"The Equalizer" Canceled: Queen Latifah's Series Ends After 5 Seasons
Robyn McCall's fight for justice has come to an end. After five seasons, CBS has decided not to renew "The Equalizer," starring Queen Latifah, for a sixth season.
The show's future had been uncertain, with its chances of renewal estimated at around 50/50 for the 2025-26 season. Despite efforts to lower production costs and Queen Latifah's willingness to make concessions, the network ultimately decided to pull the plug.
This news follows the cancellation of a proposed spin-off featuring Titus Welliver (from "Bosch") and Juani Feliz, even after a backdoor pilot episode aired earlier in the season. While discussions for a sixth season consisting of 13 episodes initially seemed promising, CBS ultimately chose not to move forward.
The End of the Line for "The Equalizer"
Despite the production team's efforts to meet CBS's budget requirements, a renewal was never guaranteed. Universal Television, the studio behind the show, will not be shopping "The Equalizer" to other networks or streaming platforms.
Sunday's episode will now serve as the series finale. Fortunately, the creative team anticipated the possibility of cancellation and crafted the episode to function as a satisfying conclusion to Robyn McCall's story.
A Look Back at the Series
"The Equalizer" premiered to great fanfare on CBS, airing after Super Bowl LV in 2021. It became only the fourth series on the network to feature a Black woman in the leading role. The show is a reimagining of the original series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim.
Queen Latifah starred as Robyn McCall, a seemingly ordinary single mother who leads a double life as "The Equalizer." A former CIA operative, McCall dedicates herself to helping those who have nowhere else to turn, using her unique skills to even the odds for the vulnerable and oppressed. She juggles her vigilante activities with raising her teenage daughter, Delilah, played by Laya DeLeon Hayes.
The series resonated with audiences on CBS and Netflix, finding success as a modern take on a classic concept. Alongside Queen Latifah and Laya DeLeon Hayes, the cast included Lorraine Toussaint, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, and Liza Lapira.
What to Expect from the Finale
While specific details about the finale remain under wraps, viewers can expect a thrilling and emotional conclusion. McCall's life is in danger as she attempts to enjoy a romantic getaway with Dante (Tory Kittles). However, their trip is disrupted by Salazar (Juan Javier Cárdenas) and his men, who are tracking McCall's every move. The promo suggests a dramatic confrontation, leaving McCall with a difficult choice in a perilous situation.
Meanwhile, Aunt Vi (Lorraine Toussaint) takes her relationship with Captain Curtis (Christopher B. Duncan) to the next level, and Delilah has a memorable encounter with her favorite author, adding emotional depth to the series' final chapter.
The series finale of "The Equalizer" will air this Sunday, May 4, on CBS. All episodes of the series will then be available for streaming on Paramount Plus.