Dick Wolf, the powerhouse creator behind Law & Order and One Chicago, has brought his signature style to CBS with the FBI franchise, consisting of FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International. These shows are built around the high-stakes world of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with each series offering its own distinct perspective and tone. Airing back-to-back on the same night, they create a three-hour block of intense, crime-solving entertainment. Here’s a deep dive into the order in which these shows debuted and an exploration of which series might be the best among them.
How the FBI Franchise Began
The FBI franchise officially launched in 2018 with the premiere of FBI, the first of the series to introduce viewers to the inner workings of the Bureau. Set in the New York office, this show stars Missy Peregrym as Special Agent Maggie Bell and Zeeko Zaki as Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, alongside Jeremy Sisto and Alana De La Garza in key supervisory roles. With the action centered in a major city, FBI focuses on local cases with national implications, covering terrorism, organized crime, and other high-profile investigations. This approach offers a straightforward, action-packed take on traditional crime-solving while also establishing a foundation for the larger franchise.
FBI’s debut marked the beginning of what would soon become a compelling franchise that took Wolf’s style to a national – and eventually international – stage. Unlike his previous series, which focus on city or regional police departments, FBI dives into federal-level cases, giving the show a unique flavor that is slightly more procedural and grounded in complex cases that impact national security.
FBI: Most Wanted: The First Spinoff
FBI: Most Wanted, the franchise’s first spinoff, premiered in 2020 after a backdoor pilot in FBI’s first season. Initially, it followed Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix, portrayed by Julian McMahon, who led a specialized Fugitive Task Force dedicated to tracking down America’s most elusive criminals. LaCroix’s team handles cases on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, giving FBI: Most Wanted a darker and more intense tone compared to the flagship series.
This series has had its share of changes, especially after McMahon’s character was written off, which brought in Dylan McDermott as the new team leader, Remy Scott. With this adjustment, the show has maintained its focus on dangerous fugitives, blending the high-stakes nature of a manhunt with complex team dynamics and emotional backstories that resonate with audiences. FBI: Most Wanted taps into the psychological and emotional toll of pursuing violent criminals across the country, giving it a slightly edgier feel that has attracted a dedicated fan base.
FBI: International: Taking the Franchise Overseas
The second spinoff, FBI: International, premiered in 2021 and marked a new chapter for the franchise by taking the action overseas. This series follows the FBI’s elite Fly Team, based out of Budapest, as they travel worldwide to track down criminals who pose threats to the United States. Luke Kleintank stars as Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester, leading a team that includes Heida Reed as Special Agent Jamie Kellett and Carter Redwood as Special Agent Andre Raines.
Unlike the previous two series, FBI: International operates on a global scale, making it unique within the franchise and providing a fresh perspective on law enforcement. The show is notable for its different tone and feel, as the Fly Team often works without the immediate backup and resources available on U.S. soil. This series highlights cultural challenges, language barriers, and high-stakes diplomacy, creating a new layer of suspense and difficulty for the characters. FBI: International might be the most distinct among the FBI series, as it combines elements of traditional law enforcement with the intrigue and unpredictability of international missions.
Which FBI Series is the Best?
Each FBI series brings something unique to the franchise, making it challenging to declare a definitive “best” show. However, the following breakdown can help fans understand what each series does best and which one might appeal most based on their preferences.
For Classic Procedural Fans: FBI
For viewers who enjoy a traditional crime procedural with a federal spin, the flagship FBI series is the best choice. With a strong ensemble cast, tight storytelling, and high-stakes cases grounded in national security, FBI is a solidly crafted show. Its New York setting and focus on domestic threats provide a familiar backdrop that viewers find comforting yet engaging. Fans of Law & Order and NCIS will find FBI the perfect fit if they prefer cases that are more contained and don’t stray too far from the classic formula of crime-solving.
For Viewers Who Crave Intensity: FBI: Most Wanted
FBI: Most Wanted stands out for its intense, darker tone, focusing on fugitives and manhunts. The show’s premise allows for more suspenseful and emotionally charged storylines as the team chases dangerous criminals who often have violent pasts. This series gives audiences a grittier view of law enforcement, highlighting the toll that dangerous pursuits take on the team. The high stakes, coupled with deeply personal stories about the team members, make FBI: Most Wanted an ideal choice for viewers looking for drama, action, and emotional complexity. Its storyline evolution, especially with the addition of Dylan McDermott as Remy Scott, has continued to keep audiences invested in its intense storylines.
For Fans Seeking Global Intrigue: FBI: International
FBI: International offers a unique twist on the franchise by shifting the action overseas. This series provides audiences with a broader view of FBI operations, showing how agents navigate international law enforcement challenges. The show’s exotic locations and cultural nuances make it stand out, creating a fresh viewing experience compared to the other FBI shows. Fans of global espionage, political thrillers, and international mysteries are likely to find FBI: International the most appealing. It also adds an interesting dimension to the franchise by exploring cases that affect U.S. security from abroad, giving viewers a sense of the broader mission of the FBI and the challenges of operating without direct support.
The Future of the FBI Franchise
With the FBI franchise steadily expanding and continuing to find a loyal audience, the shows have cemented their place as a staple in CBS’s lineup. The franchise’s ability to offer diverse perspectives on law enforcement—from local to international cases—demonstrates its adaptability and broad appeal. Wolf’s universe also opens the door for potential crossover events, a beloved feature of his other franchises, allowing characters to intersect and share storylines across the series. The occasional crossover episodes have delighted fans by adding depth and connectivity between the shows.
In conclusion, the FBI franchise offers something for every fan of police dramas. The flagship FBI provides the core procedural experience with compelling cases, FBI: Most Wanted introduces more intensity and character-driven drama, and FBI: International brings in global intrigue and cultural diversity. Each series has earned its place in the franchise, and while choosing the “best” might depend on personal taste, the variety within the FBI universe ensures there’s a show for every viewer
