In a move that has stunned both fans and industry insiders, CBS has officially canceled two of its popular crime dramas, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, after their sixth and fourth seasons respectively — despite both series posting strong ratings throughout the 2024–25 television season.
The announcement comes as part of a broader programming shakeup at CBS, which also includes the renewal of the flagship series FBI and the greenlight for a new spinoff, CIA, set to debut in Fall 2025.
“This was not a decision we made lightly,” said CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach in a statement. “Both Most Wanted and International performed incredibly well, but in today’s evolving media landscape, tough strategic choices have to be made.”
📈 Strong Viewership, Surprising Exit
Both shows were considered mainstays in CBS’s primetime lineup. FBI: Most Wanted consistently ranked in the Top 15 scripted dramas on network television and FBI: International was a fan favorite for its unique global setting and international cases.
Season 6 of Most Wanted, led by Dylan McDermott as Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott, brought in impressive viewership and continued to delve into emotionally complex manhunts. Meanwhile, International stood out for its dynamic European backdrop and ensemble cast led by Luke Kleintank and Vinessa Vidotto.
Despite their popularity, CBS cited rising production costs, limited scheduling space, and a shift toward fewer franchise shows as key reasons for their discontinuation.
🎬 Creative Teams React
David Hudgins, showrunner of FBI: Most Wanted, took to social media to thank fans:
“It’s been a privilege to tell these stories and work with such a talented cast and crew. We’re proud of what we built.”
Derek Haas, co-creator of FBI: International, expressed similar sentiments:
“The International Fly Team brought something fresh and global to the franchise. Ending it is bittersweet, but the journey was unforgettable.”
While both series will end with proper series finales airing later this summer, fans are still calling for reconsideration or potential revivals on Paramount+.
🌍 What Happens Next?
With these cancellations, the FBI universe will now focus on:
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The original FBI, renewed through Season 10
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A brand-new series, CIA, starring Tom Ellis, set to explore international threats through the eyes of a rogue CIA agent and an FBI partner
Although Most Wanted and International are ending, CBS has not ruled out possible crossovers or returns for individual characters in the flagship show or future projects.
“These characters live on in the FBI universe,” Reisenbach hinted. “We’re open to revisiting them when the right story presents itself.”
