The FBI franchise has long been one of CBS’s crown jewels. Since the flagship series first premiered in 2018, it has built a reputation as a reliable ratings winner, delivering high-stakes cases, emotional character arcs, and a strong ensemble cast. Over time, CBS expanded the brand into a full-fledged universe with FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, creating a three-show Tuesday night powerhouse that rivaled franchise blocks like NCIS and Law & Order.
But as the TV industry continues to evolve, CBS has made a bold and surprising move. The network officially announced the cancellation of FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted, while also confirming a significant schedule change for the flagship FBI. Beginning in 2026, the series will air on a brand-new night, reshaping the future of the franchise in ways that have left fans both excited and concerned.
The Cancellations: Saying Goodbye to Two Spinoffs
For months, rumors swirled about whether CBS would keep all three shows afloat. Rising production costs, shifting audience behavior, and a crowded primetime lineup all fueled speculation. This week, the rumors became reality.
- FBI: International (2021–2025) gave viewers a unique look at crimes beyond U.S. borders, following a special unit handling cases across Europe. The show introduced fresh characters and exotic settings, but insiders noted that it was among the most expensive procedurals CBS produced. Despite a loyal core fanbase, its ratings often fluctuated, particularly against streaming competition.
- FBI: Most Wanted (2020–2025) started strong, with a focus on fugitives and manhunts, and was initially buoyed by its connection to the main series. However, it faced several cast shake-ups, including the departure of Julian McMahon, which made it harder to maintain a consistent identity. While still beloved by many viewers, its viewership slipped in recent seasons.
In an official statement, CBS thanked the casts and crews of both shows, praising their contributions to expanding the FBI universe. Dick Wolf, the powerhouse producer behind the franchise, also released a statement calling the cancellations “a difficult but necessary step to keep the brand strong for years to come.”
A New Chapter: The Flagship Moves to Wednesdays
Perhaps the most surprising part of CBS’s announcement is the relocation of the original FBI. After years of anchoring Tuesday nights, the flagship series will move to Wednesdays at 9 p.m. in 2026.
Why the move? Industry analysts suggest several reasons:
- Clearer Branding – With the spinoffs gone, CBS wants FBI to stand tall on its own night, unburdened by the weight of carrying an entire block.
- Strategic Programming – CBS has historically used scheduling shifts to strengthen weak nights or boost competition against rival networks. Moving FBI could be part of a bigger effort to counter NBC’s Chicago shows or ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy.
- Confidence in Longevity – The decision shows CBS still believes in FBI as a cornerstone series, much like NCIS, which successfully transitioned to different time slots over its 20+ seasons.
This move also mirrors past strategies: CBS once shifted NCIS to Mondays to strengthen its lineup, while NBC reshuffled Law & Order shows multiple times without damaging their long-term popularity.
What Fans Can Expect in 2026
The cancellation of the spinoffs will inevitably change how the FBI universe tells its stories. Without the shared crossovers, the flagship series will likely double down on character-driven narratives. Fans can expect:
- Deeper Team Dynamics – Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and OA Zidan (Zeeko Zaki) may receive more storylines that dive into their personal lives, rather than splitting arcs across multiple series.
- Bigger Standalone Cases – With more room to breathe, the flagship could return to high-stakes cases that stretch across multi-episode arcs, much like NCIS and Blue Bloods.
- Possible Character Returns – While the spinoffs are ending, CBS may keep doors open for characters like Jess LaCroix’s team from Most Wanted or Forrester from International to appear in crossover guest spots.
- Tone Reset – Industry experts believe the flagship may return to its Season 1 roots, with a tighter focus on the core New York-based unit, while still leaving room for global connections when storylines demand it.
Fan Reactions: Bittersweet but Hopeful
Unsurprisingly, fans of Most Wanted and International have taken to social media to voice their disappointment. Many had grown attached to the unique identities of those shows, particularly the international settings and the diverse teams. Some expressed frustration that CBS is narrowing the franchise just as it had found global scope.
At the same time, others welcomed the decision, noting that the flagship often felt overshadowed by the sheer volume of spinoffs. On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), some fans wrote that this move might actually save the FBI brand from “franchise fatigue,” allowing the original to thrive for years without dilution.
A Pattern in Modern TV Franchises
This shake-up is not unique to FBI. The television industry has seen similar consolidations:
- NCIS Franchise: At its height, NCIS spawned multiple spinoffs, but CBS eventually pared it down to just the flagship and select offshoots like NCIS: Hawai’i. The original remains one of the most-watched shows on TV.
- Law & Order Franchise: NBC canceled several Law & Order entries over the years, only to revive the flagship later with great success.
- CSI: Once a four-show franchise, it was eventually reduced to one revival (CSI: Vegas) to keep the brand fresh.
CBS seems to be applying the same playbook here—scale back the spinoffs, keep the strongest brand identity intact, and then see if there’s room for a new revival down the line.
The Road Ahead for Dick Wolf and CBS
While this marks the end of two series, it may not be the last we see of the larger FBI universe. Dick Wolf is known for reinventing his franchises. If audience appetite remains strong, CBS could eventually greenlight new iterations or revivals—possibly with fresh concepts that reflect evolving audience tastes.
For now, though, the spotlight is squarely on the flagship. CBS’s gamble is that FBI alone is strong enough to hold its ground in a competitive primetime slot and continue its run for many more years.
