Why CBS Is Cutting Episode Counts for Fire Country and NCIS
- Je-Ree
- May 1
- 2 min read
Updated: May 3
If you’ve been feeling like your favorite procedural dramas are ending just as they’re getting started, you aren't imagining things. CBS, the network that once lived and died by the 22-episode gold standard, is officially putting its biggest hits on a strict diet. The eye network recently confirmed that Fire Country and three other heavy hitters will return for the 2026-2027 season with significantly reduced episode counts, leaving fans wondering if "more" really means "better" in the eyes of network executives.
The 13-Episode Squeeze
The biggest shocker in this programming shift is Fire Country. Max Thieriot’s breakout hit is dropping to a lean 13 episodes for Season 5. This isn't exactly the reward fans expected for the show’s massive ratings success. Alongside the shorter order, the series is swapping showrunners, with Eric Guggenheim taking the helm. While shorter seasons can lead to tighter storytelling, it also means less time for the weekly "fire of the week" drama that built the show's loyal following.
NCIS and Matlock Join the Shrinking Club
It isn't just the Bode Leone fan club feeling the sting. The NCIS universe is also getting trimmed. NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney have both been handed 10-episode orders. For Sydney, this is a massive 50% cut from its previous 20-episode run.
Meanwhile, the Kathy Bates-led Matlock reboot is also capping its third season at 13 episodes. CBS claims this move for Matlock is a "creative revamp" following the resolution of its initial overarching mystery, but it’s hard not to see a pattern emerging across the entire slate.
Quantity Over Continuity?
So, why the sudden allergy to full seasons? CBS is playing a high-stakes game of Tetris with its schedule. By shortening the runs of established hits, the network is making room for a massive influx of new content, including the LL Cool J-led NCIS: New York and several fresh dramas like Cupertino and Einstein.
The logic seems to be that having a larger variety of shows is more valuable than having a few shows that run all year. It’s a move that mimics the streaming model, but for those of us who grew up on the comfort of a 22-episode broadcast season, it feels like we're being ghosted by our favorite characters by mid-February.
What This Means for You
For the casual viewer, this means fewer reruns and more "event" television. For the die-hard fan, it means your favorite show might be over before you’ve even settled into the autumn weather. While CBS is clearly betting on fresh blood to keep the ratings high, they risk alienating the audiences that show up week after week for the long haul.
Are you happy with "all killer, no filler" seasons, or do you miss the 22-episode marathons? Let us know in the comments.
Disappointed about Watson cancellation. Very disappointed about shorter seasons.
What a fricking joke! Why would you shorten some of your best programs. I would rate a 0 if I could!
CBS/PARAMOUNT continue to to make horribly bad decisions. Whoever is in charge/making these decisions is quite the moron, very unintelligent. For some reason this group just can't stop canceling shows and/or decreasing episodes of favorite TV shows. You will continue to loose viewers, which I myself have quit watching many of your shows. And all of this action is for greed, more money, more power and not to mention for politically driven choices. You obviously are not concerned about your customers/viewers and don't care what those people like and want to watch. Keep it up, due to your support and love for tRump the orange clown, who is demolishing our country, our democracy and freedom of speech, will eventually come…
This the one the best shows on tv and should not have its episode count reduced. This nothing more than a. cost cutting move!
Zero stars to this!! 20-22 episodes is the way it should be for shows that are doing well.. It clearly says these shows are doing well but they are cutting the show back to make room for a new line up.. Why mess with perfection!! Add a show ot two but don’t take away the ones that have a faithful following to bring in more shows that are the same.. That’s how shows lose viewers and get cancelled!! Fire Country is amazing!!