CBS Showrunner Shifts: What It Means for Your Favorite Shows

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 5:59 GMT by Us Weekly
      Locales: California, New York, UNITED STATES

Behind the Screen: The Rising Trend of Showrunner Shifts at CBS and What It Means for Your Favorite Shows

For decades, CBS has been a cornerstone of American television, a network synonymous with reliable programming and broad appeal. From the gritty realism of its procedural dramas to the comforting familiarity of its sitcoms, CBS shows have been a consistent presence in living rooms across the nation. However, a recent trend is causing industry observers - and devoted viewers - to take notice: a surprising number of showrunner changes impacting some of the network's most popular series. These aren't mere staffing adjustments; they represent significant shifts in creative control, potentially altering the very fabric of shows we thought we knew.

Showrunners are the linchpin of any successful television series. They are not simply writers or producers; they are the overarching creative force, responsible for everything from the tone and narrative direction to the casting and editing. They shepherd a show from conception to completion, and their departure or replacement can send ripples throughout the entire production. While creative differences and pursuing new opportunities are often cited as reasons for these changes, the increasing frequency begs the question: what's driving this trend at CBS, and what does it mean for the future of its programming?

Recent examples highlight this growing pattern. FBI, a consistent ratings performer, saw Rick Eidelson step down after five seasons, with Dylan McDermott taking the helm. While Eidelson's move was framed as a desire to explore other projects, the transition still represents a fundamental change in the show's creative leadership. Similarly, Bull, despite a six-season run, experienced a mid-series shakeup with Glenn Catalano replaced by Rebecca Thomas due to reported creative disagreements. These internal conflicts illustrate the pressures inherent in maintaining a long-running series and the challenges of aligning creative visions.

Perhaps the most intriguing case is The Good Fight. The husband-and-wife team of Robert and Michelle King, known for their distinctive writing and nuanced characters, led the show for its initial run. Their eventual handing of the reins to David W. Zucker, a long-time writer on the series, was presented as a planned transition. However, even a seemingly smooth handover marks a potential shift in the show's aesthetic and thematic focus. Will Zucker maintain the Kings' signature style, or will he bring a new perspective to the legal drama? Only time will tell.

The replacement of Steven D. Hornback by Christopher Silber as showrunner of NCIS in 2023 sent shockwaves through the fanbase. NCIS is a television institution, having run for two decades and cultivated a loyal following. The lack of publicly disclosed reasoning behind the change only fueled speculation and anxiety amongst viewers. With such a long-established series, a showrunner shift can feel particularly disruptive, potentially jeopardizing the core elements that have made the show successful for so long.

So, what's causing this upswing in showrunner changes? Several factors likely contribute. The increasingly competitive television landscape, fueled by the rise of streaming services, puts immense pressure on networks to constantly innovate and attract viewers. Studios may be more willing to experiment with new creative leadership in an attempt to revitalize flagging ratings or reposition a show for a different audience. Furthermore, the demanding nature of the showrunner role - requiring long hours, immense responsibility, and constant creative problem-solving - can lead to burnout and a desire for new challenges.

However, the risks are considerable. A new showrunner, while potentially injecting fresh ideas, may also misunderstand the established dynamics of the show or alienate its core audience. Fans are often deeply invested in the characters, storylines, and overall tone of their favorite series, and a sudden shift in creative direction can be jarring and unwelcome. While change is inevitable in the world of television, CBS - and other networks - must carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks when making these crucial leadership decisions. The future of these shows, and the loyalty of their viewers, may very well depend on it.