The delay in the renewal, which was already expected, had to do with the fact that the main studio Universal Television was negotiating a deal with lead actress/executive producer Queen Latifah. These negotiations have recently been completed, clearing the way for a renewal.
Until now, the seasons of The Equalizer were limited to 18 episodes, something that top talent often asks for when signing on for a drama series. During negotiations with Queen Latifah, an attempt was made to increase the number to 20 episodes or more, but sources report that season five will again consist of 18 episodes.
After the renewal of Elsbeth and the cancellation of So Help Me Todd and CSI: Vegas last week, NCIS: Hawaii remains CBS' only scripted series in limbo. All of CBS' other comedies and dramas have already been picked up for next season, including veteran Blue Bloods, which will end with eight episodes in the fall.
The future of NCIS: Hawaii is reportedly the subject of heavy business discussions, but is still a possibility with a partial season four of 13 or fewer episodes. It could be a final chapter for the series, the first installment in the NCIS franchise to feature a female lead.
The Equalizer has performed well for CBS and currently ranks as the eighth most-watched non-sports program, averaging 7.89 million linear viewers (according to the most recent Nielsen data) and more than 10 million viewers in Live+35 multiplatform viewership. It is also the No. 1 entertainment program among African Americans.
“The Equalizer, led by the incomparable Queen Latifah, has all the best elements of a powerful drama,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “The series is stacked with suspense, heroism, high stakes and formidable characters our audience roots for. We look forward to another dynamic season.”
The Equalizer is co-produced by CBS Studios and is one of four drama series that Universal Television, part of Universal Studio Group, is making for CBS, along with The Three FBIs, all of which were also recently renewed, the flagship for three seasons.
A retelling of the classic series, The Equalizer stars Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills as a former CIA agent to help people with nowhere else to turn.
Lorraine Toussaint, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira and Laya DeLeon Hayes also star.
Andrew Marlowe, Terri Edda Miller, co-showrunners Joseph C. Wilson and Adam Glass, Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), John Davis, John Fox, Debra Martin Chase, Richard Lindheim (co-creator of the original series), Shakim Compere, Joseph C. Wilson and Loretha Jones are the executive producers.
The Equalizer airs on CBS and is available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+/SkyShowtime.
Comments (0)