CBS recently announced that it had greenlit a new spinoff, FBI: CIA, which led to widespread speculation that one of the other spinoffs would be shown the door, as there would not be room on the schedule for all four to air in one night. While there are several reasons why CBS canceled FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted, the decision has upset the shows’ large fanbases. However, not all hope is lost, as producer Dick Wolf has a long history with NBC that could perhaps get the two spinoffs saved.
FBI: Most Wanted & International Cancelation By CBS Explained
Both Shows Will End Permanently In May 2025
CBS’ stated reason for canceling these two shows is that their ratings have taken a significant dip since the shortened 2024 season (via TVLine). Both shows have lost about 10% of their viewers from last year, averaging only 6.5 million viewers per episode. Since several other shows are higher-rated, it makes economic sense for CBS to cancel these two series. Furthermore, the network needed to make room for FBI: CIA on its schedule in the fall, so at least one of the FBI shows was likely to be canceled or moved to streaming-only status.That said, CBS’ cancellation of these shows is frustrating for several reasons. Each show has a strongly loyal fanbase, making this situation similar to CBS’ disappointing decision to cancel Blue Bloods despite its popularity. Additionally, FBI: Most Wanted‘s Nina Chase is raising a child with FBI‘s Stuart Scola, and there is not yet any news on how that relationship will be handled now that Nina’s show is wrapping up. FBI: International got a new head of the Fly Team this season, which seems pointless now that the show is ending after his first year on it.
Why NBC Is The Best Network To Save Dick Wolf’s Canceled FBI Shows
The Entertainment Giant Already Has Two Successful Franchises On The Network
The FBI franchise is produced by Dick Wolf Entertainment, which also produces the One Chicago shows and the Law and Order franchise. All of the shows in the One Chicago franchise have been on for over a decade, while Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU both have over 20 years’ worth of shows under their belts. Thus, while Dick Wolf Entertainment has occasionally had a show that failed, it has one of the strongest track records in the business, meaning NBC may be willing to take a chance on the canceled FBI shows.
passed on FBI seven years ago is that there wasn’t space in its schedule that year (via THR). NBC could thus make up for its previous inability to broadcast FBI by adopting the two canceled spinoffs. NBC also has the option of using these spinoffs to bolster interest in its Peacock streaming service by making one or both a streaming-only series, as it has done with two of its scripted series — Law & Order: Organized Crime and Days of Our Lives.
What Are The Chances Of NBC Saving FBI: Most Wanted & International
Finding Room In Its Schedule For Two Shows May Be Challenging
The biggest impediment to NBC taking these shows on is the same one that stopped it from greenlighting FBI in the first place: finding room in its schedule. It isn’t easy to find a two-hour block free in NBC’s schedule — additionally, its primetime lineup will look differently in the fall, as some shows will be canceled and others will be airing for the first time. However, there are likely ways to make this work.
