CBS has postponed the premiere of Matthew Gray Gubler's new show 'Einstein' to the 2026-27 television season due to scheduling constraints. Despite the anticipation for his return to television, the network cited 'limited shelf space' as the primary reason, with many popular shows already slated to return and the new series 'Sheriff Country' taking priority. The delay was announced shortly before CBS's primetime schedule release, allowing the show more time for pre-production. 'Einstein', also starring Rosa Salazar, follows the story of Albert Einstein's great-grandson, a professor whose reckless behavior leads him to assist a police detective with complex cases. Fans and viewers are encouraged to check the status of other CBS shows in the upcoming season lineup.

Matthew Gray Gubler's return to CBS in the new series 'Einstein' has been delayed to the 2026-27 season due to scheduling issues. CBS announced this change just a week before revealing its primetime lineup.

The network attributed the delay to 'limited shelf space' on their schedule, as many popular shows are returning and the introduction of another new series, 'Sheriff Country', has already been prioritized for the upcoming season.

CBS representatives indicated that the delay would allow 'Einstein' a longer pre-production period, which they believe will ultimately benefit the show's quality and readiness.

'Einstein' stars Matthew Gray Gubler and Rosa Salazar, centering on a brilliant yet aimless professor, who is the great-grandson of Albert Einstein, as he finds himself involved in solving intricate police cases.

The show's narrative involves the main character's professional life being disrupted by legal troubles, compelling him to collaborate with a local detective, which forms the crux of the series' plot.

Fans eager to see Gubler's return can look forward to the show leveraging its extended preparation time to enhance its storytelling and production quality.

CBS has encouraged viewers to check the status of their other shows, as the network prepares to announce its full lineup and schedule for the upcoming television season.

Matthew Gray Gubler fans will have to wait a while longer to see him back on CBS.

The fan-favorite Criminal Minds actor was set to return to the network in the 2025-26 television season in the new series Einstein, but the show has now been delayed until the 2026-27 season.

The news was announced just one week ahead of CBS announcing its primetime schedule on May 7 during upfronts week.

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So, what happened?

A rep for CBS told TheWrap that “limited shelf space” caused the delay. With so many popular shows returning and Sheriff Country already in the works for the new season, there isn’t much room for new shows on the schedule.

A rep added that the show will “benefit from a longer pre-production window.”

Here’s a synopsis for the upcoming show, which will also star Rosa Salazar: “Brilliant but directionless, the great grandson of Albert Einstein spends his days as a comfortably tenured professor until his bad boy antics land him in trouble with the law and he is pressed into service helping a local police detective solve her most puzzling cases.”

Check out the fate of all of CBS’ shows for the upcoming season.