In a major shake-up to the long-running FBI franchise, CBS has officially announced the cancellation of two of its hit spin-offs: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. The decision comes as both shows wrapped their current seasons in May 2025.
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FBI: Most Wanted concludes after 6 seasons (2020–2025)
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FBI: International ends after 4 seasons (2021–2025)
🔍 Why Did CBS Cancel the Shows?
Despite strong ratings — both shows consistently averaged over 6.5 million viewers per episode and ranked in the Top 10 most-watched scripted dramas on network television — CBS cited budgetary concerns and strategic scheduling as the core reasons for the cancellations.
According to CBS executives, the cost of producing the shows, especially International with its overseas filming, no longer made financial sense given the network’s need to optimize its primetime lineup and prepare for new programming in the 2025–2026 season.
📅 When Did They End?
Both shows concluded with series finales in May 2025, and producers reportedly crafted the final episodes to provide emotional and narrative closure for long-time viewers — with no unresolved cliffhangers.
🎬 Cast and Fan Reactions
Cast members took to social media to thank fans and reflect on their time with the shows.
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Eva-Jane Willis, who starred as Smitty on FBI: International, called the cancellation “sad” but expressed deep gratitude for the experience.
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Edwin Hodge and Keisha Castle-Hughes from Most Wanted also shared heartfelt goodbyes, thanking fans and crew members for their support over the years.
Meanwhile, fans responded with shock and frustration:
“They canceled both? This makes no sense — International was just getting better.”
“Why cancel the shows people actually watch? Huge mistake.”
Some have launched online petitions, hoping for a potential revival or spinoff revival on streaming platforms.
🔁 What Happens to the FBI Franchise Now?
The original FBI series remains safe and strong. CBS has renewed it through Season 9, with Season 8 set to premiere in Fall 2025 in a new Monday night time slot at 9 PM.
To fill the gap left by the canceled spin-offs, CBS has fast-tracked a new entry in the franchise titled CIA. This fresh series stars Tom Ellis (Lucifer) as a rebellious CIA agent who partners with an FBI counterpart to tackle global threats. CIA will air Mondays at 10 PM, directly following the flagship FBI series.
📊 Status Overview
| Series | Seasons | Status |
|---|---|---|
| FBI | 7+ | Renewed through Season 9 |
| FBI: Most Wanted | 6 | Canceled (Finale aired May 2025) |
| FBI: International | 4 | Canceled (Finale aired May 2025) |
| CIA (new spinoff) | — | Debuting Fall 2025 |
🔮 What’s Next?
While CBS has made no indication of reviving Most Wanted or International, some insiders suggest that characters from both canceled series may appear in FBI or CIA in guest roles or crossover episodes. Additionally, fans are hopeful that a streaming platform may pick up one or both shows in the future.
For now, the FBI universe is entering a new chapter — one that combines the old guard with a new global vision through CIA.
