March 4, 2025, marks the end of the road for two high-profile series within the CBS FBI franchise as the network has confirmed the cancellations of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. This decision, which may come as a shock to fans, reflects the network's strategy to streamline its programming lineup as it prepares to introduce new content.
FBI: Most Wanted, following the exploits of the New York Fugitive Task Force as they track down the most dangerous criminals, premiered on January 7, 2020. Meanwhile, FBI: International, which showcases the dangers faced by the FBI’s fly team stationed overseas, made its debut on September 21, 2021. Both series were notable yet were frequently overshadowed by their parent show, the original FBI, which will continue to air through the 2026-2027 season after securing a three-season renewal last year.
Despite both spin-offs achieving respectable viewership figures, averaging about 7.5 million total viewers when accounting for cross-platform viewing, CBS cites strategic programming needs as the rationale behind the cancellations. Reports indicate FBI: Most Wanted was placed ninth among CBS’ fourteen drama series this season, and FBI: International was similarly positioned, indicating performance or audience loyalty might not be the sole reasons for the discontinuation.
The network's move to replace these shows aligns with the development of FBI: CIA, which is positioned to follow the story of, as described, “a dedicated, strait-laced FBI agent and a street-smart CIA agent as part of a new task force addressing domestic terrorism.” This upcoming spin-off seems to favor internal relations and operations closely tied to the existing procedural narrative.
"The FBI franchise has proven popularity with our audiences, but decisions had to be made considering upcoming projects, budget allocations, and current series performance," stated a source familiar with CBS’s programming strategy. The CBS network faced intense financial negotiations and cost-cutting measures, including reducing guaranteed episodes for cast members on both spinoff shows last year. This is telling of the broader economic pressures on the television industry.
The psychological impact of these cancellations reaches beyond their viewership numbers. Fans of FBI: Most Wanted pointed to the show's exploration of complex criminal cases and compelling character arcs as central to its appeal, even as ratings dipped by 10% from the previous season. The original cast—including Dylan McDermott and Shantel VanSanten—faced the disappointing news amid casting shifts and character developments within the show. Meanwhile, FBI: International was praised for its daring storylines featuring cultural nuances and international law enforcement challenges.
Rumors and speculation around these cancellations circulated for months. Insiders had hinted at the precarious positions of both series as early as last summer when CBS was reported to be prioritizing streamlining their programming to create space for incoming shows like FBI: CIA and other developments within the network.
Indications have emerged pointing to CBS's potential plans to either shop Most Wanted and International to other platforms or integrate their stories within other related series—reinforcing the culture of crossover events which is frequently found within Dick Wolf’s dramas.
Despite signaling the end of their journeys, both destined-for-cancellation series positioned themselves with narratives solidly built on the expectation of audience engagement. Polls had previously indicated strong viewer interest, evidenced by worries expressed on social media platforms as fans speculated which series might be next on the chopping block. "While we thought International might struggle more as it operates far from NY, Most Wanted always felt secure, especially with crossover episodes connecting them to FBI," observed one long-term fan.
Both series will complete their remaining episodes, and adjustments will be made to their scripts to provide satisfactory conclusions for long-time viewers. This careful navigation showcases the network's sensitivity to audience expectations, even amid cost-reducing strategies.
Reflecting on the legacy of the FBI franchise, which begins with the original series launched back on September 25, 2018, CBS and Dick Wolf’s collaboration has resulted in dozens of hours of procedural programming centered on real-world crime solving. Even with the departure of Most Wanted and International, the mothership series stands strong with three more years before it, and other projects development, including additional spinoffs, hint at the continued life of the franchise.
Industry analysts comment on the network's strategy as part of broader shifts within the television space, "It's all about finding the right balance between cost and appeal. CBS is leaning heavily on franchises right now; they’re consolidative of resources to reposition their standing against mounting competition, especially from streaming services with heavy investments on novel series. This is particularly true as seasons wrap up and new pilot episodes are picked up by networks across the board."
All told, as viewers anticipate the conclusion of these two series, CBS will undoubtedly aim to capture and retain audience interest through its continued dedication to building compelling narratives, bridging old favorites with fresh stories intertwined with complex characters and thought-provoking situations.