CBS Leads the Charge in Expanding Beloved Franchises: A Guide to the Network’s Growing Universe

The Rise of the Spinoff and Prequel Boom on CBS

In recent years, the entertainment industry has seen a surge in reboots, revivals, and spinoffs, with networks capitalizing on the success of established shows to create expanded universes. CBS has emerged as a leader in this trend, with a lineup of hit series that continue to grow into full-fledged franchises. Shows like FBI, Fire Country, NCIS, and The Big Bang Theory have laid the groundwork for a wave of spinoffs and prequels, allowing fans to delve deeper into the worlds they love. This approach not only keeps audiences engaged but also ensures that the network remains competitive in an ever-evolving television landscape.

FBI Franchise: A Global Expansion in Law Enforcement

The FBI franchise has proven to be one of CBS’s most successful ventures. Launched in 2018, the original series follows a team of FBI agents as they tackle high-stakes criminal cases across the country. The show’s success led to the creation of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, expanding the scope to include a fugitive task force and global operations, respectively. Now, CBS is taking it a step further with FBI: CIA, a new spinoff currently in development. This latest addition will likely explore the intersection of domestic and international intelligence, further cementing the franchise’s reputation as a powerhouse of procedural drama.

Fire Country: A Growing Universe of Drama and Action

Fire Country, which premiered in 2022, has quickly become a fan favorite, thanks to its blend of drama, action, and small-town charm. The show follows inmate Bode, played by Max Thieriot, as he joins the California Conservation Camp Program and finds redemption through firefighting. The series has already spawned a backdoor pilot for Sheriff Country, starring Morena Baccarin, and there are rumors of another potential spinoff, Fire Country: Surfside, which could focus on a different character, played by Jensen Ackles. Thieriot, who also serves as an executive producer, has hinted at even more ideas for the franchise, suggesting that the world of Fire Country is far from exhausted.

NCIS: A Legacy of Law Enforcement Across the Globe

The NCIS franchise is one of the most enduring and expansive on television, with a history that stretches back to its origins in the short-lived series JAG in 1995. After CBS rescued the show, it introduced the iconic character Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, and set the stage for the launch of NCIS in 2003. Over the years, the franchise has grown to include Hawaii Five-0, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawaiʻi, and NCIS: Sydney. most recently, NCIS: Origins premiered in October 2024, offering a prequel perspective by exploring the younger version of Harmon’s character, played by Austin Stowell. The franchise’s ability to evolve while maintaining its core appeal has solidified its place as a cornerstone of CBS’s programming.

Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage: Expanding the Big Bang Theory Universe

The Big Bang Theory remains one of the most iconic sitcoms in television history, and its legacy continues to grow with the spinoff Young Sheldon. Now, CBS is taking fans even deeper into the universe with Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, a prequel series focusing on two beloved characters from Young Sheldon. The show follows Georgie and Mandy as they navigate the challenges of married life, offering a fresh yet familiar narrative. Star Montana Jordan has emphasized that the series stands on its own, making it accessible to new viewers while still rewarding fans of the original shows. By exploring the early days of these characters, Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage ensures that the Big Bang Theory franchise remains vibrant and evolving.

The Equalizer and The Neighborhood: New Directions for CBS Favorites

In addition to its established franchises, CBS is branching out with new spinoffs based on popular shows. The Equalizer, starring Queen Latifah, has been renewed for a sixth season, and the network is developing a spinoff featuring Titus Welliver and Juani Feliz. Meanwhile, The Neighborhood, a sitcom starring Cedric the Entertainer and Max Greenfield, is expanding with a Paramount+ spinoff titled Crutch, which will introduce Tracy Morgan as Francois “Frank” Crutchfield. These moves highlight CBS’s commitment to diversifying its lineup while maintaining strong connections to its existing franchises. As the network continues to experiment with new ideas and expand its universes, audiences can expect even more exciting content in the years to come.