CBS' modern retelling of the classic '80s series The Equalizer is one of the network's most explosive shows, and now it has been renewed for season 5. Debuting in 2021, the Queen Latifah-led spinoff is based on the aforementioned '80s series but is also an adaptation of the Denzel Washington films of the same name. In the show, Latifah plays the mysterious Robyn McCall, an ex-CIA agent who uses her skills as a vigilante by dishing out street justice for those who have been wronged while also trying to find her own redemption.

Carried largely by Queen Latifah's overwhelming charisma, the series is a perfect continuation of the franchise as it introduces new wrinkles while staying true to the simple premise, making it so interesting to watch. CBS has allowed Robyn's story to play out across four seasons thus far, and each new outing has raised the stakes and made Latifah's character all the more compelling. Unlike the procedurals that dominate the network's slate, shows like The Equalizer build toward something, making its renewal for season 5 an absolute necessity.

The Equalizer Season 5 Latest News

CBS Moves The Premiere Date

After setting the release date for the season, the latest news confirms that CBS has moved the premiere of The Equalizer season 5 up (via Deadline). Originally slated to debut on Sunday, October 27, the Queen Latifah-led series will now debut on Sunday, October 20, at 9:30pm before shifting to its normal time of 9pm starting Sunday, November 3. The Equalizer wasn't the only show affected by the decision, and CBS also shifted Tracker's season 2 premiere up to further boost the network's Premiere Week.

The Equalizer Season 5 Release Date

Robyn Returns In October

CBS' decision to green-light The Equalizer season 5 before season 4 had even ended proved the supreme confidence that the network has in the action program. As such, the Queen Latifah vehicle will debut on Sunday, October 20, at 9:30pm. All episodes after November 3 will begin at 9pm. The show was originally scheduled to return on October 27, but the network opted to move The Equalizer up one week.

The Equalizer season 4 concluded on May 19, 2024.

The Equalizer Season 5 Cast

Robyn Will Be Back In Season 5

both Mel and Dante will return for season 5.

With that out of the way, the cast of season 5 will once again be led by musician-turned-actor Queen Latifah as the titular character, Robyn McCall. Latifah won't be the only regular star returning, and it's expected that long-running characters like Harry (Adam Goldberg), Aunt Vi (Lorraine Toussaint), and Avery Grafton (Jennifer Ferrin) will be back among others.

The entire expected returning cast includes:

The Equalizer Season 5 Story

Will Mel & Marcus Leave?

The ending of The Equalizer season 4 left a lot to be resolved in season 5, and a few cast exits hang over the season. Mel was kidnapped in the season 4 finale, and though she was rescued by Robyn and the rest of the team, she was clearly shaken by her harrowing ordeal. This inspired Mel to step away from the Equalizer team, and it's uncertain if she'll come back. Speaking of departures, Marcus opted to break up with Robyn and leave NYC as well.

This puts Robyn on shaky ground as her team begins to crumble around her. Fortunately, It's been confirmed that both Mel and Dante are returning for season 5, which means things might not be as dire as once thought. The Equalizer season 5 could see Dante change his mind and rush back to Robyn, while Mel could discover she needs the action, and return even after her kidnapping.