS, FBI, and Fire Country leading the charge, plus a handful of new dramas and comedies hoping to make their mark, viewers won't have to wait much longer to settle back into their weekly TV routines.
The network's official "CBS Premiere Week" begins Sunday, Oct. 4, although the rollout starts several weeks earlier with football, reality favorites, and one of television's longest-running news programs. The season officially gets underway on Sunday, Sept. 13, with the 59th season premiere of 60 Minutes following an NFL doubleheader. Reality fans won't have to wait long either, as Survivor returns for its 51st season on Wednesday, Sept. 23, before The Amazing Race kicks off Season 39 on Sept. 30.
CBS is also once again leaning into major live events. The network will simulcast the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, bringing one of music's biggest nights to broadcast television before shifting full speed into scripted programming.
The biggest week begins Sunday, Oct. 4, with Marshals and Tracker returning after 60 Minutes. From there, nearly every night of the week gets a fresh rollout. Monday remains firmly planted in crime drama territory as FBI, CIA, and Harlan Coben's Final Twist all return with new seasons. Tuesday belongs to the ever-growing NCIS universe. The flagship NCIS launches its 24th season before introducing newcomer NCIS: New York. The night wraps with Season 3 of NCIS: Origins, giving longtime franchise fans plenty to look forward to. Yes, CBS clearly believes there is always room for one more NCIS series.
Thursday features one of the network's biggest comedy blocks. Television's top-rated comedy Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage returns for Season 3 before brand-new comedy Eternally Yours makes its series debut. Drama fans will then get the return of Elsbeth, followed by the premiere of newcomer Cupertino. Friday continues CBS' dependable lineup with Sheriff Country, Fire Country, and Boston Blue, giving viewers another full evening of procedural comfort food. Meanwhile, 48 Hours returns for its 39th season on Saturday, Oct. 10.
CBS Fall 2026 Premiere Schedule
Date | Time (ET/PT) | Premiere/Event |
Sunday, Sept. 13 | 7:00-7:30 p.m. ET | NFL on CBS Doubleheader |
7:30-8:30 p.m. ET | 60 Minutes (Season 59 Premiere) | |
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 8:00-10:00 p.m. | Survivor (Season 51 Premiere) |
Sunday, Sept. 27 | 7:00-7:30 p.m. ET | NFL on CBS Doubleheader |
7:30-9:30 p.m. ET | 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (Live) | |
Wednesday, Sept. 30 | 9:30-11:00 p.m. | The Amazing Race (Season 39 Premiere) |
Thursday, Oct. 1 | 8:00-9:30 p.m. | Big Brother (Season 28 Finale) |
9:30-11:00 p.m. | The Amazing Race (Special Encore Episode) | |
Sunday, Oct. 4 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. ET | 60 Minutes |
8:30-9:30 p.m. ET | Marshals (Season 2 Premiere) | |
9:30-10:30 p.m. ET | Tracker (Season 4 Premiere) | |
Monday, Oct. 5 | 8:00 p.m. | FBI (Season 9 Premiere) |
9:00 p.m. | CIA (Season 2 Premiere) | |
10:00 p.m. | Harlan Coben's Final Twist (Season 2 Premiere) | |
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 8:00 p.m. | NCIS (Season 24 Premiere) |
9:00 p.m. | Series Premiere: NCIS: New York | |
10:00 p.m. | NCIS: Origins (Season 3 Premiere) | |
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 8:00-9:30 p.m. | Survivor |
9:30-11:00 p.m. | The Amazing Race | |
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 8:00 p.m. | Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage (Season 3 Premiere) |
8:30 p.m. | Series Premiere: Eternally Yours | |
9:00 p.m. | Elsbeth (Season 4 Premiere) | |
10:00 p.m. | Series Premiere: Cupertino | |
Friday, Oct. 9 | 8:00 p.m. | Sheriff Country (Season 2 Premiere) |
9:00 p.m. | Fire Country (Season 5 Premiere) | |
10:00 p.m. | Boston Blue (Season 2 Premiere) | |
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 10:00 p.m. | 48 Hours (Season 39 Premiere) |
Sunday, Oct. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | 60 Minutes (Regular Timeslot) |
8:00 p.m. | Marshals (Regular Timeslot) | |
9:00 p.m. | Tracker (Regular Timeslot) | |
Thursday, Oct. 29 | 9:00 p.m. | Ghosts Halloween Two-Episode Special |
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 9:00 p.m. | Ghostsmas Two-Episode Holiday Special |
Midseason Arrivals
Matlock
Ghosts (regular season)
Einstein (new series)
One schedule highlight worth circling is Ghosts. While the fan-favorite comedy won't officially return until midseason, CBS has already carved out two special event nights. A two-episode Halloween special airs Oct. 29, followed by a two-episode "Ghostsmas" event on Dec. 10. Not us already planning our holiday viewing schedule.
The network is also holding several anticipated titles for later in the season. Matlock, Ghosts, and the new drama Einstein are all currently slated for the second half of the 2026-2027 broadcast season. The biggest question heading into fall is whether newcomers like NCIS: New York, Cupertino, and Eternally Yours can break through alongside the network's established heavy hitters. They'll have the advantage of strong lead-ins, but audiences ultimately decide who sticks around.
One thing is certain: CBS is betting on familiarity, consistency, and a few carefully chosen newcomers to carry the season. Fall TV is about to be very busy, and viewers won't be short on options when premiere week finally arrives.