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CBS scripted series return starting October 4. But a few notable shows are missing from the network's lineup.

CBS has revealed when all your favorite shows will return with new episodes this fall. 

The network’s fall 2026 broadcast schedule is out, and there’s good news for fans of NCIS, Tracker, FBI, and more. But a few shows are missing from the lineup, including popular sitcom Ghosts and the Kathy Bates-led drama Matlock. Keep reading to find out 2026 premiere dates for CBS shows – and why some series won’t be back until 2027. 

CBS starts off the fall season with the return of 60 Minutes on September 13, immediately following the NFL on CBS doubleheader. Then, on September 23 at 8 p.m. ET, a new competition begins on Survivor Season 51. The Amazing Race Season 39 premieres September 30.  

Scripted series are back on CBS beginning the week of October 4. 

That Sunday, Marshals Season 2 premieres at 8:30 p.m. ET before moving to its regular 8 p.m. timeslot starting October 11. Tracker Season 4 premieres at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. The next week, it also moves to its regular timeslot of 9 p.m. ET.

Monday, October 5 brings the FBI Season 9 premiere at 8 p.m. ET, followed by CIA Season 2 at 9 p.m. and Harlan Coben’s Final Twist Season 2 at 10 p.m.

The NCISverse is back on Tuesday, October 6. NCIS Season 24 premieres at 8 p.m., followed by the series premiere of NCIS: New York at 9 p.m. and NCIS: Origins Season 3 at 10 p.m. 

Fan-favorite comedies return on Thursday, October 8, starting with Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage Season 3 at 8 p.m., the series premiere of Eternally Yours at 8:30 p.m., Elsbeth Season 4 at 9 p.m., and the series premiere of Cupertino at 10 p.m.

Friday, October 9 is all about the drama, with Sheriff Country Season 2 premiering at 8 p.m., Fire Country Season 5 kicking off at 9 p.m., and Boston Blue Season 2 at 10 p.m. 

If you noticed some big names missing from the CBS fall schedule, you’re not crazy. A packed lineup means some shows won’t return until 2027.

Ghosts is missing from the list of fall’s returning shows, but fans won’t be left totally haunt-free this spooky season. A two-episode Ghosts Halloween special airs Thursday, October 29 at 9 p.m. And a two episode Christmas special is set for Thursday, December 10 at 9 p.m. The comedy series will return for season 6 in the first half of 2027. 

Matlock is also being held for midseason. Meanwhile, NCIS: Sydney will be back for season 4, albeit with a reduce, 10-episode season. It will replace NCIS: Origins on the schedule, which also received a smaller, 10-episode order from the network. 

Finally, new drama Einstein, which stars Criminal Minds alum Matthew Gray Gubler, will also debut in the second half of the 2026-27 broadcast season. 

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