CBS Southern California Filming: Matlock, NCIS, and Potential New Series

CBS is struggling to maintain a robust production footprint in Los Angeles despite the continued filming of Matlock, NCIS, and NCIS: Origins in Southern California. With only one potential upcoming show slated for the region, the network faces a widening gap between its desire for local production and operational reality.

The tension is palpable. For decades, the “Hollywood” machine relied on a steady stream of network orders to preserve the lights on at local soundstages and keep crews employed. But the math is changing. While CBS maintains a few high-profile anchors in Southern California, the broader 2026-2027 schedule suggests a shift away from the region.

It is a precarious balance. When a major network reduces its local footprint, the ripple effect hits everything from catering companies to specialized grip and electric houses. For those remaining in the industry, the priority has shifted toward securing production resource coordinators who can pivot between dwindling local projects and out-of-state opportunities.

The 2026-2027 Roster: Stability vs. Migration

The network recently issued a mass renewal of ten series, joining previously confirmed hits to bring the total to 16 confirmed shows. While the numbers look strong on paper, the geographic distribution tells a different story. The “anchor” shows—Matlock, NCIS, and NCIS: Origins—remain the primary drivers of CBS’s Southern California presence.

The scale of the NCIS franchise alone is staggering. The original series is heading into its 24th season, while NCIS: Origins, which explores the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs at Camp Pendleton, has been picked up for a third season. These are not just shows. they are massive employment engines for the region.

Then there are the novel additions. CBS is introducing Cupertino, reuniting Robert and Michelle King with Mike Colter, and Einstein, featuring the return of Matthew Gray Gubler. The network is launching a surprise spinoff, NCIS: New York. While the name suggests a departure from the West Coast, the network is still weighing where its remaining “potential” L.A. Project will land.

This uncertainty creates a legal and logistical minefield for talent and vendors. When production locations are in flux, the risk of contract disputes rises. Many producers are now relying on entertainment contract attorneys to build flexibility into their agreements, ensuring they aren’t left stranded by a sudden shift in filming jurisdiction.

The ‘Limbo’ List and the L.A. Risk

The most concerning aspect for Southern California isn’t what is confirmed, but what remains undecided. A significant portion of the current schedule is still in limbo.

• Big Brother: The reality juggernaut remains unconfirmed.
• The Road: A reality series still awaiting a decision.
• Watson: Status unknown.
• DMV: Status unknown.
• Hollywood Squares: Status unknown.
• Harlan Coben’s Final Twist: Status unknown.

If these shows are cancelled or moved to more tax-friendly jurisdictions, the local infrastructure takes a direct hit. We are seeing a trend where “theoretical” desire to shoot in L.A. Clashes with the bottom line. The loss of The Neighborhood, which is ending with its eighth season, further erodes the local production base.

It is a slow bleed.

The Thursday night block remains the most stable, with Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage (Season 3), Matlock (Season 3), and Elsbeth (Season 4) all returning. This consistency provides a temporary safety net for local crews, but it is not a long-term strategy for regional growth.

Regional Economic Implications

The concentration of production in Southern California for a few massive hits creates a “boom or bust” cycle for local businesses. When NCIS or Matlock is in active production, the demand for commercial property scouts and location managers spikes. When the rest of the schedule migrates, those same professionals find themselves with empty calendars.

The reliance on a few “mega-shows” makes the local economy fragile. If one of the Southern California anchors were to face a sudden cancellation or a move to a different state, the impact would be felt immediately across the municipal service sector.

The network’s current strategy—keeping a handful of giants in L.A. While diversifying the rest of the schedule—suggests a hedge against rising costs. They want the prestige and talent pool of Los Angeles, but they cannot ignore the financial incentives offered by other hubs.

This shift forces a professional evolution. The crews and vendors who survive this transition are those who stop viewing themselves as “L.A. Based” and start operating as global service providers.

The future of the industry is no longer tied to a single zip code. As CBS navigates its 2026-2027 season, the “theoretical” desire to stay in Los Angeles is being tested by the hard reality of the balance sheet. For those caught in the middle, the only solution is to partner with verified professionals who understand the volatile intersection of entertainment law and regional economics. Finding these experts is the only way to ensure that a shift in a network’s filming schedule doesn’t become a personal financial crisis.