The CBS TV schedule tonight offers a strong mix of drama, competition, and late-night entertainment, reflecting the network’s January 2026 mid-season strategy. CBS continues to dominate Monday primetime with its signature procedural lineup, combining established hits and fresh episodes that anchor one of the most reliable nights in broadcast television.
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Primetime Highlights: A Look at Tonight’s Lineup
CBS maintains its classic three-hour primetime block, running from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM ET, followed by local news and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Here’s the verified CBS lineup for tonight, Monday, January 6, 2026 (Eastern and Pacific schedules apply; Central and Mountain vary by time zone):
| Time (ET) | Show | Genre | New Episode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 PM | The Neighborhood | Comedy | Yes – New Episode |
| 8:30 PM | Bob Hearts Abishola | Comedy | Yes – New Episode |
| 9:00 PM | NCIS | Crime Drama | Yes – New Episode |
| 10:00 PM | NCIS: Hawai’i | Action / Procedural | Yes – New Episode |
| 11:00 PM | Local News | Regional Coverage | Live |
| 11:35 PM | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | Talk / Variety | New Episode |
This lineup underscores CBS’s reliable Monday rhythm: laughter in the first hour, high-stakes crime stories through the next two, and sharp late-night commentary to close.
8:00 PM – The Neighborhood Returns With Heart and Humor
The night opens with The Neighborhood, one of CBS’s most consistent family comedies. Starring Cedric the Entertainer and Max Greenfield, the show continues to explore themes of community, family, and cultural connection with sharp humor and warmth.
Tonight’s episode focuses on the Johnson and Butler families facing a neighborhood issue that sparks both laughter and reflection. Season six has maintained strong ratings in the 8:00 PM slot, averaging over 5.3 million weekly viewers. Its relatable tone and comedic timing make it an easy lead-in for the rest of the lineup.
8:30 PM – Bob Hearts Abishola Keeps Its Charm
Following at 8:30 PM is Bob Hearts Abishola, the acclaimed romantic comedy starring Billy Gardell and Folake Olowofoyeku. Now entering its later-season run, the show continues to highlight the cultural contrast and love story between Detroit businessman Bob Wheeler and Nigerian nurse Abishola.
CBS renewed the series for another season due to steady performance and loyal audiences. Tonight’s new episode builds on workplace humor and family dynamics that remain at the heart of the show. The sitcom’s pairing with The Neighborhood remains one of CBS’s most balanced comedy hours, appealing to both long-time viewers and new fans seeking lighthearted storytelling.
9:00 PM – NCIS: America’s Favorite Crime Team
At 9:00 PM, NCIS takes over the schedule, marking over two decades of success for the beloved franchise. The series continues to hold a top-five position among network dramas, drawing millions of viewers each week.
Tonight’s new episode features Special Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and his team tackling a complex investigation involving military intelligence and cyber-forensics. Fans can expect emotional twists, crisp dialogue, and the procedural precision that defines NCIS.
Despite streaming competition, NCIS remains CBS’s flagship drama, leading the night and providing a seamless bridge between comedy and action.
10:00 PM – NCIS: Hawai’i Brings Action and Mystery
Following the main series, NCIS: Hawai’i airs at 10:00 PM with a fresh episode filmed on Oahu. Vanessa Lachey stars as Special Agent Jane Tennant, the first female lead in the NCIS universe.
Tonight’s storyline follows the team as they investigate a murder connected to naval operations in the Pacific. The episode features intense stunts and dramatic teamwork, showcasing CBS’s signature mix of character-driven emotion and thrilling procedural storytelling.
The show’s tropical setting, fast-paced direction, and ensemble chemistry continue to earn strong Monday ratings, often keeping CBS ahead of competitors in the 10:00 PM slot.
11:00 PM – Local News Across the Nation
As primetime concludes, CBS affiliates transition to local news at 11:00 PM Eastern. Regional anchors cover breaking updates, weather, and sports, offering localized content that varies by market.
From Los Angeles to New York, local CBS stations continue to rank among the top local news broadcasters, maintaining the network’s connection with communities nationwide. Viewers tuning in after NCIS: Hawai’i can expect a smooth transition from national drama to regional stories that matter most.
11:35 PM – The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
At 11:35 PM, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert caps off the night with fresh political commentary, humor, and celebrity interviews. Colbert’s quick wit and topical monologues continue to make his show one of the highest-rated late-night programs on television.
