Introduction
In a stunning twist for crime drama fans, CBS has pulled the plug on two beloved FBI spin-offs: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. The cancellations, announced on March 4, 2025, mark the end of Most Wanted after six seasons and International after four. Despite solid viewership, both shows will wrap up this spring, leaving room for a new spin-off, FBI: CIA, still in development. What led to this shocking decision, and what’s next for the FBI franchise? Let’s dive into the details.
Why CBS Canceled FBI: Most Wanted and International
Ratings: A Mixed Performance
FBI: Most Wanted Season 6 averaged 6.5 million viewers, a 10% drop from last year, while FBI: International Season 4 held steady at 6.53 million, also down 10%. Though Most Wanted consistently won its 10 p.m. ET slot, both shows lagged behind seven other CBS dramas in the 2024-2025 season, per TVLine. This dip in ratings likely signaled to CBS that it was time to refresh the franchise.
Budget Battles and Franchise Fatigue
Behind the scenes, “difficult” negotiations with Universal Television, the shows’ producer, played a key role. Rising production costs and a crowded FBI lineup may have pushed CBS to prioritize profitability over sentiment. With the flagship FBI series still thriving at 8 p.m. ET and a new FBI: CIA spin-off on the horizon, the network seems to be streamlining its portfolio for a leaner, more focused future.
Fan Reactions: Outrage and Heartbreak
The news hit fans hard. Social media erupted with frustration, with one X user lamenting, “FBI: Most Wanted won its slot every episode, and now it’s gone?” Others praised International’s unique global flair, questioning why CBS would axe a show with such a loyal following. The cancellations also leave casts like Dylan McDermott (Most Wanted) and Jesse Lee Soffer (International) in limbo, fueling speculation about potential returns to the main FBI series.
What’s Next for the FBI Franchise?
A Farewell with Closure
Unlike abrupt cancellations, both shows have time to craft proper finales. FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International will air their last episodes in spring 2025, giving writers a chance to tie up loose ends. This soft landing offers fans closure, a rarity in today’s cutthroat TV landscape.
FBI: CIA Rises from the Ashes
CBS isn’t abandoning the FBI universe. A backdoor pilot for FBI: CIA will air during FBI Season 7, introducing new characters and a fresh angle. While details remain scarce, the move suggests CBS is betting on innovation to keep the franchise alive, possibly even recruiting familiar faces from the canceled spin-offs.
Conclusion
The end of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International marks a bittersweet shift for CBS’s crime drama dynasty. Though ratings dips and budget woes sealed their fate, the legacy of these shows endures through passionate fans and gripping stories. As the FBI franchise pivots to FBI: CIA, one question lingers: can this newcomer fill the void left by its predecessors? Stay tuned—2025 promises more twists in this ever-evolving saga.
