In a significant programming decision, CBS has announced the cancellation of two of its popular FBI spinoffs: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. FBI: Most Wanted concluded after six seasons, while FBI: International wrapped up after four seasons. Despite both shows ranking among the top 10 most-watched network primetime TV shows for the 2024–2025 season, CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach stated that the projects no longer made economic sense, prompting their discontinuation.
📉 Reasons for Cancellation
1. Financial Considerations
Both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International were among CBS’s most expensive dramas to produce. FBI: International filmed in Europe, leading to higher travel costs, foreign crew salaries, and expensive location fees. FBI: Most Wanted also required frequent on-location shoots across the U.S., adding to travel and logistical expenses. In May 2024, CBS made budget cuts to multiple shows, reducing the number of guaranteed episodes for regular cast members on FBI and Most Wanted. This was an early sign that the network was looking to cut costs before finalizing renewal decisions.
2. Declining Ratings
While both spinoffs maintained millions of viewers per episode, their numbers had declined over the past two seasons. FBI: Most Wanted averaged 6.5 million viewers per episode in its final season, down 10% from the previous year. FBI: International had 6.53 million viewers, also down 10% from last season. These are still respectable numbers, but CBS prioritized shows with higher ratings, like FBI, NCIS, and Tracker. The network likely saw Most Wanted and International as expendable compared to its top-performing dramas.
3. Strategic Programming Decisions
CBS has been making strategic programming decisions to optimize its lineup. The network is reportedly developing a new spinoff, FBI: CIA, which is anticipated to receive a straight-to-series order. The pilot episode is expected to air as part of the original FBI series. Additionally, CBS has reserved slots on next season’s schedule for other new series, such as Boston Blue and Sheriff Country. To make room for these new shows, CBS had to cancel existing ones, including FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International.
🎬 What’s Next for the FBI Franchise?
While FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International have concluded, CBS remains committed to the FBI franchise. The original FBI series continues to air and has been renewed through Season 10. Additionally, the network is expanding the franchise with the upcoming spinoff FBI: CIA, which will focus on domestic terrorism cases in New York City. The series will feature a dynamic pairing of an unconventional CIA agent and a rule-following FBI agent. FBI and CIA will air back-to-back on Monday nights.
📺 Where to Watch the Canceled Series
Fans of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International can still stream past seasons on Paramount+ and Peacock. While the series have concluded, viewers can revisit the episodes and enjoy the compelling storylines and characters that made these shows popular.
In summary, the cancellation of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International reflects CBS’s efforts to streamline its programming and focus on cost-effective and high-performing series. While these spinoffs have ended, the FBI franchise continues to evolve with new additions like FBI: CIA, ensuring that fans still have exciting content to look forward to.
