The FBI franchise is undergoing a major shake-up. CBS has confirmed that Alana De La Garza, who has been a core cast member of FBI: Most Wanted, will be leaving the spinoff and transitioning back to the flagship series, FBI. The move marks a big shift for both shows and underscores CBS’ efforts to keep its FBI universe fresh and interconnected.
From Most Wanted to FBI
Alana De La Garza has portrayed Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Isobel Castille, a leadership role that connected her character across different corners of the franchise. While she appeared prominently on Most Wanted, CBS revealed that she will now take on a more central position in the flagship FBI.
De La Garza originally debuted as Isobel on FBI before becoming a bridge character for the wider franchise. Her move back to the mothership series feels like a homecoming of sorts — and one that will deepen the narrative continuity between the three series.
CBS on the Move
In a statement, CBS praised De La Garza’s impact on the franchise, highlighting her strength in portraying a tough but compassionate leader.
“Alana De La Garza has brought intelligence, depth, and unwavering determination to the role of Isobel Castille,” the network said. “Her transition back to FBI will allow the series to explore new leadership dynamics while reinforcing the strong ties between our franchise shows.”
What It Means for FBI: Most Wanted
The loss of De La Garza is significant for FBI: Most Wanted, which has relied on her as a steady presence alongside Dylan McDermott, Keisha Castle-Hughes, and Roxy Sternberg.
Insiders suggest that Most Wanted will introduce a new leadership figure to fill the gap left by Isobel’s departure. Whether this new character will be a familiar face from within the FBI universe or a fresh addition to the team remains to be seen, but the casting choice will be crucial in maintaining the chemistry that has made the spinoff a success.
Strengthening the Flagship Series
For FBI, De La Garza’s return brings stability and familiarity to a show that has gone through cast adjustments in recent years. With Missy Peregrym, Zeeko Zaki, Jeremy Sisto, and John Boyd anchoring the series, adding De La Garza back into the mix strengthens the ensemble.
Her character, Isobel, is expected to play a more hands-on leadership role in the flagship, giving the writers new opportunities to explore how she manages her agents in high-pressure cases. The shift could also provide more crossover opportunities with Most Wanted and FBI: International.
Fan Reaction
Fans of the franchise have reacted with a mix of surprise and excitement. On social media, many expressed sadness at losing her on Most Wanted, where she had become a stabilizing figure, but others welcomed her return to FBI, where the character first made her mark.
“Isobel belongs on the flagship — that’s where she shines the most,” one fan wrote on Twitter (X). Another added, “Sad for Most Wanted, but thrilled to see her leading the charge again on FBI.”
The Bigger Picture for the FBI Franchise
This cast shuffle reflects the fluid nature of the FBI franchise, created by Dick Wolf, which has thrived on interconnected storytelling. Characters moving between shows isn’t new — in fact, it’s part of what makes the franchise feel cohesive.
With CBS renewing all three shows (FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International), these strategic moves allow the network to keep the stories fresh while keeping fans invested across multiple series.
Looking Ahead
As FBI prepares for its upcoming season, fans can look forward to seeing De La Garza take a more prominent role on the flagship show. Meanwhile, Most Wanted will face the challenge of filling the leadership void — a move that could either bring a bold new energy to the team or highlight just how much De La Garza’s presence is missed.
Either way, this transition underscores the enduring power of the FBI franchise and its ability to evolve while keeping its audience hooked.
👉 Do you want me to also write a second, longer magazine-style feature — with behind-the-scenes speculation about why the producers made this shift and what it signals for the future of the FBI universe — in addition to this news-style article?
