When CBS first launched FBI in 2018, few could have predicted how quickly the show would grow into a franchise powerhouse. In just a few years, the series spawned two successful spin-offs — FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International — creating a shared universe that mirrored the model of Dick Wolf’s other mega-franchise, Law & Order. For fans, Tuesday nights became “FBI Night,” a block of interconnected dramas showcasing the Bureau’s work on both domestic and global scales.
But in 2025, that formula has been dramatically altered. CBS stunned viewers earlier this year by announcing the cancellation of Most Wanted and International, while simultaneously greenlighting a brand-new entry: FBI: CIA. The move has sent shockwaves through both the fan community and the television industry, sparking debates about why the network would retire two established series only to gamble on something new.
So what does this shake-up mean for the franchise moving forward?
The Rise and Fall of the Spin-Offs
Both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International played important roles in expanding the universe. Most Wanted offered a darker, fugitive-hunting premise, led by a team that specialized in chasing the country’s most dangerous criminals. International, meanwhile, opened the franchise to a global stage, spotlighting FBI operations abroad and delivering international intrigue.
For a time, the formula worked. The shows regularly pulled in solid ratings and built loyal fanbases. But over time, challenges began to emerge. Some critics argued that International struggled to find a consistent identity, while Most Wanted weathered multiple cast changes that disrupted its long-term momentum. By the end of Season 5 for both shows, viewership had begun to dip, leaving CBS with tough decisions about the future of the brand.
Enter FBI: CIA
Rather than letting the franchise stagnate, CBS and Dick Wolf Productions opted to pivot. FBI: CIA, set to debut in the 2025–2026 season, represents both a fresh start and an expansion of the storytelling possibilities within the Wolf universe.
The new series will follow agents working undercover for the CIA, offering a grittier, more espionage-driven lens on national security. Early reports suggest that the show will feature a mix of serialized arcs and standalone missions, combining the procedural backbone of FBI with the character-driven tension of spy thrillers.
By moving into the world of intelligence, FBI: CIA could reinvigorate the franchise, bringing a different tone and style that complements the flagship series without repeating its formula.
What This Means for the Flagship FBI
With the spin-offs gone, the original FBI carries greater responsibility than ever. The show enters Season 8 as the cornerstone of the franchise, with CBS doubling down on its storytelling, characters, and ability to anchor Tuesday nights.
But rather than limiting the universe, the cancellation of Most Wanted and International may actually help focus audience attention. Fans who once split their loyalty between three shows will now have a single, streamlined entry point into the franchise — plus the highly anticipated spinoff waiting in the wings.
Fan Reaction: Bittersweet but Hopeful
Unsurprisingly, the shake-up has sparked strong reactions online. Fans of Most Wanted expressed disappointment over losing their favorite characters and storylines, particularly since the show often tackled darker, more serialized cases. International supporters lamented the loss of its globe-trotting premise, which had given the franchise a unique flavor.
At the same time, there’s excitement building around FBI: CIA. Viewers curious about the shift are hopeful the series will offer the kind of high-stakes espionage drama rarely seen on network television. For many, the shake-up feels less like an ending and more like an evolution — a chance to refresh the brand while keeping its core identity intact.
Industry Perspective: A Strategic Gamble
From a business standpoint, CBS’s decision reflects broader trends in television. As networks compete with streaming platforms, franchises need to feel both familiar and innovative to hold audience attention. By retiring two aging spin-offs and launching a new one with a different angle, CBS is signaling that it wants FBI to remain relevant in an increasingly crowded market.
Analysts note that FBI: CIA also positions the franchise to compete with the growing appetite for spy thrillers, a genre that has found success on streaming platforms but has been underrepresented on network TV. If successful, it could broaden the franchise’s appeal beyond traditional procedural fans.
The Future of the FBI Universe
The shake-up leaves the FBI franchise at a crossroads. On one hand, it’s a bittersweet farewell to Most Wanted and International, shows that contributed richly to the universe. On the other, it’s an exciting opportunity for reinvention, with FBI: CIA poised to bring fresh energy and new storytelling possibilities.
For now, the original FBI remains the anchor, heading into Season 8 with some of its boldest storylines yet. But all eyes will be on FBI: CIA when it premieres — and whether it can live up to the high bar set by its predecessors.
Final Thoughts
The franchise’s transformation underscores an important truth about television: survival means change. CBS could have played it safe by keeping the existing lineup intact, but instead, it’s betting on evolution. If the gamble pays off, the FBI universe could enter a new golden era.
For fans, the message is clear: the FBI world isn’t shrinking — it’s transforming. And with Season 8 of FBI and the launch of FBI: CIA, the fall of 2025 may mark not an end, but the beginning of a bold new chapter.
