As CBS officially brings the curtain down on FBI: International after four successful seasons, co-creator and executive producer Derek Haas has spoken publicly about the show’s cancellation, offering a mix of gratitude, disappointment, and admiration for the team behind the globe-trotting procedural drama.
❌ The End of the Fly Team
FBI: International, the third installment in Dick Wolf’s expanding FBI franchise, premiered in 2021 and quickly gained a fanbase for its unique take on cross-border crime-fighting. Set across various European cities, the show followed the elite “Fly Team,” a group of FBI agents tackling international threats while navigating legal and diplomatic barriers.
The show officially ended in May 2025 with the conclusion of Season 4. While the finale was not originally intended to serve as a series ender, CBS has confirmed there are no plans to renew or continue the story.
🎙️ Derek Haas Responds
In a heartfelt message shared with the press and on social media, co-creator Derek Haas, who also served as the showrunner for multiple seasons, addressed the show’s loyal audience:
“Of course I’m sad to see it end. I loved what we created—especially the passion, bravery, and heart the cast brought to it every week. But four seasons is a gift in this business, and I’m incredibly proud.”
Haas also highlighted the contributions of newcomers Jesse Lee Soffer and Jay Hayden, who joined in Season 4 and were set to be key players in the show’s potential fifth season:
“They brought such great energy. I would’ve loved to explore more with them, but that’s the nature of television sometimes. We adapt. We move forward.”
💸 A Victim of Budget Cuts?
According to industry insiders, the cancellation stemmed more from logistical and financial concerns than from any drop in quality or viewership. With FBI: International being shot largely in Europe—primarily in Hungary, Italy, and other EU locations—production costs were significantly higher than those of domestic series.
CBS, restructuring its prime-time strategy, made the difficult decision to end FBI: International alongside FBI: Most Wanted to make room for a new spin-off, FBI: CIA, which will debut in fall 2025.
👥 Cast and Crew Reaction
Many cast members, including Luke Kleintank, Vinessa Vidotto, and Eva-Jane Willis, shared their gratitude toward the fans on social media. Behind the scenes, crew members also expressed how special the international filming experience had been—describing it as “once-in-a-career.”
🌍 A Legacy Beyond Borders
Though canceled, FBI: International leaves behind a strong legacy. It was the first Dick Wolf series set primarily outside the United States, offering an unusual blend of international law enforcement and American procedural drama.
The show also gained attention for its diverse cast, global locations, and unique use of real-world diplomatic tensions. Its mix of thrilling cases and cultural backdrops distinguished it from typical cop shows.
🔄 What’s Next for Derek Haas?
Derek Haas, also known for co-creating Chicago Fire and co-writing 3:10 to Yuma, remains a sought-after talent. Industry speculation suggests he is already in early talks for a new television project—possibly another international thriller or legal drama.
Though FBI: International may be over, fans are hopeful some of its characters could return in future crossover events or even appear in FBI: CIA, the upcoming spin-off set in New York.
