CBS has officially revealed the release schedule for its flagship procedural FBI and its hit spinoff FBI: Most Wanted. Fans of the Dick Wolf–produced franchise can now mark their calendars, as both shows are confirmed to return with brand-new seasons in 2026, further cementing the FBI universe as one of the cornerstones of CBS’s primetime lineup.
When Will the Shows Return?
According to the network’s schedule, FBI will kick off its highly anticipated new season on Tuesday, September [specific date 2026 TBD] at 8/7c, continuing to serve as the lead-in for the night. FBI: Most Wanted will follow immediately after at 9/8c, maintaining its role as the franchise’s darker, manhunt-driven installment.
This back-to-back programming strategy has proven to be a consistent ratings winner for CBS, keeping audiences hooked for two hours of high-stakes, action-packed storytelling.
The Legacy of FBI
Since its debut in 2018, FBI has built a loyal audience with its mix of gripping procedural cases and strong character arcs, led by Missy Peregrym (Maggie Bell) and Zeeko Zaki (OA Zidan). The series not only delivers weekly thrills but also dives into the emotional and moral challenges faced by agents working on the front lines of national security.
The upcoming season promises to raise the stakes even higher, with storylines involving terrorism threats, organized crime, and complex undercover missions.
Most Wanted Keeps the Action Going
Launched in 2020, FBI: Most Wanted carved its own identity as the franchise’s grittier sibling, following the Fugitive Task Force as they track down the nation’s most dangerous criminals. With Dylan McDermott leading the current cast as Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott, the show balances fast-paced manhunts with nuanced character-driven drama.
The 2026 season will continue to expand on the team’s personal dynamics while pushing them into more perilous and unpredictable cases across the country.
CBS’s Scheduling Strategy
By pairing FBI and Most Wanted back-to-back, CBS ensures viewers stay locked in for an entire evening of high-energy drama. Industry insiders note that this scheduling move strengthens the network’s Tuesday night dominance, with the FBI franchise consistently ranking among CBS’s top-rated dramas.
What Fans Can Expect
Although CBS has kept plot details tightly under wraps, fans can expect:
- New guest stars joining both series.
- Expansions on ongoing character arcs, particularly Maggie Bell’s return to form after past setbacks and Remy Scott’s leadership challenges.
- More crossover potential between the two shows, continuing the tradition of franchise-wide storylines.
The Bottom Line
The FBI universe shows no signs of slowing down. With FBI and FBI: Most Wanted both locked into CBS’s 2026 fall schedule, viewers can count on another year of intense investigations, gripping storytelling, and compelling characters.
