In a significant shift within its primetime lineup, CBS has announced the cancellation of two of its FBI franchise spin-offs: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. Despite their strong viewership, both series will conclude after their current seasons. FBI: Most Wanted will end after six seasons, while FBI: International wraps up after four seasons. The network cited financial considerations and the need to streamline its programming as primary reasons for the cancellations .
📉 Reasons Behind the Cancellations
Both spin-offs, produced by Dick Wolf’s Wolf Entertainment in collaboration with Universal Television, have garnered solid ratings over the years. FBI: Most Wanted averaged approximately 6.5 million viewers, and FBI: International drew about 6.53 million viewers. However, these numbers were down by 10% from previous seasons, placing them below other CBS dramas like NCIS, Blue Bloods, and Tracker . Additionally, CBS’s broader strategy to reduce costs and make room for new content contributed to the decision.
🔄 Main Series FBI Renewed
Amid these cancellations, the original FBI series has been renewed through Season 9, ensuring its continuation at least until the 2026–2027 season . This renewal reflects CBS’s commitment to the flagship series, which continues to perform well in the ratings.
🆕 New Spin-Off: FBI: CIA
Looking ahead, CBS is expanding the FBI universe with a new spin-off titled FBI: CIA. Unlike traditional spin-offs, CBS has opted for a straight-to-series approach, bypassing the pilot phase and committing to a full season from the outset . The series will focus on a dedicated, by-the-book FBI agent and a street-smart CIA operative who form a clandestine task force to address domestic terrorism threats in and around New York City . Dick Wolf, alongside Nicole Perlman and former CIA officer David Chasteen, will serve as writers and executive producers for the series .
📺 Integration into FBI Season 7
To introduce audiences to the new characters, FBI: CIA will debut through a backdoor pilot in an upcoming episode of the main FBI series. This strategy allows viewers to become acquainted with the new characters and storyline before the spin-off’s standalone premiere. Casting for the new series is currently underway, with several actors in negotiations .
🔮 Future of the Franchise
The cancellations of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International mark a significant shift in CBS’s programming strategy. While these decisions have disappointed many fans, the network’s focus on new content like FBI: CIA indicates a forward-looking approach to its drama lineup. As CBS continues to evolve its offerings, viewers can anticipate fresh narratives and characters that align with contemporary themes and audience interests.
