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From ‘Say Anything’ to ‘Palm Springs,’ Hulu nail every era of the rom-com.

Rom-coms are my favorite genre because when they really work, they deliver one of the best story experiences. Put simply, they both make me laugh and move me emotionally. Now, I’m not talking about the made-for-tv kind with generic meet-cutes and soft lighting, but the real deal: big-screen, laugh-out-loud, emotionally layered stories that actually stick with you.

So I started digging across the streamers, looking for the good ones. And while it’s obviously subjective, the best collection I found was on Hulu. Not the most rom-coms, but the right ones for me — a killer mix of 2000s nostalgia, indie hits, and buzzy modern entries that all hit that sweet spot. Here’s why Hulu is the best streamer for rom-com lovers who want quality, not quantity.

Everything you need to know about the best streamer for rom-com movies.

When it comes to records and chart-topping music, nobody quite does it like the pop star Taylor Swift. The singer-songwriter’s music has been featured in several movies and series, becoming iconic parts of their legacy.

One such film is the Anne Hathaway and Hector Elizondo starrer $216 million film, Valentine’s Day, which featured not one but two of the singer’s hit songs. While the film’s interwoven, star-studded, love stories captured audiences, its soundtrack remains a standout due to the contribution of Swift’s music proving her musical prowess with dreamy romantic tracks.

Taylor Swift’s contribution to Anne Hathaway and Hector Elizondo’s film Taylor Swift in Valentine’s Day | Credit: Warner Bros.

In 2010, Garry Marshall brought the heartwarming romantic-comedy Valentine’s Day. Featuring a star-studded cast that included Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo, Jessica Alba, Bradley Cooper, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Julia Roberts, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner,...

Barbershop is back in business.

Ahead of Amazon's upfront presentation on Monday, Amazon MGM Studios officially gave a series order to comedy series Barbershop, based on the 2000s film series of the same name, to stream on Prime Video. Marshall Todd, cowriter of the original 2002 film, is writing and executive-producing, with Kevin Hart's Hartbeat producing. Max Searle (Dave) is co-showrunner and executive producer.

Jermaine Fowler (Ricky Stanicky) stars as Travis “Trav” Porter, who endeavors to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, a legendary barber at the iconic “Calvin’s” barbershop in Chicago. And while the barbers are new, the shop remains just as lively, the customers just as argumentative, and the fades are still the dopest in the city — because at Calvin’s, the community comes together for way more than just a haircut.

“We are thrilled to announce a new series based on the hilarious and innovative...

A “Barbershop” TV series has been greenlit at Amazon Prime Video, Variety has learned.

The show will connect to the universe of the “Barbershop” film franchise, with Jermaine Fowler attached to star. Marshall Todd, who co-wrote the original film, is writing the series and executive producing. The announcement was made during Amazon’s upfronts presentation to advertisers in New York on Monday night.

The official description states the show “revolves around Travis ‘Trav’ Porter (Fowler), who endeavors

to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, a legendary barber at the iconic ‘Calvin’s’ barbershop in

Chicago. And while the barbers are new, the shop remains just as lively, the customers just as argumentative, and the fades are still the dopest in the city — because at Calvin’s, the community comes together for way more than just a haircut.”

Along with Todd, Max Searle serves as executive producer and co-showrunner. Kevin Hart,...

Prime Video has formally ordered Barbershop, a TV series starring Jermaine Fowler (Ricky Stanicky) based on the MGM movies. The series, which has had a blinking green light since last fall, was confirmed today ahead of Amazon’s upfront presentation. It comes from Marshall Todd, co-writer of the original Barbershop movie, Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and Amazon MGM Studios.

Written and executive produced by Todd, with Max Searle (Dave) as co-showrunner and executive producer, the Barbershop TV offshoot revolves around Travis “Trav” Porter (Fowler), who endeavors to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, a legendary barber at the iconic “Calvin’s” barbershop in Chicago. And while the barbers are new, the shop remains just as lively, the customers just as argumentative, and the fades are still the dopest in the city — because at Calvin’s, the community comes together for way more than just a haircut.

“We are thrilled...

Just because Robyn McCall’s story ended doesn’t mean your watchlist has to.

If you got hooked on The Equalizer, you’re definitely not alone. Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall was the kind of lead you could root for — cool under pressure, morally sharp, and always one step ahead. That’s why it stung a bit when CBS canceled the show just days before the Season 5 finale. No big send-off, no buildup, just… done. And sure, fans got some closure with that final episode, but if you’re still craving that mix of weekly justice, big emotion, and tough-but-tender hero vibes, here are four shows (and one throwback) that should fill the gap. If you loved “The Equalizer,” watch these shows next…

The Equalizer February 7, 2021

Robyn McCall, an enigmatic former CIA operative with a mysterious background, uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn.

