CBS has officially canceled FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, marking a major shake-up in the network’s lineup. Fans of the popular crime drama series are disappointed as CBS restructures its FBI franchise. Stay updated on the latest TV show cancellations in 2025, CBS canceled shows, and FBI series news.
CBS has officially canceled FBI
CBS has officially canceled two popular crime drama series, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, leaving fans shocked and disappointed. These shows, part of the larger FBI franchise created by Dick Wolf, have been audience favorites for years. With their cancellations, CBS is significantly shifting its programming strategy. In this article, we deeply dive into both series’ history, success, and eventual cancellation.
The Birth of FBI: Most Wanted
FBI: Most Wanted premiered on January 7, 2020, as a direct spin-off of FBI, which debuted in 2018. The show focused on the Fugitive Task Force, a specialized unit responsible for tracking and capturing the most dangerous criminals on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Led by Special Agent Jess LaCroix (played by Julian McMahon), the team worked tirelessly to bring justice to fugitives across the country. The show’s intense action, character development, and engaging storylines made it an instant hit.
Seasons of FBI: Most Wanted
Season 1 (2020) – Introduced the core team and followed intense fugitive chases.
Season 2 (2020-2021) – Continued high-stakes cases with deeper character backstories.
Season 3 (2021-2022) – Brought major cast changes, including McMahon’s departure.
Season 4 (2022-2023) – Introduced Dylan McDermott as the new team leader, shifting the show’s dynamics.
Season 5 (2023-2024) – Delivered thrilling cases but struggled with declining viewership, leading to its cancellation.
The Introduction of FBI: International
Following the success of FBI and FBI: Most Wanted, CBS expanded the franchise further with FBI: International, which premiered on September 21, 2021. This series followed the FBI’s International Fly Team, based in Budapest, as they tackled high-profile cases across the globe. Unlike the other FBI shows, which were primarily set in the U.S., FBI: International focused on global crime and diplomacy, adding a unique element to the franchise.
Seasons of FBI: International
Season 1 (2021-2022) – Established the Fly Team and its overseas operations.
Season 2 (2022-2023) – Expanded international cases, diving deeper into global law enforcement.
Season 3 (2023-2024) – Attempted to maintain strong storytelling but faced challenges in ratings, ultimately leading to its cancellation.
Reasons Behind the Cancellations
The decision to cancel FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International was based on several factors:
Declining Ratings – Both shows saw a drop in viewership in recent seasons, making it difficult for CBS to justify their renewal.
Budget Constraints – High production costs, especially for FBI: International, which required overseas filming, played a role in CBS’s decision.
Network Restructuring – CBS is shifting its programming to focus on new projects, making room for fresh content while retaining its flagship series, FBI.
Fan Reactions and Future of the Franchise
The cancellation of both shows has led to an outpouring of disappointment from fans who have followed the FBI franchise for years. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, hoping for a revival or continuation on another network or streaming service.
Despite the cancellations, CBS remains committed to its FBI franchise, with the original FBI series still going strong. There are also possibilities that characters from FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International could appear in future crossover episodes or even be revived in spin-offs.
Conclusion
The cancellation of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International marks the end of an era for CBS’s crime drama lineup. Both shows provided gripping storylines, memorable characters, and intense action that kept viewers engaged for years. While their journey has come to an end on CBS, the impact they left on the crime drama genre will not be forgotten. Fans can only hope that these beloved shows find a new home or that their characters will return in some form in the future.
