In a surprising move, CBS has decided to cancel two of its popular FBI spinoffs: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. The cancellations come as the network reshuffles its lineup to make room for a potential new spinoff, FBI: CIA. Here’s everything you need to know about the decision and what it means for the future of the FBI franchise.
The Cancellations
- FBI: Most Wanted:
The Dylan McDermott-led series will end after six seasons. McDermott, who joined the show in Season 4, previously starred in Law & Order: Organized Crime. - FBI: International:
The Jesse Lee Soffer-led series, which followed the FBI’s Fly Team across Europe, has been canceled after four seasons. Soffer, known for his role in Chicago P.D., joined the show in its second season.
Both shows were part of Dick Wolf’s successful FBI franchise, which also includes the flagship series FBI.
Why Were the Shows Canceled?
The cancellations are part of CBS’s efforts to streamline its lineup and make room for new projects:
- New Spinoff in Development:
CBS is developing FBI: CIA, a planted spinoff that will air as an episode of the flagship FBI series. The project is currently casting, and if successful, it could receive a straight-to-series order. - Financial Considerations:
The FBI franchise is produced by Universal Television, an outside supplier. CBS has reportedly faced challenging renewal negotiations with the studio, with financials playing a key role in the decision to cancel the two spinoffs. - Primetime Scheduling:
CBS’s Tuesday night lineup, known as the FBI branded night, consists of three hours. To accommodate FBI: CIA, the network had to cancel at least one spinoff—and ultimately decided to cancel both.
What Happens Next?
- Series Finales:
Both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International are still in production on their current seasons. The shows are expected to adjust their scripts to provide satisfying series finales for fans. - Potential Move to Other Platforms:
Universal TV and Wolf Entertainment may shop the canceled spinoffs to other platforms. Last year, Law & Order: Organized Crime successfully moved from NBC to Peacock, setting a precedent for such transitions.
Impact on the FBI Franchise
The cancellations mark a significant shift for the FBI franchise, which has been a ratings powerhouse for CBS. However, the flagship series, FBI, remains strong and is currently in its seventh season, with a three-year renewal already secured.
- Character Crossovers:
With FBI: Most Wanted ending, it’s unclear whether Shantel VanSanten, who recently moved from FBI to the spinoff, will return to the flagship series. Her character, Nina Chase, had a baby with Stuart Scola (John Boyd) in Season 5 of Most Wanted. - Future Projects:
CBS is also developing a potential Equalizer spinoff starring Titus Welliver and a high-profile drama pilot, Einstein, featuring Criminal Minds alum Matthew Gray Gubler.
Fan Reactions
Fans of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International have expressed disappointment over the cancellations. Both shows have consistently delivered solid ratings, often outperforming other CBS dramas.
Final Thoughts
While the cancellations of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International are a blow to fans, the FBI franchise remains a cornerstone of CBS’s lineup. With the flagship series still going strong and new projects like FBI: CIA in development, the future of the franchise looks promising—albeit different.
As the network reshapes its primetime schedule, fans can only hope that the canceled spinoffs find new homes and that the FBI universe continues to expand in exciting ways.