Live 5 CBS directv.

While many of us are aware of the 1985 crime drama series The Equalizer, created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim, or the Denzel Washington starrer The Equalizer trilogy on CBS, there is an equally tantalizing remake of the Og series starring Queen Latifah as the enigmatic Robyn McCall.

Having debuted in 2021 with a high-profile premiere following the 2021 Super Bowl, the series has captivated audiences with its blend of high-octane action, compelling drama, and a strong female lead using her skills to deliver justice. The modern reimagining of the Og series, CBS’ The Equalizer carved out a unique niche for itself in the genre, earning mostly positive reviews from fans and critics alike.

After five brilliant seasons, the show has amassed a loyal fan base and has fans rallying behind Latifah’s portrayal of the former CIA operative-turned-vigilante. Yet, even with the passionate fan following and cultural significance, the show has...

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After five seasons, Robyn McCall is calling it quits. That's because CBS has decided to cancel Queen Latifah's "The Equalizer." While the show's status had been up in the air, the network has officially opted not to renew the show for a sixth season. Thus, the season 5 finale serves as the series finale.

According to Deadline, "The Equalizer" season 5 will be the show's last, after much back and forth on the part of CBS. However, the show's creative team did write the season finale in a way that ensures audiences won't be left with a frustrating cliffhanger like the one "Dark Angel" had back in the day. There will be a proper ending, even if it wasn't necessarily conceived as a definitive series finale.

What's more, it was also confirmed in the report that the show won't be shopped...

CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach is explaining why Queen Latifah’s reign as The Equalizer is over.

“It’s never easy to end shows, and we had a lot of options this year,” Reisenbach told reporters on Wednesday afternoon, shortly after revealing CBS’ Fall 2025 schedule. “We always have to look at all of our shows, look at the aggregate information — the creative, where they are in their life cycle, what the finances look like, what the ratings are — and we make those tough decisions.

More from TVLineCBS Fall Schedule: All-<em>NCIS</em> Tuesdays, <em>FBI</em> on Move, <em>Boston Blue</em> Gets Familiar Slot; <em>Yellowstone</em> Spinoff at MidseasonCancellation Anxiety!

Queen Latifah is speaking out for the first time since her TV show, The Equalizer, got cancelled after five seasons.

The 55-year-old actress and musician spoke out on social media following reports confirming that the CBS season would be ending at the network after Season 5.

The series starred Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who used her extensive skills as a former CIA operative to help those with nowhere else to turn.

Keep reading to find out more…

“Stepping into a kick-a– role like Robyn was everything I hoped it would be,” she began.

“Shakim [Compere] and I at Flavor Unit are always excited to bring these kinds of roles and projects to life—and then we just hope you love them as much as we do. The Equalizer blew past every dream we had for it, and having the opportunity to do this for five seasons honestly feels surreal.

The Equalizer had a good run. The crime drama ran for five seasons on CBS, and was poised to expand its network dominance with an additional season and a spinoff. Neither of these things have come to fruition. CBS has decided to pull the plug on The Equalizer, and the details about the spinoff make this news even tougher to swallow than it would have been otherwise.

The Equalizer showrunner, Joe Wilson, recently spoke to TV Insider about the plans for the franchise, and he made it clear that he had high hopes for the spinoff that was teased in a recent episode. "That [spinoff] would've been fantastic," he asserted to the outlet. "It would’ve been more of a different type of family dynamic."

Joe Wilson teased "better" version of main show “Sins of the Father” – McCall is contacted by Samantha Reed, whose father, ex-CIA agent Elijah Reed, is missing.

The Equalizer may have wrapped up its five-season run on CBS with a series finale that gave fans emotional closure, but it turns out the show was setting up much more than just a proper goodbye. Speaking to TV Insider, showrunner Joe Wilson opened up about the canceled spin-off starring Bosch and Bosch: Legacy icon Titus Welliver, revealing what could’ve been a thrilling new chapter in the Equalizer universe.

The potential spin-off was introduced during the April 20 episode of The Equalizer, which served as a backdoor pilot. Welliver and Juani Feliz starred as Elijah and Samantha Reed, a father and daughter duo with deep CIA ties and even deeper emotional scars. Samantha contacts Robyn McCall (Queen Latifah) after her father goes missing, and the episode sees McCall and her crew uncovering pieces of a covert past Samantha never knew existed. By the end of the hour, Robyn sets her...

