In March 2025, CBS announced the cancellation of two popular spin-offs from the FBI franchise: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. The decision has sparked widespread disappointment among fans, who took to social media to express their frustration.
Reasons Behind the Cancellations
CBS cited declining viewership and increasing production costs as primary factors in the decision to cancel the shows. FBI: Most Wanted averaged 6.5 million viewers per episode, while FBI: International had 6.53 million viewers, both experiencing a 10% drop from the previous season. Additionally, FBI: International filmed in Europe, leading to higher travel and location expenses. Both shows were produced by Universal Television, adding to the financial considerations .
Fan Reactions
Fans expressed their dismay on social media platforms. One viewer tweeted, “WHAT THE F*** CBS?? WE DON’T WANT A NEW SPINOFF. WE WANT THE SHOWS AND CHARACTERS WE ALREADY LOVE” . Another fan commented, “Did anyone even ask for an FBI: CIA? Anyone?” .
On Reddit, discussions revealed deep disappointment. One user wrote, “I think cancelling is a big mistake… International was having one of its best seasons yet and the new team is actually a good one” . Another added, “I really want them to STOP canceling shows but greenlighting MORE spinoffs!!? Invest in what you have!!” .
Impact on Cast and Crew
The cancellations also affect the cast members who transitioned from the original FBI series to the spin-offs. Actors like Dylan McDermott, Shantel VanSanten, and Jesse Lee Soffer may face uncertainty regarding their future roles, as their characters were integral to the spin-offs’ storylines .
Looking Ahead
Despite the cancellations, CBS is moving forward with a new spin-off, FBI: CIA, which is currently in development. However, the announcement has met with skepticism from fans who question the network’s decision-making process .
As fans continue to voice their concerns, the future of the FBI franchise remains uncertain. The cancellations highlight the challenges networks face in balancing financial considerations with audience preferences.
