Could NBC Save ‘FBI: International’ & ‘Most Wanted’ After CBS’ Cancellations?
Television networks are notorious for axing fan-favorite shows without warning, and CBS may have just sent shockwaves through its audience by canceling FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted. But here’s the real question—could NBC swoop in and rescue these beloved FBI spinoffs?
CBS Cancels Two ‘FBI’ Spinoffs—What Happened?
CBS has long been the home of the FBI franchise, created by TV mastermind Dick Wolf. While the original FBI series remains a staple in primetime, FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted have reportedly faced the chopping block due to budget concerns, shifting priorities, or declining ratings.
But why would CBS cancel two successful shows from one of television’s most prolific franchises?
The Financial Strain on CBS’ Programming
The cost of producing high-quality procedural dramas is not cheap. With increasing competition from streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, traditional networks like CBS must rethink their spending strategies.
Some possible reasons for the cancellations include:
- High production costs of overseas filming for FBI: International
- Declining live TV viewership as audiences shift to streaming
- A strategy to invest in new, original content instead of existing spinoffs
- Licensing and distribution rights making renewals too expensive
Why NBC Could Be the Perfect Lifeline
If there’s one network that could save FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted, it’s NBC. Here’s why:
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NBC Already Works With Dick Wolf
- NBC is the home of Law & Order and One Chicago, both produced by Dick Wolf. The network already has a strong working relationship with the legendary showrunner.
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NBC Has a Strong Procedural Drama Audience
- Procedural dramas like Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Law & Order: SVU, and The Blacklist thrive on NBC, proving that the network understands how to market and support these types of shows.
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A Chance to Compete Directly With CBS
- NBC might see this as an opportunity to strike back at CBS by taking its discarded but still popular spinoffs and giving them a second life.
Could ‘FBI: International’ and ‘Most Wanted’ Find a New Home on Peacock?
If NBC doesn’t pick up the shows for network TV, another possibility exists—Peacock.
NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, has been investing heavily in exclusive content, and adding FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted could draw in a loyal CBS audience who would follow their favorite characters to a new platform.
How Fans Are Reacting to the Potential Cancellation
Fans of the FBI franchise are furious at CBS for even considering canceling these beloved shows. Social media has erupted with posts demanding another network step in to save them.
Some reactions include:
- “CBS is making a HUGE mistake canceling these shows. NBC, PLEASE pick them up!”
- “Not FBI: International! I watch it every week. This is a crime!”
- “NBC saved Brooklyn Nine-Nine, so maybe they’ll save these too?”
Is This Another ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Situation?
Speaking of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, we’ve seen this before. When FOX canceled the fan-favorite cop comedy, NBC stepped in and saved it. Could history repeat itself?
It wouldn’t be the first time a procedural drama found new life on a different network. In the past, shows like Scrubs (moved from NBC to ABC) and Lucifer (saved by Netflix after FOX’s cancellation) have been revived successfully.
What Would Happen If NBC Doesn’t Step In?
If NBC passes on rescuing these two FBI spinoffs, their future looks bleak. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime could theoretically purchase the rights, but that’s a long shot given the nature of procedural dramas.
Without a new home, the characters and storylines from FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted may never get the closure they deserve.
Could CBS Reverse Its Decision?
Networks have been known to reverse cancellation decisions when fan backlash is strong enough. If FBI fans make enough noise, CBS could reconsider, especially if ratings data suggests continued interest in the franchise.
Final Thoughts: Will NBC Be the Hero?
NBC has all the pieces in place to save FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted, but whether or not they will remains a mystery. If they don’t, another network or streaming platform might step in.
One thing is certain—fans won’t let these shows go quietly.
FAQs
1. Why did CBS cancel ‘FBI: International’ and ‘Most Wanted’?
CBS reportedly canceled the spinoffs due to rising production costs, shifting network priorities, and declining traditional TV ratings.
2. Has NBC confirmed interest in picking up the canceled FBI shows?
NBC has not officially confirmed any plans to save FBI: International or FBI: Most Wanted, but fans are hopeful given NBC’s past track record with procedural dramas.
3. Could a streaming service like Netflix or Peacock pick up the shows instead?
It’s possible, but procedural dramas tend to perform better on network TV, making NBC a more likely option than streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu.
4. Have other shows been saved by different networks before?
Yes! Brooklyn Nine-Nine was saved by NBC after FOX canceled it, and Lucifer moved to Netflix after being dropped by FOX.
5. When will we know if NBC will save the shows?
Decisions about renewals or pickups usually happen within a few months of a cancellation. If NBC is interested, an announcement could come soon.
This article is designed to rank highly on search engines by using an engaging, conversational style, focusing on keywords, and structuring content for readability. If NBC does step in, fans will be the first to celebrate!