The Equalizer fans got some bad news over the past couple weeks: First, the potential spinoff wasn’t ordered to series, then the show itself was canceled just two days before the Season 5 finale. And so the Sunday, May 4, episode served as the series finale. The April 20 episode introduced the characters of the potential spinoff, Titus Welliver and Juani Feliz playing father and daughter Elijah and Samantha Reed. Robyn (Queen Latifah), Mel (Liza Lapira), and Harry (Adam Goldberg) crossed paths with them when Samantha reached out after her father, an ex-CIA agent, was taken. As a result, she learned more about her family’s past, specifically her biological father. The episode ended with Robyn setting her on the path to bring equalizing to a new city. “That [spinoff] would’ve been fantastic,” The Equalizer showrunner Joe Wilson tells TV Insider. “It would’ve been a father-daughter situation. Titus Welliver is a fantastic actor.

The Equalizer was canceled by CBS just two days before the season 5 finale aired on Sunday (May 4).

The series starred Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who used her extensive skills as a former CIA operative to help those with nowhere else to turn.

Fans of the show are very upset, and we’re breaking down what we know about CBS’ decision.

Keep reading to find out more…

First, THR is reporting that The Equalizer‘s timeslot change this season caused a drop in ratings. Last season, when it aired in an earlier hour on Sunday nights, it averaged 7.89 million viewers. This season, that number dropped to under 6 million.

Deadline shared that finances were part of the decision to renew or cancel, but producers on the show had allegedly agreed to take the budget down to help the show’s renewal odds. The site...

Fans around the world were shocked on Friday night when it was announced that CBS had canceled The Equalizer after five seasons. The show first debuted in 2021, and during an era where many seasons of TV take years to make it to the screen, The Equalizer had produced five quality seasons in under five years. The show stars Queen Latifah in the lead role of Robyn McCall, and she has already bid the show farewell and shared her gratitude for having the chance to work on the series. The Equalizer showrunner Joe Wilson recently sat down for an interview with TV Insider to talk about the series, and not only did he express his hope for another season, but he also spoke about some specific plot points that audiences would have seen in Season 6:

"I hope we get it. I can say is if we do get it, there are wedding bells.

The Equalizer showrunner Joe Wilson has revealed why the show did not end on a season 5 cliffhanger, despite its surprise cancellation. A reboot of the original 1980s series of the same name, The Equalizer debuted on CBS in February 2021, and starred Queen Latifah as the titular character Robyn McCall, a former CIA agent who becomes a street vigilante for justice. The Equalizer season 1 debuted to strong ratings, and, though ratings declined, it seemed like The Equalizer season 6 was on the cusp of a renewal before CBS confirmed the cancellation.

In an interview with TV Insider, Wilson reveals why he made the decision not to end The Equalizer season 5 on a cliffhanger, preferring the episode to be one that could conclude both the season and the series. Wilson confirmed that the decision was made not to end with a cliffhanger because there were no guarantees that the show would be picked up for a sixth season.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Equalizer season 5, episode 18!The Equalizer showrunner Joe Wilson has revealed what would have happened in season 6 of the crime drama had it been renewed for more episodes. The Equalizer season 5 marks the end CBS' reboot of the 1980's TV show of the same name, the show getting cancelled just days before its season finale. What has now become the show's de facto series finale sees Robyn (Queen Latifah) and Dante (Tory Kittles) targeted by Salazar (Juan Javier Cardenas). The episode ends with the main character agreeing to his marriage proposal, laying the groundwork for season 6.

Speaking with TV Insiderprior to the series' cancellation, Wilson confirmed that, if The Equalizer season 6 happened, Robyn and Dante would have a wedding. He also confirmed that all the major characters in the series had been slated to return, although they could have had new roles in the team as...

[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers for The Equalizer series finale “Decisions.”] Well, at least The Equalizer ends on a happy note. The CBS drama wraps up its fifth and final season with Robyn (Queen Latifah) and Dante (Tory Kittles) taking a romantic getaway, only for Salazar (Juan Javier Cardenas) to track them down. Dante is shot, which means it takes until after his surgery for Robyn to answer his proposal. She, of course, says yes! Meanwhile, Harry (Adam Goldberg) starts a conversation with Mel (Liza Lapira) about them stopping equalizing; they decide to stick with it for now. Meanwhile, Delilah’s (Laya DeLeon Hayes) still thinking about college, and Vi (Lorraine Toussaint) decides to move in with Curtis (Christopher B. Duncan), in a new place. Below, showrunner Joe Wilson unpacks that finale, shares his thoughts on what Season 6 could have been, and more. (This interview was conducted before the ...

Spoiler Alert: The following reveals major plot points from CBS’ The Equalizer series finale.

