TV has lost multiple, beloved series in 2026 — including several fan-favorite CBS shows and a Law & Order spinoff.
Colbert confirmed in July 2025 that CBS “will be ending The Late Show.”
“Before we start the show I want to let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season, the network [CBS] will be ending The Late Show in May,” he said at the time as the crowd booed.
Colbert went on to reflect on The Late Show’s legacy.
“I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,” he continued. “I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners … And I’m grateful to the audience, you, who have joined us every night, in here, out there, and all around the world.”
CBS executives, meanwhile, released a statement addressing their decision to end the iconic late night program, revealing it was not “related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount” but was, instead, allegedly due to finances.
The network went on to pull the plug on several other shows, including DMV and Watson. Keep scrolling for the most disappointing TV cancellations — so far — of 2026:
‘Law and Order: Organized Crime’ (NBC)
Law & Order: Organized Crime, which premiered in 2021, went through quite a few shakeups with Matt Olmstead originally taking on the role of showrunner but ultimately stepping down later that year. He was replaced by Ilene Chaiken, who remained on the show for one season before Barry O’Brien took over.
Bryan Goluboff became the showrunner for season 3 but left after three months. He was replaced by Sean Jablonski, who left due to “creative differences” and David Graziano took over for the final episodes of the season.
NBC renewed the series for a fourth season with John Shiban as showrunner. He later departed during production of the fifth season, which marked the sixth change in showrunners over the show’s five seasons. NBC confirmed in April 2026 that the series had been canceled.
DMV (CBS)
DMV was waiting on its fate at CBS as decisions about comedy pilots Eternally Yours and The Tillbrooks (formerly known as Regency) were made. Tillbrooks wasn’t picked up but Eternally Yours was, which meant DMV was out.
‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ (CBS)
CBS previously announced in July 2025 that The Late Show would end. The network later confirmed that after the show concludes in May 2026, Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen will take over. The comedy talk show currently airs after The Late Show and is followed by Byron Allen’s other late-night game show, Funny You Should Ask.
Watson (CBS)
Another CBS show that didn’t get a renewal was Watson. It was originally announced in January that CBS had a sweep of early renewals, with only Watson and DMV left in limbo. Deadline reported that Watson’s future depended on the success of Marshals and CIA, which both scored quick renewals.
‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’ (The CW)
There’s just something about a Canadian import show on The CW that always has Us invested. So imagine our disappointment.
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