If you were sitting on your couch back in April 2025 watching Queen Latifah take down bad guys, you probably noticed something different. CBS was clearly cooking something up. Specifically, CBS plans a potential Equalizer spinoff introducing two new characters became the talk of the TV world when Episode 16 of Season 5, titled "Sins of the Father," hit the screen. It wasn't just another weekly case; it was a "backdoor pilot."
Basically, the network used Robyn McCall’s platform to test-drive a new duo: an older, grizzled ex-CIA legend and his highly trained daughter. For fans of Bosch, seeing Titus Welliver step into this universe felt like a massive win. But as is often the case with the high-stakes world of network TV, things didn't exactly go according to the original script.
The Duo That Almost Was: Hudson Reed and Samantha
The "backdoor pilot" introduced us to Hudson Reed (played by Welliver) and his daughter Samantha Reed (played by Juani Feliz). It was a departure from everything we know about the franchise. Whether it’s Denzel Washington’s movies or the original 80s show, The Equalizer has always been about a lone wolf. Suddenly, CBS was pitching a "two-hander."
Hudson was framed as a former top-tier CIA operative with—you guessed it—a dark secret. He shared a connection to Robyn McCall through an old mentor, which gave them an instant, begrudging respect. Samantha, meanwhile, wasn't just a sidekick. She was a martial arts expert and weapons specialist trained by her father to be a "chameleon."
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The plot of that pivotal episode saw Samantha reaching out to Robyn after Hudson went missing. It turned out Hudson had been on the run for 25 years, hiding Sam from her biological father, a dangerous man named Alfonso. By the end of the hour, Robyn actually invited Sam to join her team. It felt like a torch-passing moment.
Why CBS Ultimately Passed
Despite the star power of Titus Welliver—who was fresh off the end of Bosch: Legacy—and the chemistry with Juani Feliz, CBS officially decided not to move forward with the spinoff on April 22, 2025.
Honestly, the timing was just brutal. CBS already had 18 scripted series on its 2025-2026 schedule. They were busy launching a Blue Bloods spinoff, a new procedural with Matthew Gray Gubler, and expanding the FBI franchise. In the world of network television, sometimes "good" isn't enough when the "room" is already full.
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There was also some chatter among critics that the characters felt a bit too similar to what we already had. Some fans felt the "mysterious CIA past" trope was a little played out, even with Welliver’s gravitas. While "Sins of the Father" was a solid episode of television, it didn't ignite the kind of immediate, viral "must-see" energy that Fire Country’s spinoff did with Morena Baccarin.
The Status of the "Mother Ship"
While the spinoff died on the vine, the flagship series survived—barely. After some tense negotiations between CBS and Universal Television, The Equalizer was renewed for a sixth and final season. Queen Latifah reportedly agreed to some budget concessions to make it happen.
- Final Season Length: Season 6 was set at 13 episodes.
- Character Fates: Fans were left wondering if Samantha Reed might return as a recurring character since the door was left open.
- Legacy: This marks the end of the current iteration of the franchise, though the Denzel movies continue to hold the cinematic side of things.
What This Means for Your Watchlist
If you're a Titus Welliver completionist, you should still track down Season 5, Episode 16. It’s a great standalone story even if it doesn't lead to a series. It captures that specific "Equalizer" vibe but adds a father-daughter dynamic that we don't usually see in these types of shows.
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For those looking for the "next big thing" in this genre, your best bet is to look toward the Sherlock Holmes spinoff Watson or the various NCIS expansions. CBS is leaning heavily into established brands, but they're being much pickier about what actually gets a full series order.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Backdoor Pilot: Check out The Equalizer Season 5, Episode 16 on Paramount+ to see Welliver and Feliz in action.
- Follow Juani Feliz: She’s a rising star with a recurring role on Harlem, and many casting directors have flagged her performance here as a breakout moment.
- Catch the Final Season: Keep an eye on the Sunday night lineup for the final 13-episode run of the main series to see how Robyn McCall’s story wrapped up.
The dream of an Elijah and Samantha Reed series might be dead, but the "Equalizer" universe remains one of the most resilient properties in Hollywood. It wouldn't be surprising to see another reboot or offshoot attempt in another five years—that's just how the industry works.