According to Deadline the Hit Crime Fighting show The Equalizer starring Queen Latifah (Set It Off, The Wiz Live) is set to explore the possibility of a spin off. The new season that just aired is set to introduce two new characters that will form their own version of the show.
Casting is on for two new roles: a young female martial artist, weapons expert, and criminologist with a mysterious past, and an older ex-CIA operative. It’s unclear if the latter knows McCall (Queen Latifah) from their CIA days. Both roles are guest stars with potential to become regulars for the spinoff.
If the spinoff happens, it will break from tradition. Unlike the original 1985 “Equalizer” series and the CBS reboot, which had single leads, this one will feature two main characters. The movie franchise also followed the single-lead format, first with a male lead and now Latifah.
Episode 516 of The Equalizer is written by Joseph C. Wilson (The Chi, NCIS; Los Angeles), who will also be the executive producer of the potential new series. This episode will air in the spring. Interestingly, it’s not labeled as a backdoor pilot.
CBS is opting for a more casual approach to introducing spinoffs. They’re weaving potential new lead characters into regular episodes of the main series. This method allows them to test characters without committing to a full pilot.
CBS is taking a laid-back approach with its spinoffs, weaving new characters into existing episodes. This method integrates potential leads right into the “mothership” series’ storylines.
They did this with Fire Country introducing Morena Baccarin (The O.C., Homeland) as a sheriff before giving her character a spinoff. A guest appearance by Jared Padaleck(Gilmore Girls, Supernatural)i might also lead to another spinoff. Tracy Morgan’s (The Neighborhood, Clutch) featuring his revamped character.
The Equalizer aims to follow suit, joining other CBS multi-series drama franchises like “NCIS” and “FBI.” This approach allows CBS to expand its universe organically. The network continues to capitalize on the success of its established shows.
Since its post-Super Bowl launch in 2021, Latifah’s drama has consistently ranked in the Top 10 for total viewers. It originally aired on Sundays at 9 PM and will shift to 10 PM on February 16.
A modern take on the classic series, The Equalizer features Latifah as Robyn McCall. She’s a former CIA operative with a mysterious past who uses her skills to help those in need.
The Season five cast includes Tory Kittles (True Detective), Adam Goldberg (Fargo), Liza Lapira (NCIS), Laya DeLeon Hayes (The Good Doctor), and Lorraine Toussaint (Orange Is the New Black).
Produced by Universal Television in association with CBS Studios, the show has an impressive list of executive producers. These, Wilson , Latifah (Dana Owens), Debra Martin Chase (The Princess Diaries), Shakim Compere (Single Ladies), John Davis (Flight Risk), John Fox (Dolomite is my name), Loretha Jones (The Blacklist), and Rob Hanning (The Player).