CBS Cancels 'Watson' and 'DMV' Series
Mindy KalingActress, writer, producer, and author of humorous essays on Hollywood and life.
In a recent announcement from CBS, two of its ongoing television series, the drama 'Watson' and the comedy 'DMV', have been confirmed for cancellation. 'Watson', which reimagines the classic Sherlock Holmes narrative with a medical twist, is wrapping up its second season, leaving viewers with an unresolved cliffhanger concerning Dr. John Watson's personal battle and the return of Sherlock Holmes. Concurrently, the lighthearted workplace comedy 'DMV', depicting the daily lives of employees at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in East Hollywood, will conclude after its inaugural season. These decisions reflect a strategic adjustment in the network's future content offerings.
Details on the Discontinued Productions
On March 27, 2026, CBS officially announced the discontinuation of two series. The drama 'Watson', which first captivated audiences in January 2025, is nearing the end of its second season. Starring Morris Chestnut as Dr. John Watson, the show delved into medical mysteries, pivoting from traditional crime-solving. The current season has seen Watson's team of 'doc-tectives' facing new challenges, including the unexpected return of Sherlock Holmes, played by Robert Carlyle, forcing Watson to confront a deep-seated secret within himself. Craig Sweeny developed and executive produced 'Watson' alongside Morris Chestnut, Larry Teng, Shäron Moalem, Aaron Kaplan, and Brian Morewitz.
Meanwhile, the single-camera comedy 'DMV', which debuted in October 2025, is also concluding after its first season. This series offered a humorous look at the East Hollywood Department of Motor Vehicles, featuring a diverse ensemble cast. Harriet Dyer portrayed Colette, a driving examiner with a compassionate but often over-extended nature, while Tim Meadows played Gregg, a cynical former English teacher. The cast also included Tony Cavalero as Vic, a former bouncer; Molly Kearney as Barbara, a well-meaning but often misfiring manager; Alex Tarrant as Noa, a charismatic surfer; and Gigi Zumbado as Ceci, a forthright photographer. Dana Klein is credited with creating 'DMV' and served as an executive producer alongside Matt Kuhn, Aaron Kaplan, Wendi Trilling, and Robyn Meisinger.
The cancellation of these series underscores the competitive and ever-evolving landscape of television programming. Networks constantly assess viewership, production costs, and strategic direction when making such pivotal decisions. For creators and actors, it’s a reminder of the transient nature of projects in the entertainment industry, while for viewers, it means saying goodbye to beloved characters and narratives, often prompting discussions about the factors influencing a show's longevity. These changes pave the way for new storytelling opportunities and programming choices at CBS.

