CBS has officially pulled the plug on The Equalizer, ending the Queen Latifah-led series after five seasons. The crime drama aired its final episode on May 5, with what now stands as the series finale. A follow-up season will not be moving forward.
The Equalizer Wraps With Season 5
The Equalizer, which premiered in 2021 following the Super Bowl, reimagined the classic 1980s series with Latifah as Robyn McCall—a former CIA operative helping those who couldn’t help themselves. The cast included Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, Lorraine Toussaint, and Laya DeLeon Hayes.
The network’s decision came ahead of its 2025-26 schedule reveal, marking The Equalizer as one of several CBS dramas left off the renewal list. Produced by Universal Television, the series was the last remaining scripted holdout still awaiting its fate.
Although there were discussions about crafting a shorter sixth and final season—reportedly with budget cuts and concessions from Queen Latifah herself—the show was ultimately cancelled. According to Deadline, the season 5 finale was created with the possibility of also serving as a series conclusion.
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Queen Latifah Shares Her Farewell
Star and executive producer Queen Latifah took to Instagram to reflect on the show’s end and thank fans for their support.
“Stepping into a kick-ass role like Robyn was everything I hoped it would be,” she wrote. “The Equalizer blew past every dream we had for it, and having the opportunity to do this for five seasons honestly feels surreal.”
She added, “Thank you to our amazing cast, crew, and producers and writers! And I can’t say enough about the FANS! Y’all have been so loyal, so loud, and so ride-or-die—and that’s exactly why we keep doing this. We can’t thank you enough. It means the world to us. And don’t worry—I’ll be back kicking ass in something new real soon.”
Cast Reflects on the End
Following Latifah’s post, co-stars also shared their thoughts on social media.
Lorraine Toussaint, who played Robyn’s Aunt Vi, wrote: “I am so grateful and moved that you loyal viewers… have so graciously welcomed us into your homes and your lives for 5 extraordinary seasons. Thank you to an amazing crew and cast who have become family. I have loved playing Aunt Vi. Thank you @queenlatifah. The love is so real.”
Laya DeLeon Hayes, who portrayed Robyn’s daughter Delilah, also posted an emotional farewell: “This show came into my life right before the pandemic and was a dream come true. I am honored to have grown up on this show. Playing Delilah has been an absolute gift. I am forever changed and eternally grateful.”
Shared actor Tory Kittles, who played Detective Marcus Dante: “Going out with a bang! Thank you to all who made these five seasons a success. Especially the fans who showed so much love.”
Though its ratings had dipped in recent seasons, the show remained a reliable Sunday night performer. Despite behind-the-scenes efforts to continue, the series joins other CBS cancellations like FBI: Most Wanted and S.W.A.T.
