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In a stunning move that has left fans reeling, CBS has canceled two beloved FBI spinoffs—FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International—despite their solid viewership and loyal followings. Announced on March 4, 2025, this decision has sparked outrage and speculation, especially as the network gears up to introduce a new spinoff, FBI: CIA. Here’s everything you need to know about why CBS pulled the plug on these fan-favorite shows and what it means for the franchise’s future.
Why CBS Canceled FBI: Most Wanted and International
A Strategic Shift in Programming
CBS’s cancellation of FBI: Most Wanted (six seasons) and FBI: International (four seasons) appears tied to a broader strategy to refresh its primetime lineup. With the flagship FBI series secured through Season 9, the network is making room for FBI: CIA, a new spinoff focusing on a clandestine task force tackling domestic terrorism. Industry insiders suggest CBS is prioritizing cost-effective new series over established ones, even if it means axing shows with consistent ratings.
Ratings vs. Reality: Were They Underperforming?
Despite the cancellations, both shows weren’t struggling by traditional metrics. FBI: Most Wanted, led by Dylan McDermott, dominated its time slot every episode this season, averaging 7.5 million viewers in Live+7 data. FBI: International, starring Jesse Lee Soffer, also held strong with similar numbers, ranking among CBS’s top dramas. So why the cuts? Experts point to an overcrowded schedule and the need to balance renewals like NCIS and Tracker with fresh content.
The Spinoff Overload Theory
CBS’s growing slate of spinoffs may be the real culprit. With FBI: CIA in development—set to launch via a backdoor pilot in the main FBI series—the network seems to be betting on newer, potentially cheaper productions. This mirrors past moves, like canceling NCIS: Hawai’i to make way for NCIS: Origins. Fans, however, aren’t buying it, flooding social media with frustration over losing two-thirds of their cherished “FBI Tuesday” lineup.
Fan Backlash and Franchise Fallout
The cancellations blindsided viewers, who took to platforms like X to vent. Comments like “CBS just killed the best night on TV” reflect the sentiment of betrayal. The shows’ diverse casts and compelling storylines—like FBI: Most Wanted’s groundbreaking representation—only fueled the outrage. Fortunately, with production ongoing, both series will wrap up with proper finales, avoiding the cliffhanger fate of NCIS: Hawai’i.
What’s Next for the FBI Universe?
While FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International are ending, the FBI franchise isn’t slowing down. The original series remains a cornerstone, and FBI: CIA promises a gritty new angle. Could displaced stars like Shantel VanSanten or Edwin Hodge resurface in this spinoff? Only time will tell.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Risk or a Big Mistake?
CBS’s decision to cancel FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International has left a void in its lineup and a bitter taste for fans. As the network doubles down on innovation with FBI: CIA, it’s a high-stakes gamble that could redefine the franchise—or alienate its core audience. Will viewers embrace this shift, or has CBS underestimated the power of its established hits? Stay tuned as this drama unfolds beyond the screen.
