When explaining why FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted were cancelled despite solid ratings, CBS executives pointed to the network’s packed schedule and having to make difficult choices about which shows to keep. But until a recent change, the third FBI spinoff CIA looked to be in a good spot to bring in characters from past shows. That’s especially true of Most Wanted.
FBI: Most Wanted’s David Hudgins Has Been Replaced As CIA’s Showrunner
It’s Part Of A Larger Shift
Deadline recently reported that CIA, the upcoming spinoff led by Lucifer‘s Tom Ellis, will move to midseason. Part of the delay has to do with the fact that the project is said to have no ready scripts and no additional castings other than Ellis, although the casting issue will resolve quickly.
Along with the news that CIA has been delayed, it’s been announced that Law & Order veteran Warren Leight will replace Hudgins as showrunner. Hudgins, the former showrunner and executive producer of FBI: Most Wanted, was tapped to serve as showrunner and co-writer on the pilot with franchise creator Dick Wolf.
Hudgins’ close ties to the previous spinoff made it easy to imagine that he’d find a way to bring in some of his favorite FBI: Most Wanted characters. That may still be on the table, although the news confirms that the spinoff is headed for a notable shift in direction to get the scripts ready for the show’s debut next year.
Hudgins Could Have Easily Tapped Someone From The Most Wanted Cast To Appear In CIA
He Might Have Wanted To Continue The Story
Hudgins helped to keep the story wide open for a continuation, as the FBI: Most Wanted ending concluded with the characters celebrating a restaurant opening. It remains to be seen how the CIA delay impacts its story and focus. But in its current state, the show centers on Hart Hoxton (Ellis), a wildcard CIA agent who gets paired with a rule-follower.
…it would be easy to slide in Dylan McDermott’s Remy Scott or another FBI: Most Wanted character.
