In a move that shocked fans and industry insiders alike, CBS has officially canceled two of its long-running FBI spinoffs: FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted. The announcement came in early March as part of a strategic programming shakeup aimed at streamlining CBS’s prime-time lineup and addressing budgetary concerns.
FBI: International, which premiered in 2021, followed the elite Fly Team operating out of the FBI’s international office in Budapest. Known for its globe-trotting storylines and culturally diverse cases, the show offered a fresh twist on the franchise’s procedural formula. Despite a strong start and steady viewership through Season 4, it wasn’t enough to save the show from cancellation.
Likewise, FBI: Most Wanted, launched in 2020, became a fan favorite for its fast-paced fugitive chases and emotionally grounded team dynamics. The series, led by a rotating ensemble cast, lasted six seasons and contributed several memorable crossover moments with the main FBI series.
According to co-creator Derek Haas, the decision to cancel was not based on ratings or creative direction, but rather on economics. “This has nothing to do with how the show was performing creatively or with the fans. It’s a financial decision,” Haas told media outlets. The cost of producing action-heavy episodes, combined with increasing network budget constraints, played a key role in the decision.
Fans expressed heartbreak on social media, with many calling the cancellation “short-sighted” and “disappointing.” On-set videos of the final day of filming circulated widely, showing tearful farewells between cast and crew. Most Wanted star Dylan McDermott posted a tribute to his character, Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott, thanking fans for their unwavering support.
Despite the cancellations, CBS has not ruled out the possibility of future crossovers or guest appearances from characters in the canceled series. The flagship show, FBI, remains strong and will enter its seventh season this fall, continuing to anchor Tuesday nights for the network.
As the FBI universe undergoes transformation, fans are left to reflect on the impact of these two shows, both of which helped cement the franchise’s reputation as one of the most consistent and compelling crime dramas on network television.
