CBS Pulls the Plug on Watson and DMV: What Really Changed Before the Finales

CBS just shook up its slate, axing Watson ahead of season 3 and pulling the plug on DMV after a single season; series finales drop May 3 and May 11, a week before the network unveils its new lineup.

Busy day at the Eye. CBS just did some spring cleaning: two shows are out, a bunch of newbies are thriving, and the network is clearly setting the table for next season.

What got cut (and why this week)

On Friday, March 27, CBS told the casts and crews that 'Watson' will not be back for season 3, and 'DMV' is ending after one season. The finales are already on the calendar: 'Watson' bows out on May 3; 'DMV' signs off May 11.

The timing is not random. CBS is unveiling its 2026- 27 lineup next week, and that looming presentation helped force decisions on the last two bubble shows still in limbo after January's early-renewal wave.

How we got here

Per Deadline, 'Watson' was riding on the performance of two freshmen, 'Marshals' and 'CIA.' Both of those scored quick renewals, which did not help 'Watson.' The show also lost momentum when season 2 was delayed and shifted to Mondays behind 'CIA' — the move came with a noticeable ratings dip.

'DMV' had a strong start but its delayed multiplatform numbers slid. It was also stuck waiting while CBS decided what to do with two comedy pilots, 'Eternally Yours' and 'The Tillbrooks' (formerly called 'Regency'). Deadline has since hinted that canceling 'DMV' clears runway for those comedies to advance beyond pilot.

The quick version

• Canceled: 'Watson' (no season 3; series finale May 3) and 'DMV' (one-and-done; series finale May 11).
• Renewed dramas: 12 total for next season, including all four freshmen — 'Marshals,' 'CIA,' 'Sheriff Country,' and 'Boston Blue.'
• New series ordered for 2026-27: Robert and Michelle King's 'Cupertino' and Matthew Gray Gubler's 'Einstein.'
• Ratings wins: 'Marshals' opened to 20.6 million viewers in its first seven days and became the most-watched network original series premiere without a football lead-in since 2017; its premiere also set CBS' record for most-streamed episode ever on Paramount+.
• Premiere week champs: 'Marshals' and Justin Hartley's 'Tracker' were CBS' top two most-watched shows in their debut week.
• Fridays are humming: 'Sheriff Country' is averaging 7.6 million viewers, while 'Blue Bloods' is still pulling about 8 million and winning every Friday night in total viewers.

What is working at CBS right now

The 'Yellowstone ' universe continues to print ratings. 'Marshals' — the Luke Grimes-led spinoff — exploded out of the gate and was renewed for season 2 almost immediately. CBS is understandably thrilled:

"Marshals delivered a breakout performance, capturing a massive audience across platforms and quickly establishing itself as one of TV's most powerful new series. The overwhelming viewer response speaks to the strength of the Yellowstone world, the bold, character-driven storytelling from the creative team and the dynamic cast performances led by Luke Grimes." — Amy Reisenbach, CBS Entertainment president

Elsewhere, Fridays look like a solved puzzle. The network handed out swift season 2 pickups to 'Boston Blue' and 'Sheriff Country.' And the veteran 'Blue Bloods' keeps doing exactly what CBS needs on that night.

The bigger picture

In January, CBS renewed a bunch of returning shows early and left 'Watson' and 'DMV' twisting while it waited on key data and pilot outcomes. With 'Marshals' and 'CIA' clicking, and comedy development moving forward, those last two dominos finally fell. Tough news for fans of 'Watson' and 'DMV,' but very on-brand scheduling math for a network that is leaning into its new hits while it locks its 2026-27 slate.