In a surprising move that has shocked many fans, CBS announced the cancellation of two major spinoffs in the FBI franchise: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. Both shows have been staples in CBS’s primetime lineup, with FBI: Most Wanted running for six seasons and FBI: International for four seasons. Despite their consistent strong ratings, CBS cited financial considerations as the primary reason behind the decision.
Ratings Success but Economic Challenges
FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International have been among the top 10 most-watched shows during the 2024–2025 television season, attracting millions of viewers each week. Their blend of intense crime-solving drama and character-driven storytelling has earned loyal audiences and critical praise alike.
However, CBS executives revealed that rising production costs and shifting network priorities made continuing these spinoffs unsustainable. This decision aligns with a broader pattern at CBS, which has recently canceled several other popular shows, including The Equalizer and S.W.A.T., as the network restructures its programming strategy to optimize profitability.
What This Means for the FBI Universe
While the cancellations mark the end for these two series, CBS reassured fans that the original FBI show will continue with its eighth season premiering in the fall of 2025. The network is also excited to announce a brand-new spinoff, CIA, which is slated to debut alongside FBI Season 8 as part of an expanded franchise lineup.
The new series CIA promises to explore the inner workings of America’s Central Intelligence Agency, adding a fresh angle to the FBI universe and keeping viewers engaged with high-stakes storytelling.
Fan Reactions and Industry Impact
Fans of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International took to social media to express their disappointment and nostalgia, praising the shows for their gripping plots and complex characters. Many hope for potential revivals or continuations in other formats, such as streaming platforms.
Industry analysts view CBS’s decision as a reflection of the evolving landscape of television production, where networks must balance creative ambitions with economic realities. The cancellations highlight the increasing pressure on long-running franchises to adapt to changing viewer habits and budget constraints.
