The Canceled Marty and Malcolm Spin-Off Revealed

The Resurgence of Broadcast Television and the Fate of "The Neighborhood"

Broadcast television is experiencing a notable resurgence, particularly on CBS, where audiences have been enjoying hits like “Elsbeth” and the new version of “Matlock.” While streaming services offer an abundance of content, the rising cost of multiple subscriptions and the convenience of traditional TV have led some viewers to return to the big four networks. Despite this renewed interest in broadcast TV, CBS has been canceling several shows for the 2025-2026 season, including “The Neighborhood,” which was recently axed along with other popular series like “FBI: Most Wanted,” “S.W.A.T.,” and “The Summit.”

The End of “The Neighborhood” and Its Spin-Off

“The Neighborhood,” starring Cedric the Entertainer and Max Greenfield, was one of the casualties of CBS’s decision to cut back on programming. The show, which ran for seven seasons, followed the comedic misadventures of Cedric’s character and his family. A planned spin-off, focusing on the characters Marty and Malcolm, also met a similar fate. The spin-off would have followed the duo as they moved out of their parents’ house into Venice Beach, but it never got off the ground.

CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach acknowledged the impact of the show’s cancellation, stating, “The brilliant cast and creative team at ‘The Neighborhood,’ led by the incomparable Cedric the Entertainer, have brought levity, laughter, and poignant storylines to Monday nights for seven incredible seasons.” She emphasized that the show was a strong ratings performer and one of the top comedies on TV, and that fans deserved a proper farewell.

The Unfulfilled Potential of “Marty and Malcolm”

Despite the cancellation, there was an attempt to give fans a taste of what “Marty and Malcolm” could have been. CBS planned to wrap the pilot around the season 7 finale of “The Neighborhood,” offering viewers a glimpse of the characters’ new life. The spin-off was set to feature Justin Long, Kara Royster, Hunter King, and Angelique Cabral as the duo’s new friends, introducing a tech billionaire, an aspiring influencer, and a cannabis content creator—characters that could have provided plenty of laughs.

In a recent interview with TV Line, Cedric the Entertainer expressed his disappointment but encouraged fans to write to CBS if they wanted to see the spin-off revived. He noted the challenges of the current television landscape, where pilots are no longer being produced as frequently, and budgets are tighter than ever. “We thought we did a great job, but ultimately there wasn’t enough room in the budget for what we had,” he said.

A New Spin-Off on Paramount+

While “Marty and Malcolm” may not be happening, fans of “The Neighborhood” can still enjoy a spin-off on Paramount+. “Crutch,” starring Tracy Morgan, continues the fun from the original show. Morgan plays a widower named Francois “Frank” Crutchfield who re-integrates his children into his home after they move back in. This classic sitcom setup, paired with Morgan’s established name, likely helped “Crutch” get the green light.

The Business Side of Television

The cancellation of “The Neighborhood” and its spin-off highlights the business side of television. With the industry shifting away from streaming and toward more cost-effective options, broadcasters are prioritizing sure bets over experimental projects. While fan campaigns could potentially revive “Marty and Malcolm,” for now, it seems like the spin-off was a casualty of broader financial constraints.

As the television landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect future programming. For now, fans of “The Neighborhood” can take solace in the fact that some of its legacy lives on through “Crutch” on Paramount+.