In a stunning turn of events for procedural TV fans, CBS has officially canceled two of its hit spinoffs, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. Both series, long considered staples of the network’s Tuesday night lineup, will end with their current seasons — Season 6 for Most Wanted and Season 4 for International.
Despite this shake-up, the original FBI series, created by Dick Wolf and Craig Turk, remains strong and was renewed for three additional seasons, securing its future on CBS through Season 9 in 2027.
📉 Why Were They Canceled?
According to insiders at CBS, the cancellation was a result of a strategic content shift and budgetary realignments at the network. Rising production costs — particularly those associated with filming overseas (International was shot in various European cities) — combined with changes in streaming and syndication economics, made these shows more difficult to sustain.
“It was a tough call, but ultimately a necessary one,” a CBS executive told Variety. “We’re doubling down on core brands and rethinking how we grow franchises.”
Despite steady ratings and loyal fan bases, both series were seen as vulnerable. FBI: International reportedly struggled with logistical challenges and casting turnover, while FBI: Most Wanted underwent multiple showrunner changes during its six-season run.
🎬 The Flagship Lives On
The main FBI series, which premiered in 2018, has proven to be the most resilient of the franchise. With its focus on the FBI’s New York field office and a tight-knit ensemble cast led by Zeeko Zaki, Missy Peregrym, and Jeremy Sisto, the show consistently pulls in strong ratings.
CBS recently signed a multi-year renewal deal with series creator Dick Wolf, giving the show a guaranteed run through Season 9 and opening the door to potential crossovers and franchise extensions.
“FBI remains a tentpole series for us,” CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach said in a statement. “Its storytelling, cast chemistry, and real-world relevance continue to connect with viewers.”
🔁 Spinoff Universe: What’s Next?
Even as two spinoffs end, the FBI universe is not shrinking — it’s evolving. CBS has greenlit a brand-new spinoff titled FBI: CIA, which skips the usual pilot process and will go straight to series. Set in New York, the show will explore the intersection of federal law enforcement and global espionage.
“This isn’t the end of the FBI universe — it’s the start of a new chapter,” said Dick Wolf in a recent interview.
💬 Fan Reactions
The news has sparked a wave of reaction online. Fans of Most Wanted expressed disappointment, particularly over the lack of closure for characters like Remy Scott (Dylan McDermott) and Hana Gibson (Keisha Castle-Hughes). Similarly, International viewers lamented the end of Scott Forrester‘s arc and the team’s evolving dynamics abroad.
Petitions have already appeared on platforms like Change.org demanding CBS reconsider or allow the shows to find homes on streaming services like Paramount+ or Netflix.
“We deserve one more season,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “You can’t just cut us off like this.”
🔍 The Bigger Picture
This move is part of a broader industry trend. Networks are tightening spending and consolidating franchises rather than expanding them endlessly. Still, with FBI going strong and FBI: CIA in development, the brand is far from finished.
While viewers mourn the end of Most Wanted and International, they can take comfort in knowing the flagship series is thriving, and the FBI world is preparing to enter a bold new phase.
What to Watch Next:
- FBI Season 8 premieres this fall on CBS
- FBI: CIA debuts midseason with new characters and a fresh tone
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Special crossover event between FBI and CIA rumored for early 2026
