In a significant programming shift, CBS has announced the cancellation of two prominent spin-offs from its FBI franchise: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. FBI: Most Wanted will conclude after its sixth season, while FBI: International wraps up after its fourth season. Despite both series maintaining solid viewership, CBS cited financial considerations and an overcrowded programming schedule as primary reasons for their discontinuation.
Financial Pressures and Declining Ratings
Both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International were produced by Universal Television, an external studio, which contributed to higher production costs. FBI: International filmed extensively in Europe, incurring significant travel and location expenses, while Most Wanted required frequent on-location shoots across the U.S. These factors made the series among CBS’s most expensive dramas to produce.
Additionally, viewership for both shows declined in recent seasons. FBI: Most Wanted averaged 6.5 million viewers per episode in its final season, a 10% decrease from the previous year. FBI: International had a similar drop, averaging 6.53 million viewers, also down 10% from the previous season. These figures placed both series below other CBS dramas in terms of viewership.
CBS’s Strategic Shift
CBS’s decision reflects a broader strategy to streamline its programming and focus on more cost-effective and higher-performing series. The network is introducing a new spin-off, FBI: CIA, which is set to premiere in the fall. The series will follow a by-the-book FBI agent and a rebellious CIA operative as they collaborate on domestic terrorism cases in New York City. Tom Ellis is set to star in the lead role.
The cancellation of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International is part of a larger trend of network programming adjustments. Other CBS shows, including The Equalizer and S.W.A.T., have also been canceled as part of the network’s efforts to optimize its lineup.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
The news of the cancellations has been met with disappointment from fans who appreciated the unique perspectives each spin-off brought to the FBI franchise. FBI: Most Wanted focused on tracking down the Bureau’s most elusive criminals, while FBI: International explored cases handled by the agency’s elite international division.
Despite the end of these series, the original FBI series remains a staple of CBS’s programming, continuing to deliver compelling stories and strong viewership. The upcoming FBI: CIA spin-off offers fans a new avenue to engage with the franchise, promising fresh narratives and dynamic characters.