In a shock to The Equalizer fans, it was revealed late Friday that the Queen Latifah-led series would end as CBS decided not to order a sixth season. Tonight’s episode, “Decisions,” originally the Season 5 finale, will now be the CBS show’s series finale.

With the future of the show uncertain, the cast and crew shot the episode with a conclusion that wraps up the series perfectly. Everything came down to a one-hour-long adventure, and in true The Equalizer fashion, Robyn McCall’s (Queen Latifah) life was hanging on the precipice of life and death, as was her true love, Marcus Dante (Tory Kittles).

But let’s go back to the beginning.

Juan Javier Cardenas as Angel Salazar

After many seasons of will they or won’t they, Robyn and Dante have finally found...

FBI: Most Wanted star Edwin Hodge has paid tribute to the show after filming its final episode. Hodge has played FBI Special Agent Ray Cannon on the CBS procedural for three seasons.

Fans of the FBI franchise were shocked in March when CBS canceled both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International — leaving only the original FBI show on the air for now. CBS is developing a new spinoff based around the CIA — set to star Tom Ellis — but the project is in the early stages.

CBS Canceled Both FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted in March

The FBI: Most Wanted cast wrapped up filming on the season six finale — and last-ever episode — this past week, with Hodge sharing some behind-the-scenes photos with his co-stars on Instagram. The actor also reflected on how much being apart of the FBI franchise meant to him.

"All good things must come to an end.

The Equalizer star Queen Latifah shares an emotional response to the show’s cancellation. The CBS procedural premiered in 2021, reimagining the Edward Woodward series and focusing on former central intelligence agent Robyn McCall. Along with Latifah, who is an executive producer, The Equalizer cast includes Tory Kittles, Liza Lapira, Adam Goldberg, Laya DeLeon Hayes, and Lorraine Toussaint. Despite generating a loyal fanbase and speculation about a potential season 6, it was recently announced that The Equalizer will conclude following the upcoming season 5 finale.

Now, Latifah has responded to The Equalizer being canceled and shared an emotional farewell post on Instagram. In her caption, Latifah expressed appreciation for her character and for getting the series made, explaining how continuing "forfive seasonshonestly feels surreal." She also conveyed gratitude to everyone involved in making The Equalizer, and to those who watched over the years, before teasing her next project. Read Latifah’s reaction below:...

As fans prepare to say goodbye to The Equalizer with today's series finale, one of its key stars is reflecting on five transformative seasons — and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the ride. The long-running Queen Latifah-starring CBS drama was cancelled earlier this week, surprising fans who had not only been anticipating a sixth season, but even a spin-off as well. Speaking exclusively with Collider’s Christina Radish at the press junket for Prime Video’s The Better Sister, Lorraine Toussaint opened up about the surprise cancellation and what playing Aunt Vi has meant to her. She told Collider:

“We just got word last night that we’re done. I think of all the characters I’ve played, and that one allowed me to indulge my maternal, softer side more than any other characters I’ve played. I’ve played psychopaths and all sorts of things. She’s definitely not...

Fans of CBS's The Equalizercouldn't believe their eyes when news broke of the Queen Latifah-led show's cancelation just a few days before the Season 5 finale. After weeks of hoping CBS would give it another chance, the network decided not to renew the crime drama series, which is a reboot of the 1985 show of the same name. The upcoming episode, which was supposed to be the season finale, will now serve as the series finale. The cast have been sharing their reactions to the cancelation on social media, reflecting on being a part of the show and thanking viewers for watching.

According to Deadline, Queen Latifah, who played Robyn McCall, posted a passionate tribute to The Equalizer fans following the news. McCall, the lead character, is a single mom with a mysterious background who uses her skills to help those in need. To many, she was a guardian angel...

On Sunday May 4 2025, CBS broadcasts an episode of the series The Equalizer!

Decisions Season 5 Episode 18 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Equalizer,” titled “Decisions,” promises to deliver a blend of action and personal growth. McCall and Dante find themselves on what should be a relaxing romantic getaway. However, their peaceful retreat quickly turns into chaos when Salazar and his army ambush them. This unexpected turn of events will test their relationship and their skills as they face a dangerous threat.

Meanwhile, Aunt Vi is making strides in her own life. She has decided to take the next step in her relationship with Captain Curtis. This development adds a layer of warmth and personal stakes to the episode, contrasting with the intense action that McCall and Dante are experiencing. Viewers will see how Aunt Vi navigates her feelings and the challenges that come with deepening a relationship.

Dee also has...

It's official: The Equalizer will not be coming back for a sixth season on CBS. The news has garnered an emotional reaction from the star of the show, Queen Latifah.

