Queen Latifah Bids Farewell as 'The Equalizer' After 5 Seasons

‘The Equalizer’ Ends After Five Seasons as CBS Announces Cancellation, Leading Star Queen Latifah Addresses Finale

Is “The Equalizer” cancelled? The answer is yes, as Queen Latifah prepares to deliver her final performance as vigilante protector Robyn McCall in “The Equalizer” this Sunday, following CBS’s decision to conclude the popular primetime network drama after five seasons.

The action drama, which debuted as “The Equalizer 2021 TV series”, chronicled the journey of Latifah’s Robyn McCall character, a single mother and ex-CIA operative who dedicated herself to protecting those in need. This reimagining of the 1980s series has captivated audiences, leaving many wondering what is “The Equalizer” about and why it resonated so strongly with viewers.

According to Deadline, the upcoming Season 5 finale scheduled for Sunday will now serve as the series finale. The episode, titled “Decisions,” will mark the end of The Equalizer Queen Latifah era, concluding a significant chapter in the franchise’s history.

Queen Latifah Reflects on Her Journey as Robyn McCall

Queen Latifah, who doubled as executive producer with business partner Shakim Compere, shared her thoughts about the Equalizer TV show and her character on Friday, shortly after learning of The Equalizer cancellation from CBS’s lineup.

“Taking on the powerful role of Robyn McCall exceeded all my expectations,” she shared via Instagram. “At Flavor Unit, Shakim and I constantly strive to develop and produce these types of roles and projects—and we simply hope the audience connects with them as deeply as we do. The Equalizer surpassed all our expectations, and having the privilege to tell this story for five seasons feels like a dream.”
In her farewell message addressing the Queen Latifah finale, the actress acknowledged The Equalizer cast, crew, and viewers, expressing deep gratitude for their unwavering support, describing it as meaning everything to the passionate fans who have followed the vigilante crime drama.

What’s Next for the Award-Winning Actress?

The 55-year-old actress hinted at her future endeavors, suggesting her next role would maintain similar themes to “The Equalizer.” “Stay tuned—I’ll return with more action-packed performances soon. I’m excited to reveal what’s next,” she posted, reassuring fans who will miss the opportunity to watch “The Equalizer” in CBS’s Sunday night lineup.

The Talented Cast Behind the Hit Series

The series featured a talented ensemble including Tory Kittes, Adam Goldberg (“Adam Goldberg Equalizer”), Liza Lapira, Laya DeLeon Hayes, and Lorraine Toussaint. Together, they brought depth to The Equalizer episodes, creating a rich tapestry of characters that complemented Queen Latifah’s kick-ass role as Robyn McCall.

The show, a joint production between Universal Television and CBS Studios, reimagined the 1985 television series that originally starred Edward Woodward. Over its run, the production received numerous award nominations, spanning BET, NAACP Image Awards, People’s Choice, and Critics’ Choice categories. Queen Latifah claimed the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series in February, cementing her place in television history.

Will you miss “The Equalizer”?

The series, which ran for 74 episodes, had a potential spinoff in development before it was shelved during CBS’s extensive programming changes earlier this year. How many seasons of “The Equalizer” were there? The answer is five, with each season contributing to the show’s growing legacy.

Viewership Decline and Network Decisions

In its final run at a later timeslot, viewership for Season 4 Equalizer declined by approximately 2 million, attracting under 6 million weekly viewers compared to the previous season’s 7.89 million, according to the Hollywood Reporter. This drop in viewership, combined with budget considerations, likely influenced CBS’s decision to end the series.

Part of a Larger Trend of CBS Crime Drama Cancellations

CBS’s termination of the series follows two months after the network discontinued five other popular crime dramas, including “S.W.A.T.” and “FBI: Most Wanted.” The news that “SWAT cancelled” came as a shock to many, highlighting the network’s packed schedule and the difficult decisions facing CBS programming executives.
“S.W.A.T.” lead actor Shemar Moore responded to his show’s cancellation with similar grace and pride as Latifah. “Being uncanceled twice in consecutive years is remarkable. I’m not certain about television history, but how many shows can claim that achievement? Perhaps none. Or we’re among the very few. We accomplished that, and we’re incredibly proud,” he stated in March.

The Impact and Cultural Significance

As loyal fans prepare to bid farewell to “The Equalizer,” many are reflecting on the impact of this groundbreaking series. From its strong female lead to its exploration of complex social issues, the show has left an indelible mark on the landscape of network television. While the Equalizer show finale may be approaching, the legacy of Robyn McCall and her team will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of viewers who have followed their journey over the past five seasons.

Source:
Nicholas McEntyre (May 3, 2025). CBS cancels ‘The Equalizer’ days before season finale as star Queen Latifah speaks out over ending. https://nypost.com/2025/05/03/entertainment/cbs-cancels-the-equalizer-days-before-season-finale-as-queen-latifah-breaks-silence-over-ending/. Accessed May 3, 2025

Header Photo:
Honoree Queen Latifah speaks at the Kennedy Center Honors dinner at the State Department in Washington, D.C., Saturday, December 2, 2023. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)
Photo credit: U.S. Department of State, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons