The cancellations of CBS's popular shows FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International have sparked outrage among fans, as both series, which were part of the thriving FBI franchise, concluded abruptly after six and four seasons respectively. The sudden decision, which has left audiences confused and disappointed, appears to stem from CBS's desire to cut costs amid changing television landscapes, particularly as the network gears up for the new spin-off, FBI: CIA, currently under development.
Fans had suspected something was amiss earlier this year when CBS unveiled its plan to renew several existing shows but left FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International off the list. The announcement formally came earlier this week, and reactions have been swift on social media. 'I knew one would be cancelled to make way for FBI: CIA but thought they’d keep one,' one viewer expressed disappointment on X (formerly Twitter), echoing the sentiments of many who were left wanting more. Another user vehemently stated, 'What the F*** CBS?? We don’t want a new spin-off. We want the shows and characters we already love.' Their complaints reflect a broader frustration with the cancellation of what they regarded as solid, engaging dramas.
Running as part of CBS's branded night on Tuesdays, both shows received notable viewership and delivered solid ratings throughout their runs, indicating their commercial success. FBI: Most Wanted, which starred Dylan McDermott as the lead, premiered back in 2020 and was well-received for its thrilling plotlines and engaging characters. FBI: International, featuring Jesse Lee Soffer, followed suit when it began airing the next year. Despite their popularity, the network now cites financial concerns, along with the necessity to make room for new series, as key reasons for the cuts.
According to reports from Deadline, CBS has been actively negotiating with Universal TV, the show’s producer, about financial terms, with budget constraints influencing the decision to cancel both spinoffs. Over the last year, the networks lowered the main casts' minimum guarantees to help alleviate rising production costs. FBI: Most Wanted faced this first-hand, experiencing a 10% drop from season five viewership ratings, leaving it still among the network's top dramas but no longer justifying its production costs. Similarly, FBI: International dropped by 10% as well, losing its spot among the top ten viewed dramas.
With these cancellations, CBS is now poised to make room for the development of FBI: CIA, which is currently casting and negotiating with several actors to finalize its lineup before the show goes to series. The show, aimed at drawing viewers from the mothership series FBI, has yet to finalize its direction. Some industry insiders speculate it may feature characters from the now-canceled shows, potentially retaining fan-favorite actors who would otherwise be without jobs.
While both Most Wanted and International were slated to air final episodes to wrap up their narratives, CBS is facing challenges on multiple fronts. The cancellation came as the looming acquisition of Paramount Global by Skydance sits on the horizon, which is expected to finalize by April. With all these changes, fans have adjusted their hopes for existing shows, hoping to see resolutions before more unforeseen cancellations might occur.
Currently, FBI remains the flagship show of the franchise and is still going strong, now entering its seventh season with commitments extending until at least 2027. Audiences continue to turn out for the mothership series, which began its run back in 2018. This show's solid performance has raised questions about the fate of the spin-offs, as fans digest the loss of both easily enjoyable extensions of the franchise.
Fans voiced their frustration regularly on social media, expressing their dismay over losing series they cherished. To one viewer, hearing the news about both shows was 'absolutely devastating'; another raged against the network for canceling what they regarded as two-thirds of the best night on television. CBS's recent decisions resonate as distressing among dedicated viewers who feel their substantial investment of time and emotion has been undervalued.
Despite the outpour of fan discontent, CBS has yet to make any statements addressing the backlash. Some industry experts speculate this could be part of shifting dynamics within the television network, where mergers and acquisitions redefine programming strategies and audience engagement.
The persistent theme remains: as fans bid farewell to FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, they cling to hope for their beloved characters. Whether they may return under the new confines of FBI: CIA remains uncertain, leaving fan bases straddled between nostalgia and excitement for what's new.