VLine has learned that FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International have both been cancelled, and will not be returning for the 2025-26 TV season. TVLine’s oft-imitated, never replicated Renewal/Cancellation Scorecard has thusly been updated.
This double dose of bad news comes two weeks after CBS renewed nine (9!) shows in one fell swoop, including NCIS: Origins, Fire Country, Ghosts and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. That leaves The Equalizer, The Neighborhood, Poppa’s House, S.W.A.T. and Watson all still sitting on the proverbial bubble, awaiting renew/cancel decisions.
FBI: Most Wanted, which launched in January 2020 (after airing its backdoor pilot in an April 2019 episode of FBI), is currently unspooling Season 6 on Tuesdays at 10/9c.
FBI: International launched in September 2021, and is currently airing its fourth season Tuesdays at 9 pm, where it leads out of the mothership.
In a move that has left fans and industry insiders alike reeling, CBS has announced the cancellation of two of its popular ‘FBI’ franchise spinoffs: ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International’. This unexpected decision comes even as the network continues to develop a new addition to the franchise, tentatively titled ‘FBI: CIA’. The original ‘FBI’ series, however, remains untouched and is slated to continue through the 2026-2027 broadcast season.
The Rise and Fall of ‘FBI: Most Wanted’
‘FBI: Most Wanted’ premiered in 2020, quickly establishing itself as a compelling drama that delved into the lives of agents tracking down the nation’s most dangerous criminals. Over six seasons, the show garnered a dedicated fan base, thanks in part to its intense storytelling and dynamic characters. Despite its success, CBS has decided not to renew the series for a seventh season, leaving fans to ponder the reasons behind this abrupt end.
The Journey of ‘FBI: International’
Launched in 2021, ‘FBI: International’ expanded the franchise’s scope by following the elite operatives of the FBI’s International Fly Team as they tackled crimes and threats beyond U.S. borders. The series offered viewers a global perspective on law enforcement, blending action-packed sequences with intricate plotlines. After four seasons, CBS has opted to cancel the show, a decision that has surprised many given its unique premise and loyal audience.
The cancellation of both ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International’ has sparked widespread speculation regarding CBS’s programming strategy. Several factors may have influenced this decision:
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Viewership Trends: While both shows maintained respectable ratings, there may have been a decline in viewership over recent seasons, prompting CBS to reassess their viability.
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Production Costs: High production expenses, especially for a series like ‘FBI: International’ that involves overseas filming, could have contributed to the network’s decision to cut costs.
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Creative Direction: CBS might be aiming to refresh its lineup with new content, believing that the existing spinoffs have run their course creatively.
Introducing ‘FBI: CIA’: The New Frontier
Amid the cancellations, CBS is moving forward with a new spinoff, ‘FBI: CIA’. This upcoming series is set to explore the collaboration between a dedicated FBI agent and a street-smart CIA operative as they work together to combat domestic terrorism in New York City. The show promises to offer a fresh perspective within the ‘FBI’ universe, focusing on the complexities and challenges of inter-agency cooperation.
Fan Reactions: A Mix of Shock and Anticipation
The news of the cancellations has elicited strong reactions from fans:
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Disappointment: Many viewers have expressed their sadness and frustration over the abrupt end of their favorite shows, taking to social media to voice their opinions.
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Curiosity: The announcement of ‘FBI: CIA’ has piqued interest, with fans eager to see how this new series will differentiate itself from its predecessors.
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Speculation: Discussions abound regarding potential crossovers and character appearances from the canceled shows in the new spinoff.
The Future of the ‘FBI’ Franchise
Despite the recent cancellations, the ‘FBI’ franchise remains a significant part of CBS’s programming. The original series continues to perform well, and the development of ‘FBI: CIA’ indicates the network’s commitment to expanding the franchise. As CBS adapts to changing viewer preferences and industry dynamics, the ‘FBI’ universe is poised to evolve, offering audiences new stories and characters to invest in.
Conclusion
CBS’s decision to cancel ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International’ marks a notable shift in the network’s approach to the ‘FBI’ franchise. While fans bid farewell to these beloved series, the introduction of ‘FBI: CIA’ opens the door to fresh narratives and exciting possibilities. As the franchise undergoes this transformation, viewers can look forward to new adventures that continue to explore the intricate world of law enforcement.