Ahead of the show's fifth season finale, it was announced that The Equalizer had been canceled. The Season 5 finale, set to drop on May 4, will now serve as the last episode of the show. Taking to Instagram, Queen Latifah shared an image of herself from the series with a gun drawn, accompanied by the slogan, "I'm the one you call when you can't call 911." She also included in the caption a message to the fans to thank them for their support while teasing she'd be back on the screen "kicking ass" in another project soon enough.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Queen Latifah (@queenlatifah)

"Stepping into a kick-ass role like Robyn was everything I hoped it would be,...

Queen Latifah shared her final thoughts about “The Equalizer” after it was announced Friday that the CBS action series would end after five seasons.

On Friday, Latifah took to Instagram to share some parting words ahead of the “The Equalizer” series finale on May 4. She wrote that taking on the “kick-ass” role of a former CIA operative turned vigilante guardian angel, Robyn McCall, was “everything I hoped it would be.”

“Shakim [Compere] and I at Flavor Unit are always excited to bring these kinds of roles and projects to life — and then we just hope you love them as much as we do,” Latifah 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 continued, “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,...

Queen Latifah is responding to the news of The Equalizer’s cancellation.

CBS announced Friday that the drama series was coming to a close after five seasons. On Instagram, the Emmy and Grammy Award winner addressed the end of The Equalizer, while noting that playing the “kick-ass role” of Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative, “was everything I hoped it would be.”

“Shakim [Compere] and I at Flavor Unit are always excited to bring these kinds of roles and projects to life — and then we just hope you love them as much as we do,” she wrote in the caption of the Friday post. “The Equalizer blew past every dream we had for it, and having the opportunity to do this for five seasons honestly feels surreal.”

Ratings for the series went down after its run time shifted to a later hour on Sunday nights. The news of The Equalizer being...

Robyn McCall is officially holstering her weapon. After five seasons of delivering justice on the streets of New York, The Equalizer will not return for a sixth season on CBS — and Queen Latifah is taking a moment to reflect, thank fans, and tease what’s next. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared Friday evening, Latifah — who both starred in and executive produced the series through her Flavor Unit production company alongside Shakim Compere — addressed the show’s passionate fanbase and her experience leading one of network TV’s rare action dramas fronted by a Black woman.

“Stepping into a kick-ass role like Robyn was everything I hoped it would be,” Latifah wrote. “Shakim and I at Flavor Unit are always excited to bring these kinds of roles and projects to life—and then we just hope you love them as much as we do. The Equalizer blew past every dream we had for it,...

Robyn McCall has worked her last case on CBS: The network has canceled The Equalizer after five seasons, and the season finale scheduled for Sunday, May 4, will now be the show’s series finale. The action drama was CBS’ final bubble show, and its cancellation was likely financially motivated, considering it was a co-production between CBS Studios and outside studio Universal Television, according to Variety, which reported the cancellation. The Equalizer starred Queen Latifah — who also executive-produced the show through her Flavor Unit Entertainment production company — as Robyn, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills as a former CIA operative to help those with nowhere else to turn, as the show’s logline explains. Lorraine Toussaint, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, and Laya DeLeon Hayes also starred in the series. Michael Greenberg/CBS The series has attracted an average of 4.26 million total viewers this season,...

The Equalizer, the CBS crime series which stars Queen Latifah, has been canceled after five seasons. The fifth — and now final season — set to conclude on Sunday.

While the news may seem abrupt and won’t allow The Equalizer to go out in a way that will completely satisfy fans, Deadline reports that the showrunners purposely designed the fifth season finale to be able to play as a series send-off. Obviously that points to them being well aware that The Equalizer could have been headed towards the chopping block.

Queen Latifah reacted to the news of The Equalizer’s cancellation by taking to Instagram, writing, “Stepping into a kick-ass role like Robyn was everything I hoped it would be. Shakim [Compere] and I at Flavor Unit are always excited to bring these kinds of roles and projects to life-and then we just hope you love them as much as we do.

CBS has ended The Equalizer, its remake of the 1980s crime series, after five seasons. The decision was confirmed just ahead of the fifth season’s final episode, airing May 4, which will now serve as the last installment of the show.

Led by Queen Latifah, the series was the last CBS scripted title from the 2024–25 season awaiting a renewal or cancellation decision. The network’s move finalizes its remaining open slots ahead of the official unveiling of its 2025–26 schedule on May 7.

The series averaged just under 6 million viewers this season with delayed viewing included, compared to 7.89 million the prior season. CBS shifted the show to a later time slot on Sunday nights, which corresponded with a dip in viewership.

