Doors Closing Early: CBS Cancels Workplace Comedy “DMV” After Single Season

The lines at the East Hollywood Department of Motor Vehicles are officially being cut short. CBS has announced the cancellation of its freshman sitcom DMV, opting not to move forward with a second season. The single-camera comedy, which premiered in late 2025, will air its final episode on May 11, 2026, serving as the series finale for the quirky crew of civil servants.

Based on the short story “Chicken-Flavored and Lemon-Scented” by Katherine Heiny, the series aimed to find humor in the place most Americans dread visiting. Despite a talented ensemble cast led by Harriet Dyer (Colin From Accounts), comedy veteran Tim Meadows, and Saturday Night Live alum Molly Kearney, the show struggled to find a consistent audience in the competitive Monday night lineup. While it maintained a modest 65% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, its viewership numbers—averaging roughly 3 million viewers per episode—placed it among the network’s lowest-performing scripted titles.

Industry insiders suggest that the cancellation is part of a larger strategy at CBS to make room for a new wave of pilots. With the long-running hit The Neighborhood also concluding its eighth and final season this year, the network is reportedly pivoting toward new projects like the vampire comedy Eternally Yours and the historical sitcom Tillbrooks. By clearing the schedule now, CBS executives are signaling a fresh direction for their comedy block heading into the 2026-27 broadcast season.

For fans of the series, the news is a disappointment, especially given the chemistry between the cast members. The show was praised for its relatable take on the “minimum-wage grind” and its diverse characters, from Dyer’s well-meaning driving examiner Colette to Meadows’ misanthropic former teacher Gregg. While the doors are closing at this particular branch, the 20-episode first season will remain available for streaming on Paramount+, giving latecomers one last chance to experience the bureaucratic chaos of DMV.