‘FBI: International’ Ordered as CBS Renews Its Dick Wolf Franchise
CBS is staying the Dick Wolf business, ordering a third series in the growing FBI franchise — and renewing the original pair.
The network announced Wednesday that it’s given a series order to FBI: International, set for the 2021-22 broadcast calendar, simultaneously ordering new installments of FBI and FBI: Most Wanted.
“FBI is the fastest growing brand on television and our partner Dick Wolf has found yet another creative way to expand its universe,” said CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl. “FBI: International is an intriguing and distinct drama that perfectly complements its compelling siblings, FBI and FBI: Most Wanted, creating an enviable triple-threat for next season that will fit seamlessly across our network lineup.”
Trios work well for Wolf. On NBC, his Chicago franchise — Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med — regularly dominates broadcast ratings during its Wednesday night block.
CBS got into business with Wolf in 2018 with the launch of the original FBI series. Its latest renewal will bring it through a fourth season. The current run regularly fetches over 11 million viewers a week, ranking above all other Wolf series and making it broadcast’s No. 3 drama. “CBS has been a great creative partner, and they understand the value of the growing FBI brand,” Wolf commented. “The showrunners, writers, producers, cast, crew and everyone on our team have delivered exciting and creative shows that clearly resonate with viewers. FBI: International offers us the opportunity to expand with a powerful new drama.”
Outside of FBI on CBS and Chicago at NBC, Wolf’s franchise roster also includes NBC’s Law & Order: SVU and upcoming spinoff Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Wolf, Derek Haas, Rick Eid, Peter Jankowski and Arthur Forney will executive produce FBI: International from Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with CBS Studios. Haas will serve as showrunner.