A co-production between Universal Television and CBS Studios, The Equalizer followed Latifah’s character Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who used her skills to help those with limited options. The...

Robyn won't be fighting for those needing help anymore. The Equalizer has been cancelled, so there won't be a sixth season on CBS. The show's fifth season of 18 episodes finishes airing this Sunday.

An action crime series, The Equalizer TV show stars Queen Latifah, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, Laya DeLeon Hayes, and Lorraine Toussaint. Jennifer Ferrin, Donal Logue, and Indira Wilson recur, while Mike Epps guests in season four. The story follows Robyn McCall (Latifa), an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background. She uses her extensive skills as a former CIA operative to help those with nowhere else to turn. To most, Robyn appears to be just an average single mom who is quietly raising her daughter (Hayes) and living with her aunt (Toussaint). However, to a trusted few, Robyn is The Equalizer, an anonymous guardian angel...

Following CBS’ cancellation of The Equalizer after five seasons, star and executive producer Queen Latifah addressed the series’ fans Friday night. In an Instagram post, she reflected on her run as Robyn McCall on the show, which she and her producing partner Shakim Compere executive produced through their company, Flavor Unit.

“Stepping into a kick-ass role like Robyn was everything I hoped it would be,” she wrote. “Shakim and I at Flavor Unit are always excited to bring these kinds of roles and projects to life — and then we just hope you love them as much as we do. The Equalizer blew past every dream we had for it, and having the opportunity to do this for five seasons honestly feels surreal.”

Queen Latifah went on to thank the series’ cast, crew, writers and producers before turning to the fans.

“Y’all have been so loyal, so loud, and so...

The Equalizer will not be continuing for a sixth season on CBS.

On Friday (May 2), it was confirmed that the action thriller series has been canceled after five seasons. The season five finale, which airs on May 4, will now serve as the series finale, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Starring Queen Latifah, The Equalizer is a reboot of the 1980s show of the same name. In the show, Queen plays Robyn McCall, an enigmatic figure who uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn. It also stars Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, Laya DeLeon Hayes, and Lorraine Toussaint.

Keep reading to find out more…

A spinoff of The Equalizer was in talks earlier this year, but it will now not be picked up by CBS.

Meanwhile, find out all the TV shows that CBS has canceled in 2025 so far.

Following the cancelation of several popular shows, and the recent abandoning of its new spinoff, CBS has finally sealed the fate of The Equalizer. The Queen Latifah vehicle will be wrapping up on May 4, as the Season 5 finale will also be the final episode of the series. This makes The Equalizer yet another casualty amid more than half a dozen cancelations on the network.

The decision has been revealed ahead of Sunday night’s Season 5 closer, and is perhaps not a surprise considering the series has seen a decline in viewership across its most recent season following the show’s time-slot change to a later position. The latest season has averaged almost two million viewers less than Season 4, with around six million people tuning in each week, according to figures revealed by Nielsen.

The cancelation of The Equalizer is the final nail in the coffin of the scripted shows that have been awaiting their fate.

Robyn McCall will answer the call no more. After five seasons on the network, Queen Latifah's crime drama series The Equalizer will not be renewed for a sixth run on CBS. The show was the last under the network's purview that was awaiting a renewal decision for the 2025-26 season and, throughout that time, was believed to have about a 50/50 chance of getting picked up for one final pursuit of justice. During discussions with Universal Television, Queen Latifah was even believed to have made concessions to get the series back in the field one last time. The news comes not long after a proposed spin-off starring Bosch lead Titus Welliver and Juani Feliz was similarly axed despite a backdoor pilot earlier in the season.

Discussions for a sixth, 13-episode season had initially looked promising. According to Deadline, the team behind the series had agreed to bring the production budget...

The Equalizer’s mission may be over at CBS, but star and executive producer Queen Latifah has nothing but gratitude for the five-season run.

Following CBS’ decision to cancel the crime procedural on Friday, Queen Latifah took to Instagram to pay tribute to her time on the series: “Stepping into a kick-ass role like Robyn was everything I hoped it would be. Shakim and I at Flavor Unit are always excited to bring these kinds of roles and projects to life — and then we just hope you love them as much as we do. The Equalizer blew past every dream we had for it,...

The fate of The Equalizer has just been revealed shortly ahead of the show's fifth season finale. Unfortunately for fans, it's not good news.

Per Deadline, it's been revealed that The Equalizer has been canceled at CBS after five seasons. The show was the last scripted series on CBS that was still on the bubble, awaiting word of whether it would be renewed for Season 6. With that not happening, the Season 5 finale, which is set to air on Sunday, May 4, will serve as the series finale. CBS will officially announce the network's 2025-26 schedule on May 7.

