CBS: ‘Fire Country’ To Have Shorter Season 5, One Of 3 Returning Series With Reduced Orders As Net Looks To Fit More Scripted Shows In 2026-27
CBS will shorten Season 5 of 'Fire Country' to 13 episodes, down from 20, as part of a broader strategy to accommodate more scripted shows in the 2026-27 season. 'NCIS: Origins' and 'NCIS: Sydney' will also receive reduced episode orders, producing 10 episodes each. The network is expanding its scripted lineup despite industry challenges, adding new series while trimming episode counts on established shows.
- ▪'Fire Country' has been ordered 13 episodes for Season 5, a reduction from its usual 20-episode seasons.
- ▪'NCIS: Origins' and 'NCIS: Sydney' will each produce 10 episodes in 2026-27, down from 18 and 20 this season, respectively.
- ▪Both 'Matlock' and 'Einstein' will return with 13-episode seasons in midseason as part of CBS's 2026-27 lineup.
- ▪CBS is increasing its scripted series count for 2026-27, adding new shows like 'NCIS: New York' and 'Cupertino' while reducing episode orders on some returning series.
- ▪The network aims to maintain its strong Friday night lineup while making room for new programming across multiple nights and time slots.
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L-R: 'NCIS: Origins,' 'Fire Country' and 'NCIS: Sydney' CBS EXCLUSIVE: CBS‘ fall 2026 schedule is status quo on Fridays. As the network’s Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach said at the schedule reveal earlier this month, “The CBS Friday night entertainment lineup has been No. 1 for an incredible 16 straight seasons, so we’re sticking with what works, Sheriff Country at 8, Fire Country at 9, and Boston Blue at 10.” Related Stories News CBS Fall 2026 Schedule: Fewer Comedies, FBI Block & ‘Elsbeth’ Shift; ‘Ghosts’ & ‘Matlock’ Held For Midseason Cancellations and Renewals 2026 TV Series Renewals Photo Gallery However, unlike the 2025-26 season, which featured the three drama procedurals on for the duration, Fire Country will depart the lineup early next season, Deadline has learned.
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