CBS canceled both "Watson" and "DMV" after their first seasons
CBS canceled the crime drama "Watson" in May 2024 after one season, and the workplace comedy "DMV" in May 2023 after one season. Neither show was renewed for a second season. "Watson," which aired in the 2023–2024 season and followed a female detective solving crimes in modern-day New York, did not draw the audience numbers CBS needed to justify continuing production. "DMV," which ran in the 2022–2023 season and centered on the daily chaos of a Department of Motor Vehicles office, faced similar viewership challenges.
If you were watching either show and want to know where the story ends, what your options are for rewatching, or why networks cancel shows after one season, this guide covers those questions.
Key Takeaways
- Both "Watson" and "DMV" completed their single seasons before cancellation, so you can watch the full story from beginning to end.
- CBS typically makes renewal decisions in May based on viewership data, advertising revenue, and production costs for the coming fall season.
- You can rewatch both shows through Paramount+, which holds the streaming rights to CBS content, though availability may vary by region.
- Networks cancel shows after one season when they do not reach the audience size needed to cover production costs and attract advertisers.
Where to rewatch "Watson" and "DMV"
Paramount+ is the primary streaming home for both shows. CBS content moves to Paramount+ as part of CBS's parent company Paramount Global's strategy to build its streaming service. You can search for either show by title on the platform if you have an active subscription.
Availability outside the United States varies by country and changes over time as licensing agreements shift between platforms. If Paramount+ is not available in your region or does not currently carry one of the shows, check your local streaming services or cable on-demand options, which may have purchased regional rights.
Both shows may also be available for purchase through digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play, where you buy individual episodes or full seasons rather than subscribing to a service.
Why CBS canceled these shows after one season
Network television renewal decisions depend on three main factors: viewership numbers, advertising revenue, and production costs. A show needs to reach a certain audience size to justify the cost of producing new episodes and to attract advertisers willing to pay for commercial time. If viewership falls below that threshold, the network cancels the show rather than lose money on a second season.
Both "Watson" and "DMV" aired during a period when traditional broadcast television viewership was declining overall. Streaming services and cable channels were pulling viewers away from network TV, making it harder for any new show to build the audience size networks required. Additionally, production costs for scripted dramas and comedies are high—a single episode of a network drama can cost $3 million to $5 million to produce—so networks need strong viewership to break even.
The May renewal window is when networks make these decisions because it allows them to plan their fall schedule and commit to production timelines for shows they want to continue. Shows that do not make the cut are canceled, and their time slots are filled with new shows, returning shows, or reruns.
How network television renewal decisions work
Networks evaluate shows on a schedule tied to the television season. New shows typically premiere in the fall (September through November) and run through spring (April through May). During the spring, networks analyze the full season's performance and decide which shows to renew and which to cancel.
The decision is not made by viewers voting or by online petitions, though networks do monitor social media sentiment. Instead, networks use Nielsen ratings data (which measures how many households watched each episode), streaming numbers (for shows available on their apps or services), and advertising sales figures. A show that attracts a smaller but highly desirable audience—for example, younger viewers that advertisers want to reach—might be renewed even if its total viewership is modest. Conversely, a show with solid viewership might be canceled if it does not attract the right demographic or if production costs are too high.
Once a show is canceled, the network owns the completed episodes and can continue to air reruns or move them to streaming platforms. The cast and crew move on to other projects, and the story typically ends where the final episode left off.
What happens to canceled shows after cancellation
Completed episodes of canceled shows remain the property of the network and production company. CBS can continue to air "Watson" and "DMV" in reruns on the CBS broadcast channel, on cable channels owned by Paramount Global, or on Paramount+. This is how networks recoup some of their investment in canceled shows.
Occasionally, a canceled show develops a strong fan following after cancellation, and the network or a streaming service will produce a movie or limited series to wrap up the story. This happened with shows like "Firefly" (which became the film "Serenity") and "Designated Survivor" (which moved to Netflix for a final season). However, this is rare and typically happens only if the show has demonstrated sustained audience interest or if a streaming service believes it can attract subscribers.
For most canceled shows, including "Watson" and "DMV," the single season that aired is the complete story. The cast and creators have moved on to other projects, and there are no announced plans for either show to continue in any form.
The difference between cancellation and hiatus
A cancellation means the network has decided not to produce any more episodes and has no plans to revive the show. A hiatus means the show is paused but may return in the future. Networks sometimes place shows on hiatus when they want to preserve the option to continue but need time to evaluate performance or manage production schedules.
Both "Watson" and "DMV" were officially canceled, not placed on hiatus. This means CBS made a final decision not to continue either show. If either show were to return, it would require a new deal between CBS, the production company, and potentially a streaming service—something that has not been announced and is unlikely given the time that has passed since cancellation.
Scam alert: Fake revival announcements
After a show is canceled, scammers sometimes create fake social media accounts or websites claiming that the show is being revived or that fans can "vote to bring it back." These posts often ask you to click a link, sign up for a service, or provide personal information. None of these are real.
If you see a post claiming "Watson" or "DMV" is being revived, check the source carefully. Official announcements come from CBS, the show's official social media accounts (which are verified with a blue checkmark on platforms like X and Instagram), or major entertainment news outlets like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, or important date. If you are unsure, search the show's name plus "revival" on a major news site to see if the announcement appears there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I petition CBS to bring back "Watson" or "DMV"?
You can contact CBS through their official website or social media channels to express interest in a show's return, but petitions and fan campaigns rarely result in cancellation reversals. Networks make renewal decisions based on viewership data and revenue, not on petition signatures. If you want to support similar shows in the future, watching new network dramas and comedies during their first season and discussing them on social media helps networks see audience interest.
Will "Watson" or "DMV" ever come back on a streaming service?
It is possible but unlikely. Streaming services occasionally pick up canceled network shows, but usually only if the show has a large existing fan base or if the streaming service believes it can attract new subscribers. Neither "Watson" nor "DMV" generated the kind of sustained fan following that typically leads to revival. No revival has been announced for either show.
Where can I watch the full seasons of both shows?
Paramount+ is the primary streaming home for both shows. You can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons through digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. Availability varies by region and changes over time, so check your local streaming services or cable on-demand options if Paramount+ does not carry the show in your area.
Why do networks cancel shows after just one season?
Networks cancel shows when viewership does not reach the level needed to cover production costs and attract advertisers. A network drama can cost $3 million to $5 million per episode to produce. If a show does not draw enough viewers, the network loses money on each new episode, so cancellation is the financial decision that makes sense.
How do I know if a show is canceled or just on hiatus?
Networks announce cancellations and hiatuses through official press releases, which are reported by entertainment news outlets like Variety and important date. If you are unsure about a show's status, search for its name plus "canceled" or "renewed" on a major news site. Official CBS announcements also appear on their website and verified social media accounts.