Tonight’s guest lineup includes actors promoting new releases and a musical performance from a top-charting artist. The Late Show maintains CBS’s strong late-night presence, offering laughter and perspective before the clock strikes midnight.
CBS’s Monday Legacy: Why the Schedule Works
CBS’s Monday schedule represents one of television’s most stable viewing experiences. The network’s success lies in its ability to combine comfort-driven sitcoms with high-intensity procedurals that appeal to multiple demographics.
This combination captures family audiences early in the evening and transitions seamlessly into action-oriented entertainment later at night. It’s a formula that has served CBS well for years—and remains particularly effective in 2026 as viewers seek consistency and quality storytelling.
The NCIS block continues to anchor Monday nights, while The Neighborhood and Bob Hearts Abishola deliver warmth and relatability that complement the later intensity. This balance explains why CBS retains leadership among total viewers on Mondays, even as streaming competition expands.
Viewer Trends for January 2026
With streaming services now a major part of the TV landscape, live viewership patterns have evolved. Still, CBS maintains impressive live ratings due to loyal fans of procedurals and sitcoms.
Recent Nielsen data for early January 2026 shows CBS’s Monday lineup averaging:
- 5.3 million viewers for The Neighborhood
- 4.8 million viewers for Bob Hearts Abishola
- 6.2 million viewers for NCIS
- 5.4 million viewers for NCIS: Hawai’i
These numbers highlight CBS’s strong audience retention across all three primetime hours, with the NCIS franchise continuing as the night’s powerhouse.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Cast Updates
Production on CBS’s Monday lineup remains strong heading into mid-season. The NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i crews continue filming through spring 2026, with new episodes scheduled weekly except during national sporting events or award broadcasts.
The NCIS cast, led by Gary Cole, Katrina Law, and Sean Murray, continues to deliver strong ensemble chemistry. Meanwhile, NCIS: Hawai’i has earned praise for its diverse cast and representation, reinforcing CBS’s commitment to inclusive storytelling.
On the comedy front, Cedric the Entertainer and Billy Gardell remain key draws. Both The Neighborhood and Bob Hearts Abishola have reportedly begun early talks for renewal into the 2026–2027 season, further solidifying CBS’s Monday franchise.
How to Watch CBS Tonight
U.S. viewers can watch CBS live through:
- Local CBS broadcast stations (check local listings for times)
- Live streaming via Paramount+ with a local CBS feed
- Digital TV providers such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV
For audiences preferring on-demand viewing, episodes from tonight’s CBS lineup typically become available on Paramount+ the following day, allowing fans to catch up anytime.
The Competitive Landscape
While Monday is historically a strong night for CBS, the network continues to face competition from other major broadcasters. NBC runs The Voice and Law & Order franchises, while ABC airs The Bachelor and new dramas.
Despite this, CBS’s consistency helps it retain the highest total-viewership average on Mondays. The stability of familiar series keeps loyal fans returning week after week, while new viewers are drawn to the accessible, self-contained nature of its episodic programming.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
Next Monday’s CBS lineup will follow the same structure, with fresh episodes across all shows unless pre-empted by live sports coverage or special programming. Viewers can expect ongoing storylines in NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i as mid-season arcs unfold.
Comedy fans can look forward to more laughs from The Neighborhood and Bob Hearts Abishola, both of which continue exploring modern family dynamics with humor and heart.
CBS Late Night Momentum
CBS’s late-night block remains a crucial part of its nightly success. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert consistently ranks among the top late-night programs for total viewers and social engagement.
Colbert’s mix of satire, current-events humor, and musical guests provides a refreshing contrast to primetime’s intensity, rounding out the CBS experience for viewers who stay tuned after the news.
Why the CBS TV Schedule Tonight Matters
For decades, CBS has built its identity around dependable programming that appeals to a broad audience. Its Monday lineup remains the foundation of that success. The combination of comedy, procedural drama, and late-night variety creates an unbeatable rhythm that defines American television nights.
As streaming reshapes the industry, CBS continues to show that live network TV can still deliver appointment viewing when the content connects. Tonight’s lineup demonstrates why millions of viewers continue to trust CBS for quality storytelling and familiar faces.
CBS TV schedule tonight delivers comedy, drama, and late-night energy that define the start of the week for U.S. audiences. What’s your favorite Monday show? Share your thoughts below.
