We’re still waiting to hear the fate of two of the FBI franchise’s finest as CBS and other networks decide on next season’s schedule.
And they have FBI fans holding their breaths. While FBI is in the clear, thank goodness, the greenlight for another FBI series has sparked chatter that either FBI: International or FBI: Most Wanted may bite the dust to make room for it.
But when it comes to the FBI, it’s different strokes for different folks, and we wanted to take a poll of which series is the best of the trio. We present our cases for each.
Nothing Can Top the OG FBI, and The Others Should Stop Trying
Some things shouldn’t be duplicated, like covers of songs, and nothing can top the original.
There’s a reason why FBI tops the charts on CBS. It’s the fourth most popular series on a network chock full of them, and it beats out the other series in the franchise fairly easily.
FBI set a high bar when they introduced OA Zidan. He’s one of the most unique characters in the Dick Wolf universe, not to mention he’s been a refreshing form of representation as a Muslim law enforcement officer and veteran.
For once, we had a character who looked like him and practiced his faith as the hero rather than the villain in these crime procedurals. This is all the more meaningful when FBI often tackles cases that involve hot-button topics like terrorism.
OA is just one member of this elite team who grips viewers and keeps us coming back for more. Tough as nails, pint-sized badass Maggie Bell is one of the fiercest female agents on television, and she’s just as flawed.
This makes her a compelling hero in these stories. Maggie is such a multidimensional character, and her personal arcs often resonate with viewers the most.
Jubal, played by fan-favorite Jeremy Sisto, leads the pack and is also the special element that stands out in this series.
While FBI often has a revolving door of characters, this specific trio remains the same and is at the heart of this series, making it feel the most grounded and comforting for long-time fans.
With thrilling cases, loads of action, and its own spin on hot topics, FBI often proves that nothing and no one can touch the OG.
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FBI: Most Wanted Gets Down and Dirty and Brings the Grit
If this were a contest over which series in the franchise had the most grit, FBI: Most Wanted would win by a landslide.
Something about this show sending its characters all around the nation, hunting down the worst, gnarliest society has to offer, keeps us locked into the series.
FBI: Most Wanted’s diversity comes in the wide range of cases it takes on, the subjects it covers, and the places where the job takes this elite team of specialized agents.
One minute, we’re in NYC, and the next, we’re in the plains of Montana, and that adds to the excitement and unpredictability of this series and its offerings.
It’s also entertaining to witness the unit interacting and working alongside local law enforcement and the specific obstacles they face.
FBI: Most Wanted has the worst track record for cast turnover, but that doesn’t necessarily prevent it from having intriguing characters who bring something different to the table. No two characters are alike on FBI: Most Wanted, which has added to its appeal even when the unit rarely looks the same.
Most Wanted also has strong leadership, with the series operating as a real unit rather than simple teams, whether it was beloved family man Jess LaCroix or no-nonsense Remy Scott.
Unlike the other two series, Most Wanted’s cases always feel high stakes, and the action never lets up.
The series also delves into unexpected and unexplored subject matter, ranging from militia culture, town-wide police misconduct, and Native boarding homes.
There’s always something to learn from this series amid all the action, which is likely why fans are vocal about the possibility of losing this series.