The update is undoubtedly disappointing for fans hoping to see the series continue. According to reports, the show's cancelation was not guaranteed. There were tentative plans in place to possibly renew The Equalizer for a 13-episode sixth season, though if that were to happen, Season 6 would have been planned to serve as the last for the show.

Robyn McCall’s vigilante days are over: CBS has cancelled The Equalizer after five seasons, TVLine has learned. That means this Sunday’s season finale (10/9c) will now serve as a series finale.

The cancellation follows CBS’ decision not to proceed with a Titus Welliver-led spinoff.

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Season-to-date, The Equalizer...

It’s the end of the road for Queen Latifah’s “The Equalizer.”

CBS opted not to renew the drama series for a sixth season, TheWrap has learned, leaving to end with its fifth season. The Season 5 finale, airing May 4, will now serve as the show’s series finale.

In the reimagining of the classic “Equalizer” series, which originally ran from 1985-1989, Queen Latifah stars as Robyn McCall, who is described as “an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills as a former CIA operative to help those with nowhere else to turn.”

She stars in “The Equalizer” alongside Lorraine Toussaint, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira and Laya DeLeon Hayes.

In a Friday Instagram post, Queen Latifah said “The Equalizer” “blew past every dream we had for it, and having the opportunity to do this for five seasons honestly feels surreal.” She also teased she...

CBS has canceled its drama series The Equalizer, bringing the show to a close at the network after five seasons.

The decision comes just two days before the show’s fifth season finale on May 4. That episode will now serve as a series finale. Ratings for The Equalizer fell off a good amount this season as it moved to a later hour on Sunday nights; it averages a little under 6 million viewers with a week of Nielsen-measured delayed viewing (not including streaming), compared to 7.89 million last season.

With the cancellation, CBS has no more scripted series from the 2024-25 season in limbo. The Equalizer joins fellow veteran dramas FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted and first-year comedy Poppa’s House in being canceled; the long-running Blue Bloods ended in December.

Based on the 1985-89 series of the same name (which was also adapted into a trio of feature films starring...

CBS has canceled the reboot of “The Equalizer” after five seasons, Variety has learned.

The series, which is led by Queen Latifah, was the last remaining bubble show at the broadcast network. The season finale airing on May 4 will now serve as the series finale.

Previously, CBS had canceled the freshman multi-cam “Poppa’s House” as well as both “FBI: International” and “FBI: Most Wanted.” CBS had also aired a backdoor pilot for a potential “Equalizer” spinoff earlier this season, which is also not moving forward.

The move to cancel “The Equalizer” is not altogether surprising, as the show was also on the bubble last season. It is co-produced by CBS Studios and outside studio Universal Television, making it a less attractive option for CBS financially, particularly this late in its run. The network has also already picked up a number of new drama shows for next season, including a new...

Robyn McCall has done her final quest for justice. CBS has opted not to renew crime drama The Equalizer, starring and executive produced by Queen Latifah, for a sixth season. This was the last CBS scripted series or pilot awaiting to learn their fate ahead of the network’s 2025-26 schedule announcement on May 7.

There are no plans for The Equalizer, produced by Universal Television, part of Universal Studio Group, to be shopped, I hear. Sunday’s Season 5 finale now will serve as a series finale.

As Deadline previously reported, The Equalizer had been in consideration for what was expected to be a 13-episode sixth and final season. Odds were always 50-50 at best, but there had been promising signs. Since finances play a key role in any renewal conversations these days, I hear producers of The Equalizer had agreed to reduce the budget of the show to the levels CBS had asked for,...

Queen Latifah helped design and signed a pair of shoes for the Stuart Weitzman charity shoe auction benefiting ovarian cancer awareness and research.

Charities & foundations supported

Queen Latifah has supported the following charities:

46664Boys & Girls Clubs of AmericaCitymeals On WheelsCommon Ground FoundationDana-Farber Cancer InstituteFFAWNGenerosity WaterGirl UpGLAADHarry Holmberg Memorial FoundationKeep A Child AlivePrincess Grace FoundationSave The Music FoundationStarlight Children's FoundationStraight But Not NarrowThe Trevor Project Read more about Queen Latifah's charity work and events. Related articles Glamour Making A Charity StarCelebrities Cast Aside Their Clothing For CharityCelebrity Auctions For Christmas2008 Golden Globes RoundupKeep A Child Alive Announces 2008 Black Ball Details

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In the 2000s, Matt Damon’s The Bourne Identity, for better or worse, revolutionized the action landscape with its emphasis on shaky cam. Although many action flicks attempted to replicate this formula, most became unbridled messes because of overly rapid editing, followed by confusing use of shaky cams.

