There is some disappointing news about the futures of FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted, and now that news puts the fate of the FBI franchise as a whole in question. However, there is still hope for the other spin-off series in the works.
TVLine reported the bad news about the two FBI shows. While many of us expected one of the two shows to be canceled, CBS has decided that both of them are not going to be part of the 2025–2026 TV season. Both FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted are canceled. There is a small chance that the season finales could be turned into series finales, but it’s harder than if the shows were given a final season order.
This is disappointing news, especially at this point in the game. It means both are going to wrap up fairly abruptly. As NCIS: Hawaii fans know all too well, abrupt cancellations aren’t good for the endings!
Why are FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted canceled?
CBS hasn’t shared why the two shows have been canceled, but there are a few theories. One of those is the linear ratings, which put the shows toward the bottom half of the CBS shows in terms of the demo.
There is also the costs involved in production. FBI: International films in Europe, which leads to some higher costs and makes it harder to keep cast members attached as they want to be in the U.S. with their families. FBI: Most Wanted had reduced its cast to have some characters MIA from episodes here and there as a way to cut costs.
Both of the shows, like the flagship series, are licensed from Universal TV, which brings other financial constraints into the production. We have seen licensed shows end up canceled due to failed negotiations in the past.
What about the FBI: CIA spin-off series?
CBS had announced earlier this year that there would be a spin-off in the works. Eyes were on FBI: CIA, which did initially hint at the idea of one of the FBI shows coming to an end.
As of right now, the spin-off is still in contention. We’ll know in the spring if it is going to be picked up.
Meanwhile, the flagship series is safe for at least two more years. It was renewed for three seasons in the 2023–2024 TV season, which secures it until the 2026–2027 season.
FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted air on Tuesdays on CBS.
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