CBS has unveiled its fall premiere dates, becoming the first network to pull back the curtain on when popular shows will make their way back. At a time when there has been a lot of coverage about broadcast networks pulling back on scripted programming, CBS is charging full speed ahead with a healthy and popular primetime line-up.
The network has dramas like Tracker and Matlock, which are among the most-watched new shows on television, as well as long-running staples like NCIS. But it’s also trying its hand at new spinoffs such as Boston Blue and the Fire Country offshoot Sheriff Country.
Per TVLine, CBS has announced its fall premiere dates. The network has confirmed that the FBI spinoff CIA has moved to midseason, while the medical drama Watson has shifted to debuting its second installment in the fall. The full CBS line-up of new and returning scripted series can be viewed below.
What CBS’ Fall Premiere Dates Look Like
Here’s When Your Favorites Will Return
CBS starts things off on Sunday, October 12, with special night premieres of Matlock season 2 at 8:30 PM and Elsbeth season 3 at 9:30 PM. Both dramas later shift to a new day, heading to Thursdays on October 15. There will also be the debut of a new comedy on Monday, October 13, as the new show DMV makes its first bow. The full line-up can be viewed below, including when FBI season 8 returns.
| TV Show Name | Timeslot (in ET) | Date |
| Matlock season 2 premiere (special night) | 8:30 PM | Sunday, Oct. 12 |
| Elsbeth season 3 premiere (special night | 9:30 PM | Sunday, Oct. 12 |
| The Neighborhood season 8 premiere | 8 PM | Monday, Oct. 13 |
| DMV premiere (new comedy series) | 8:30 PM | Monday, Oct. 12 |
| FBI season 8 | 9 PM | Monday, Oct. 12 |
| Watson season 2 | 10 PM | Monday, Oct. 13 |
| NCIS season 23 | 8 PM | Tuesday, Oct. 13 |
| NCIS: Origins season 2 premiere | 9 PM | Tuesday, Oct. 13 |
| NCIS: Sydney season 2 premiere | 10 PM | Tuesday, Oct. 13 |
| Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage season 2 | 8 PM | Thursday, Oct. 15 |
| Ghosts season 5 | 8:30 PM | Thursday, Oct. 15 |
| Matlock season 2 (regular timeslot) | 9 PM | Thursday, Oct. 15 |
| Elsbeth season 3 (regular timeslot) | 10 PM | Thursday, Oct. 15 |
| Fire Country season 4 | 8 PM | Friday, Oct. 17 |
| Sheriff Country premiere (Fire Country spinoff) | 9 PM | Friday, Oct. 17 |
| Boston Blue premiere (Blue Bloods spinoff) | 10 PM | Friday, Oct. 17 |
| Tracker season 3 premiere | 8 PM | Sunday, Oct. 19 |
| Sheriff Country (regular timeslot) | 8 PM | Friday, Oct. 24 |
| Fire Country season 4 (regular timeslot) | 9 PM | Friday, Oct. 24 |
Tuesdays are anchored by the NCIS universe, with all returning on Tuesday, October 14. It’s a shift from Mondays. The original returns, kicking off NCIS season 23, at 8 PM, followed by NCIS: Origins at 9 PM and ending with NCIS: Sydney season 2. Fridays belong to Boston Blue and the Fire Country spinoff Sheriff Country, with the CBS half-hour comedies remaining on Thursdays.
Our Take On The CBS Schedule
It Won’t Be Long Now
With the release dates confirmed, it’s just a few more episodes before CBS starts rolling out new episodes of their popular dramas and comedies. It’s a line-up that heavily favors franchises and fresh faces, with something for everyone. It’s proven to work well so far, as the network has hit big with some of its most recent debuts.