However, the Bourne IP can’t be blamed for the string of underwhelming action flicks that haphazardly tried to bank on the Damon-led franchise’s proven formula. The original trilogy remains a treat to the eye. But since the 2010s, many action projects have introduced their unique charm to the genre, including Queen Latifah’s The Equalizer, which has been popping off recently.

Queen Latifah showcases her very particular set of skills in The Equalizer The Bourne Identity | Credit: Universal Pictures

Before John Wick murdered three men with a pencil in a bar, Jason Bourne made his mark on the action landscape...

Quinta Brunson is about to join a rare group that only includes Queen Latifah and Maya Rudolph.

On May 3, the two-time Emmy winner for Abbott Elementary will host Saturday Night Live for the second time in her career. Only two Black women have ever hosted SNL multiple times: Latifah in 2003 and 2004, and Rudolph in 2012, 2021, and 2024.

The first time Brunson emceed NBC's late night program in April 2023, she went viral for the "Bosses" sketch in which she and Sarah Sherman played bald, chauvinistic male executives who acted inappropriately toward a new female employee (Chloe Fineman). Brunson's character was obsessed with Fineman's "big old buttered yams," proclaiming, "What I wouldn't do to jump off a diving board and cannonball into that cleavage. Help, I'm drowning! But don't save me — I want to die in there."

Other notable sketches included "Traffic Altercation," where Brunson got into a fight with Mikey Day while stuck in traffic; "Drug Dealer,...

The fifth season finale arrives without any definitive answer as to the status of The Equalizer. While CBS hasn’t officially said if the series has been cancelled, it did confirm it’s not moving forward on a spinoff starring Titus Welliver. Welliver’s character was introduced as a former CIA operative and McCall’s mentor on the April 20, 2025 episode.

Directed by Geoff Shotz and written by Joe Wilson and Rob Hanning, episode 18 will air on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 10pm Et/Pt.

“Decisions” Plot: While on a romantic getaway, McCall and Dante are abruptly ambushed by Salazar and his army. Meanwhile, Aunt Vi finally decides to take the next step in her relationship with Captain Curtis, and Dee meets with her favorite author who may be able to help her get into her dream university.

Queen Latifah stars as Robyn McCall, Tory Kittles is Detective Marcus Dante, Adam Goldberg is Harry Keshegian,...

Universal Pictures has announced the nationwide theatrical re-release of The Wiz, the 1978 Oscar-nominated musical starring music legends Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, screen icon Lena Horne, and comedy titan Richard Pryor.

The landmark film, which reimagines L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, through the lens of 1970s Black culture, will return to theaters nationwide for special screenings on May 18 and May 21, 2025.

Nearly five decades since its original release, The Wiz remains a defining moment in cinematic history, celebrated for its bold, revolutionary vision of Oz. Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, The Wiz tells the story of Dorothy (Oscar nominee Ross), a Harlem schoolteacher who is transported to the magical land of Oz during a snowstorm.

There, she embarks on a journey to meet the all-powerful ruler of Oz, The Wiz (Grammy and Emmy winner Richard Pryor), and find a way back home. Along the way,...

Fact: CBS has cancelled two spinoffs (FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted) but picked up three more for next fall.

Fact: As we speak, CBS has renewed all but three of its scripted shows. The Powers That Be previously cancelled S.W.A.T. and foreclosed on Poppa’s House, but have not yet determined the fate of Queen Latifah’s The Equalizer.

More from TVLine<em>The Neighborhood</em> Spinoff Not Moving Forward at CBS<em>The Equalizer</em> Spinoff Not Moving Forward at CBSSo, About That Steamy NCIS: Origins Swimming Pool Scene: 'We Were Freezing Our T-s Off!' Star Shares

What It All Means:...

It’s without a doubt that The EqualizerSeason 5 has come a long way since McCall’s (Queen Latifah) first mission of the season that nearly killed her in "The Lost Ones." Meanwhile, the season is already on its way to the finish line with only one episode left, the finale, which airs next Sunday. In anticipation, fans can have a peek at what’s coming thanks to the newly dropped promo below, which shows the title character in very deep trouble amid her romantic getaway.

In the final episode of The Equalizer Season 5, McCall and Dante (Tory Kittles) enjoy a trip away from the city’s chaos, but it's unfortunately interrupted by Salazar (Juan Javier Cárdenas) and his men, who have been watching them unbeknownst to McCall. As the lovebirds get comfortable, a knock at the door prompts McCall to ask her beau, “You expecting something?” Next, we see the criminals attack the couple,...