CBS has delayed the premiere of Ghosts Season 5 until 2027 . This decision is part of a broader reorganization of the network's fall 2026 programming schedule .

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The 2027 Midseason Shift for Ghosts and Matlock

CBS has officially moved the premiere of Ghosts to 2027, placing it in a midseason slot. According to the report, this scheduling change also affects Matlock and NCIS: Sydney, both of which have been pushed back from the fall 2026 window.

This move suggests a strategic attempt by CBS to avoid a crowded fall launch and instead distribute high-performing content across the broadcast year. By shifting these established titles, the network may be attempting to stabilize ratings during the typically slower winter months.

Rose McIver's September 25 Instagram update on her absence

Lead actress Rose McIver, who poortrays Samantha, addressed her reduced screen time in a social media post dated September 25. McIver informed fans via Instagram that she has been "a wee bit preoccupied" with other professional obligations, though she assured viewers that she would return to the series soon.

As the report notes, McIver—who previously gained fame in iZombie—has been balancing multiple projects. This juggling act has necessitated production adjustments, leading to the temporary decrease in her presence during the current narrative arc.

Joe Wiseman's February 2024 stance on Sam and Jay's children

Regarding the evolution of the central couple, showrunner Joe Wiseman indicated in February 2024 that the writers are not currently introducing children for Sam and Jay. In a conversation with TV Insider, Wiseman explained that it felt too early in the series' progression to implement such a significant life change for the characters.

However, the showrunner remains open to the possibility of parenthood in later seasons. Wiseman suggested that exploring the ghosts' perspectives on parenting could provide a rich source of comedy and character development , leaving the door open for a future pregnancy storyline.

How Einstein and NCIS: Sydney fit into the 2026 shakeup

The rescheduling of Ghosts is not an isolated event but part of a larger "shakeup" of the fall 2026 calendar. Along with NCIS: Sydney, the new series Einstein is also slated for a 2027 debut, according to the source.

This pattern reflects a broader trend in network television where "safe" hits are used as anchors for midseason transitions. Since Ghosts premiered in 2021, it has established a loyal fanbase, making it a reliable asset for CBS to deploy when other new ventures might struggle.

The missing premiere date for the 2027 return

Despite the confirmation that the show will return in 2027, a specific premiere date remains unannounced by CBS. This leaves a significant gap in the production timeline that fans must navigate.

Furthermore, while Rose McIver mentioned being "preoccupied" with other jobs, the speific nature of these projects remains unverified. it is unclear if these external commitments will continue to impact the filming schedule for Season 5 or if her "full force" return will be seamless.