CBS canceled both "DMV" and "Watson" in 2024, ending their runs after one season each

"DMV" and "Watson" were two CBS television series that aired during the 2023–2024 season and did not return for renewal. "DMV," which premiered in October 2023, followed the daily operations of a state Department of Motor Vehicles office and its employees. "Watson," which debuted in January 2024, was a legal drama centered on an AI system assisting a law firm. Both shows were canceled by CBS in May 2024 after completing their initial seasons.

The cancellations were part of a broader wave of network television cuts that year. CBS, like other major broadcasters, faced declining viewership and shifted resources toward streaming services and established shows with larger audiences. Neither program generated the ratings CBS needed to justify continued production costs.

Key Takeaways

  • "DMV" ran for one season (October 2023–May 2024) before CBS canceled it due to low viewership.
  • "Watson" aired for one season (January 2024–May 2024) and was also canceled as part of CBS's spring renewal decisions.
  • Both shows were original CBS productions that did not find audiences large enough to warrant a second season.
  • Streaming services and established network shows took priority in CBS's 2024–2025 programming schedule.

Why CBS canceled "DMV"

"DMV" centered on the workplace dynamics and personal stories of employees at a state motor vehicle office. The show aired on CBS and Paramount+ simultaneously, but viewership remained low throughout its run. Network television audiences have continued to shrink over the past decade, and CBS made the decision to focus on shows with proven track records and larger viewer bases.

The show's premise—a workplace comedy set in a government office—was not uncommon in television history, but it struggled to build an audience in a crowded market. CBS's decision to cancel it reflected the network's overall strategy of reducing the number of new shows and investing more heavily in returning series and streaming content.

Why CBS canceled "Watson"

"Watson" was a legal drama that premiered in January 2024 and featured an artificial intelligence system working alongside lawyers at a law firm. The show attempted to blend courtroom drama with science fiction elements, but it also failed to draw sufficient viewership to justify renewal. CBS canceled it alongside "DMV" in May 2024.

Legal dramas have a long history on network television, but "Watson" arrived during a period when viewers had many options across streaming platforms and cable networks. The show's focus on AI technology may have appealed to a niche audience, but it did not reach the broader viewership CBS needed for a second season.

What happened to the cast and crew

When a network television show is canceled after one season, cast members and crew typically move on to other projects. Some actors from both shows have continued their careers in other television series, films, or streaming productions. The writers, directors, and producers involved also pursued new opportunities with other networks or production companies.

For actors on canceled shows, the end of a series can mean returning to auditions or taking roles in other productions. Some may have had contracts that included compensation for the canceled season, depending on the terms negotiated with CBS and the production company.

Where to watch "DMV" and "Watson" if they are still available

Both "DMV" and "Watson" aired on CBS and were available on Paramount+, CBS's streaming service. Since the shows have been canceled, their availability depends on Paramount+'s content licensing agreements. Some episodes or full seasons may still be available to stream on Paramount+, though this can change over time.

Viewers interested in watching either show should check Paramount+ directly to see what content remains available. Streaming services regularly update their libraries, and older or canceled shows may be removed to make room for new content. Some episodes may also be available for purchase through digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, though this varies by region.

The broader pattern of network television cancellations

The cancellations of "DMV" and "Watson" fit into a larger trend affecting broadcast television. Networks like CBS, ABC, and NBC have all reduced the number of new shows they produce and have become more aggressive about canceling series that do not meet viewership thresholds within their first season. This shift reflects the decline of traditional television viewing and the rise of streaming platforms.

Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu have changed how audiences consume television. Fewer people watch shows on a set schedule, and networks have responded by cutting costs and focusing on shows with established fan bases. New shows face higher pressure to perform when ready, and one-season cancellations have become more common across the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will "DMV" or "Watson" ever come back?

Canceled network shows rarely return unless there is significant fan demand or a streaming service picks them up. This is uncommon, and neither show has shown signs of revival. If either were to return, it would most likely be through a streaming platform rather than CBS broadcast television.

Can I watch full episodes of these shows anywhere?

Check Paramount+ first, since both shows aired there. Some episodes may also be available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play, depending on your region. Availability changes over time as licensing agreements expire.

Why do so many new network shows get canceled after one season?

Network television viewership has declined significantly, and production costs are high. Networks now cancel shows more quickly if they do not reach target ratings. Streaming services have also pulled audiences away from traditional broadcast television, making it harder for new shows to build large enough audiences.

Did these shows have low ratings from the start?

Both "DMV" and "Watson" struggled with viewership throughout their runs. Network television ratings have become smaller overall, but these shows did not perform well enough compared to other CBS programming or competing shows on other networks.