What the FBI: Most Wanted move to fall means for the series

"Prophet" - A cult leader and his most trusted followers go on the run after he orders the murder of his own family. As Jess and the team race to find them, they uncover the self-proclaimed prophet's conman past, on FBI: MOST WANTED, Tuesday, Feb. 18 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured (L-R) Kellan Lutz as Kenny Crosby and Roxy Sternberg as Sheryll Barnes, Photo: Mark SchŠfer/CBS ©2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
"Prophet" - A cult leader and his most trusted followers go on the run after he orders the murder of his own family. As Jess and the team race to find them, they uncover the self-proclaimed prophet's conman past, on FBI: MOST WANTED, Tuesday, Feb. 18 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured (L-R) Kellan Lutz as Kenny Crosby and Roxy Sternberg as Sheryll Barnes, Photo: Mark SchŠfer/CBS ©2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

FBI: Most Wanted moving to the fall is great news for the series

When CBS revealed the fall 2020 schedule, there were some surprises. The biggest was that the network is planning for a regular fall when shows can’t film right now. However, something that was a pleasant surprise was seeing that FBI: Most Wanted is heading to the fall lineup.

A midseason show moving to the fall is great news. It shows that CBS is happy with the performance of the series in the midseason slot and wants to give it a chance at a more popular time of the year. The fall schedule is always where the best-performing shows head.

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However, it also means pressure. CBS is happy with the midseason performance, but the ratings need to remain steady in the fall schedule. Sometimes, the shows can get an attempt in the fall and then move back to midseason.

This has happened with a number of shows on other networks, including Station 19, The 100, and Legends of Tomorrow. The move back to the midseason has usually been better for the ratings. CBS hasn’t had much of a track record of doing something like this, except to move initial fall shows to the midseason or on Fridays in an attempt to give them a better chance, because that’s a lower risk than testing out a new pilot.

So, there is definitely some pressure. I think FBI: Most Wanted can handle that pressure.

It opens up more opportunities for FBI crossovers

There’s no doubt that the FBI franchise is looking to go the way of the One Chicago franchise. The aim is to bring more crossover episodes. There’s a chance that we’ll get one big crossover per year and then we’ll see smaller crossover elements with one character popping up in the other shows now and then.

The big crossover earlier this year certainly proved this is the way to go. The two-hour episode with the two different teams worked extremely well in terms of ratings and in terms of the story.

It’s always fun to see our characters have to work together. We get a chance to see how different teams will have to adapt with each other, and we see how relationships can form between other characters.

While FBI: Most Wanted airing in the midseason could still allow for some crossovers, there wouldn’t be as many opportunities. Putting the big crossover at the start of the year could be an aim to follow the success of the three-part crossovers on the One Chicago franchise.

What do you think about FBI: Most Wanted’s move to the fall? What do you hope to see from the series? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

FBI: Most Wanted Season 2 will air Tuesdays at 10/9c on CBS.