In May 2025, CBS officially announced that FBI: International would not be returning for a fifth season, ending its run after four action-packed years. The decision surprised many loyal fans, especially as the show had recently introduced new characters and exciting narrative directions.
đď¸ Derek Haas: âI Was Sad to Hear Itâ
Co-creator Derek Haas opened up about his feelings in the wake of the showâs cancellation. While he didnât serve as showrunner during the most recent season, he remains deeply connected to the series and the team behind it.
âI was sad to hear about the decision,â Haas said. âBut I trust the people at CBS and Wolf Entertainment. They know what theyâre doing and always act in the best interest of the brand.â
Haas acknowledged he didnât have insight into the full reasoning behind the networkâs decision but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help launch the series in 2021.
đ° Not About Quality â It Came Down to Economics
CBS clarified that the decision to cancel FBI: International was not due to ratings or performance but rather financial logistics. With international production costs running high, especially amid rising expenses in the television industry, CBS prioritized shows with better budget-to-return ratios.
While the series averaged a steady 6.5 million viewers per episode, that wasnât enough to outweigh the challenges of maintaining an overseas production based in Budapest.
đ Cast Say Goodbye with Heartfelt Messages
Several cast members posted emotional goodbyes on social media following the announcement:
- Vinessa Vidotto (Cameron Vo) reflected on spending four years in Hungary, calling the experience âlife-changing,â and praised the friendships, crew, and international storytelling.
- Eva-Jane Willis (Smitty) called the journey âa wild rideâ and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a passionate and talented team.
𧊠Unresolved Storylines Leave Fans Wanting More
Fans were particularly disappointed by unresolved plot threads, including the new storyline surrounding Agent Wesley âWesâ Mitchell. The fourth season had just begun to explore his background when news of the cancellation came.
Critics noted that the show had only just begun to tap into the characterâs potential, leaving many feeling that the series was cut short too soon.
đ The FBI Universe Moves Forward
Despite the end of International and Most Wanted, the FBI franchise is evolving. CBS has greenlit a new spinoff series titled CIA, starring Tom Ellis (Lucifer), which will remain within the FBI universe. The flagship series FBI has also been renewed through Season 9, showing that the brand is still strong, even as its international arm closes.
đď¸ A Bittersweet Goodbye
FBI: International broke ground with its global scope, cultural depth, and fresh approach to procedural storytelling. Its cancellation reflects the current pressures of TV economics, not a lack of quality. As Derek Haas and the cast say goodbye, the show leaves behind a legacy of boundary-crossing investigations, memorable characters, and a loyal global fanbase.
