CBS has officially announced the cancellation of two popular spinoffs from its flagship FBI franchise. FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International will conclude after their current seasons – the sixth season for Most Wanted and the fourth season for International.
The decision follows last year’s three‐season renewal of the main series, FBI, which is set to enter its ninth season in the 2026-27 television schedule. In contrast, both spinoffs were renewed for just one season for the 2024-25 period.
FBI: Most Wanted premiered in January 2020 and centered on the FBI’s New York Fugitive Task Force. Over time, the cast evolved, with original members like Roxy Sternberg and Keisha Castle-Hughes remaining as key figures, while new additions such as Dylan McDermott, Edwin Hodge, and Shantel VanSanten joined the current ensemble. The show has successfully dominated its 10 p.m. ET Tuesday time slot all season.
FBI: International debuted in September 2021 and followed the FBI’s international Fly Team, headquartered in Budapest, as they worked to locate and neutralize threats to American interests globally. Although the cast has undergone changes – with notable departures and guest appearances – the series consistently performed well in its 9 p.m. ET Tuesday slot, frequently winning its time or finishing a close second.
While a specific reason for the cancellations has not been disclosed, industry analysts speculate that CBS might be aiming to free up space on its schedule. In fact, CBS recently renewed nine shows, including all three NCIS series, Tracker, Fire Country, and Elsbeth. Additionally, CBS has several spinoffs in development for the next season – such as Fire Country’s Sheriff Country and Blue Bloods’ Boston Blue – which may have influenced the network’s decision.
Notably, CBS is also considering a potential fourth series in the FBI franchise, tentatively titled FBI: CIA, with a backdoor pilot expected to air later this season. However, it remains unclear what the future holds for this new installment after the axing of the current spinoffs.
The cancellations of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International mark a significant shift for CBS’s programming strategy, and fans of the franchise are left wondering what the next chapter will bring. For more detailed coverage and ongoing updates on CBS's lineup, visit trusted sources like the The New York Times and Bloomberg.