⚫ Introduction: The Sudden End of a Fan-Favorite
When CBS canceled ‘FBI: International’ after three seasons, fans were blindsided. But it wasn’t just viewers who felt the sting. Derek Haas, the show’s cocreator, finally broke his silence—and his words hit like a gut punch: “So sad.” In this article, we’ll unpack his reaction, the reason behind the cancellation, and what it means for the franchise and its global fanbase.
🔍 What Is ‘FBI: International’? A Quick Recap
🌍 The Premise That Made It Stand Out
Unlike its sibling series FBI and FBI: Most Wanted, this show took a bold turn by placing its elite team in Europe. The International Fly Team, based in Budapest, navigated diplomatic red tape, language barriers, and local customs—all while chasing down high-stakes threats.
🌐 The Unique Appeal to Global Audiences
What made ‘FBI: International’ resonate was its cross-border storytelling, unique settings, and characters that felt fresh. It wasn’t just an action procedural—it had texture, culture, and emotional stakes that set it apart.
🎬 The Cocreator’s Reaction: ‘So Sad’
💬 Derek Haas’s Emotional Goodbye
When CBS officially pulled the plug, Derek Haas took to social media, expressing heartfelt disappointment.
“So sad. Loved this show. Loved this cast. Loved our crew in Budapest. Loved the Fly Team. Just… loved it all.”
Those simple words spoke volumes—it wasn’t just a job, it was a passion project.
🎭 A Creator Who Genuinely Cared
Haas has been in the game a long time, from Chicago Fire to FBI: International. But this cancellation, his fans noted, seemed to hit differently. He poured creative energy into every episode—and seeing it go was like watching a child move out too soon.
💣 Why Was ‘FBI: International’ Canceled?
📉 Ratings Slump or Strategic Shift?
While ratings weren’t catastrophic, they weren’t bulletproof either. Season 3 saw a slight dip, and with networks tightening budgets and shifting priorities, CBS may have felt the numbers didn’t justify international production costs.
💸 The Cost of Going Global
Filming overseas isn’t cheap. Despite being a great differentiator, on-location shooting in Europe inflated production costs—something traditional, stateside procedurals don’t contend with.
📺 Network Restructuring and Streaming Shifts
Let’s face it: broadcast TV is evolving. More and more shows are being sacrificed for streaming-friendly content or in-house productions. ‘FBI: International’ may have been a victim of this broader shift.
🧭 What Made the Show Unique
👥 Diverse, Relatable Characters
From Scott Forrester to Jamie Kellett, each character had emotional arcs that kept us invested. The Fly Team wasn’t just about busting criminals—it was about understanding cultures and building trust in unfamiliar territories.
🐾 Tank the Dog: The Unsung Star
Let’s not forget Tank, the loyal Schutzhund who brought heart and occasional comic relief. Tank became a symbol of loyalty and resilience—qualities the show embodied.
✈️ Realistic Cross-Border Storytelling
The series tackled issues from international terrorism to human trafficking, reflecting real-world global concerns. It wasn’t afraid to dig into the grey areas of international law enforcement.
💥 Impact on the ‘FBI’ Franchise
📂 A Blow to the FBI Universe
With FBI, Most Wanted, and International forming a tight-knit triad, this cancellation leaves a hole. Fans of the interconnected universe are understandably disappointed.
🔄 Crossover Potential Lost
Crossover episodes were a fan favorite, providing continuity and depth. With ‘International’ gone, future FBI-verse crossovers lose a key player.
📢 Fan Reactions: Outrage and Heartbreak
📱 Social Media Erupts
From Twitter to Reddit, fans made their voices heard.
“We followed this show from day one. CBS just pulled the rug out from under us!”
“They canceled the best one of the three. Seriously?”
The sense of betrayal was palpable.
📣 Campaigns to Save the Series
As with many fan-loved shows, some have taken action. Online petitions, hashtags like #SaveFBIInternational, and demands for streaming pickups are flooding timelines.
🧠 Behind the Scenes: What Happens to the Cast?
🎭 Where Will the Actors Go Now?
With standout performances across the board, the question now is: what’s next for the cast? Rumors swirl that some could appear on other FBI shows—or pivot to new projects altogether.
🎥 Could There Be a Revival?
While unlikely in the short term, it’s not impossible. Stranger things have happened—Brooklyn Nine-Nine was canceled and revived. Could ‘International’ get the same treatment?
🚪 Open Doors: Hope for a Streaming Comeback?
📡 Why Streaming Could Be the Savior
Shows like Lucifer and The Expanse found second lives thanks to fan passion and streaming platforms. If CBS isn’t game, maybe Paramount+ or even Netflix might pick it up.
🧾 Licensing and Logistics: The Challenges Ahead
While hopeful, it’s not that simple. Licensing rights, budget constraints, and cast contracts all play a role in whether the series can make a triumphant return elsewhere.
🎞️ Lessons from ‘FBI: International’s’ Journey
📌 A Bold Experiment That Paid Off—Creatively
‘FBI: International’ took risks—and in many ways, those risks paid off creatively. It showed there’s an appetite for international procedural drama done right.
📚 It Gave Viewers Something New
In a sea of domestic crime dramas, the global perspective was refreshing. It forced viewers to think about justice through different cultural lenses, and that made it invaluable.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Saying Goodbye to the Fly Team
💔 A Bittersweet Farewell
There’s no denying it—this cancellation hurts. But if anything, the show’s legacy reminds us that great storytelling knows no borders. ‘FBI: International’ dared to be different, and for that, it will be missed.
📌 Conclusion
‘FBI: International’ wasn’t just another procedural. It was a globe-trotting, culturally rich, character-driven crime drama that connected with audiences in a unique way. Derek Haas’s “so sad” goodbye speaks for all of us—fans, creators, and actors alike. While the series may have wrapped, its impact lingers like a case that was never meant to close. Whether it finds new life or remains a one-of-a-kind chapter in the franchise, one thing’s for sure: the Fly Team flew high—and left a mark that won’t be forgotten.
❓ FAQs
1. Why did CBS cancel ‘FBI: International’?
CBS likely canceled the series due to rising production costs, slightly declining ratings, and strategic shifts toward domestic or streaming-friendly content.
2. Is there a chance ‘FBI: International’ will return on streaming?
It’s possible. With enough fan support, streaming platforms like Paramount+ or Netflix could step in—though licensing and budgeting pose challenges.
3. What did Derek Haas say about the cancellation?
Cocreator Derek Haas reacted with a short but heartfelt statement: “So sad. Loved this show. Loved this cast.” It reflected his deep emotional connection to the project.
4. Will any characters move to other FBI shows?
There’s no official word, but character crossovers within the FBI franchise have happened before, so it’s a definite possibility.
5. Why was ‘FBI: International’ different from other FBI shows?
The series stood out for its global scope, cultural depth, and on-location filming, which added authenticity and complexity rarely seen in procedural dramas.
