In a surprising move, CBS announced on March 4, 2025, that it would be canceling two popular shows from its FBI franchise: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. The decision came after a thorough evaluation of the shows’ performance and production costs. Both spinoffs, which expanded the FBI universe, will come to an end following their current seasons.
Reasons Behind the Cancellations
FBI: Most Wanted will conclude after its sixth season, while FBI: International will end after its fourth. While both series enjoyed a loyal fanbase, their high production costs and somewhat inconsistent ratings made it challenging for CBS to justify their continuation. The two shows were produced by Universal Television, an external studio, which added to the expenses and made it more difficult to negotiate favorable contracts.
The spinoffs had their own unique takes on the FBI universe, with Most Wanted focusing on a specialized task force tracking down the country’s most dangerous criminals, while International followed an elite team of agents working abroad to handle cases with international implications. Despite their intriguing premises and strong cast, the shows’ overall ratings were not enough to overcome their high production budgets, leading to the decision to cancel them.
The Fate of the Original FBI Series
While FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International are being axed, the original FBI series is safe for the time being. CBS has already renewed FBI through the 2026-2027 season, citing the show’s consistently strong performance in terms of both ratings and viewership. The original show remains a cornerstone of the FBI franchise and will continue to thrive with its compelling cases, stellar ensemble cast, and established fan following.
Additionally, CBS has announced that it is working on a new spinoff, FBI: CIA, which is slated to debut during the 2025-2026 television season. Unlike its predecessors, FBI: CIA will not have a pilot episode. Instead, it will be produced directly, showcasing a collaborative team of FBI and CIA agents who are tasked with addressing domestic terrorism threats within New York City. With the growing interest in hybrid law enforcement teams, FBI: CIA has the potential to reinvigorate the FBI brand and bring fresh dynamics to the franchise.
A Shift in CBS’s Strategy
The cancellation of Most Wanted and International is part of a broader shift in CBS’s programming strategy. In recent years, the network has faced increasing pressure to focus its resources on shows with higher returns on investment, especially in an era where streaming services dominate the entertainment landscape. CBS’s decision to scale back on its spinoffs and focus on fresh, high-potential projects reflects this ongoing shift. The network is looking to streamline its offerings and double down on shows that are more likely to capture and maintain a strong, sustainable audience.
Impact on Fans and Cast Members
The cancellation of these two spinoffs has understandably left fans disappointed. FBI: Most Wanted built a dedicated audience around its ensemble cast, led by Julian McMahon, while FBI: International attracted viewers with its global scope and dynamic characters. Many fans have taken to social media to express their sadness over the shows’ endings and to share their hopes for future spinoffs or projects involving the beloved cast members.
For the cast members, the cancellation of both shows marks the end of a significant chapter in their careers. While there are no official announcements about what the actors will be doing next, many are expected to find new roles in other high-profile series or film projects.
Looking Ahead
While the cancellation of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International signals the end of an era for the FBI franchise, there is still hope for the future. CBS’s new FBI: CIA spinoff has the potential to bring fresh excitement to the franchise and provide a platform for new stories. As networks continue to evaluate and adapt to changing viewer habits, CBS’s shift towards more efficient and high-impact programming may usher in a new era of successful, groundbreaking series.
Ultimately, while fans may mourn the end of Most Wanted and International, the future of the FBI universe remains bright, with exciting new developments on the horizon.
