The Shocking End of ‘FBI: International’: What Really Happened?
It’s official—FBI: International has been canceled, and fans are stunned. But what’s more surprising than the cancellation itself? The co-creator’s reaction. According to them, the cancellation had nothing to do with the show’s quality.
Let’s dive deep into the reasons behind the cancellation, what the creators had to say, how fans are responding, and what this means for the larger FBI franchise.
Understanding the ‘FBI: International’ Phenomenon
What Was ‘FBI: International’ All About?
Premiering in 2021, FBI: International quickly carved its niche in the FBI universe. The show followed elite agents from the International Fly Team as they handled high-stakes cases abroad. It was sleek, cinematic, and uniquely global.
A Unique Spinoff in a Crowded Franchise
While FBI and FBI: Most Wanted leaned into American soil, International pushed boundaries—literally. It was filmed across Europe, setting it apart visually and thematically from its sibling shows.
The Cancellation: When the Ax Fell
CBS Drops the Bombshell
When CBS announced that FBI: International would not return for another season, fans were blindsided. The ratings weren’t earth-shattering, but they were far from poor. So what gives?
A Decision That Shocked the Cast and Crew
Sources from within the production team said they were caught off guard, and the decision seemed abrupt. There was no grand send-off or series finale—just an unexpected goodbye.
Co-Creator Breaks the Silence
Derek Haas Speaks Out
Series co-creator Derek Haas didn’t stay quiet for long. In a recent interview, Haas made it clear: “This had nothing to do with the quality of the show. The writing, performances, and production values were top-notch.”
Pointing to External Factors
So, what caused the plug to be pulled? Haas hinted at external factors—network restructuring, financial considerations, and shifting priorities at CBS.
“The industry is changing,” he said. “Great shows are being canceled for reasons that have nothing to do with storytelling.”
Money Over Merit? The Budget Issue
Was It Too Expensive to Keep Filming in Europe?
Producing a show like FBI: International isn’t cheap. Filming across multiple countries with a rotating crew of local and international talent runs up a hefty tab. Even with good ratings, the cost might’ve been too much for CBS.
When ROI Becomes King
Networks are businesses first. If FBI: International wasn’t generating a strong enough return on investment (ROI), then its fate was sealed—regardless of how good it was.
Ratings: Not Bad, But Not Spectacular
How Did ‘FBI: International’ Perform?
The show averaged about 5 to 6 million viewers per episode—a solid number in today’s fragmented television landscape. Still, compared to the flagship FBI series, it was the lowest-performing of the trio.
Streaming and Syndication Struggles
Another issue? Streaming rights. Without a robust streaming audience or strong syndication potential, the network may have seen limited long-term value.
Fans Across the Globe Are Disappointed
The International Appeal Was Real
One of FBI: International’s biggest strengths was its global audience. Viewers from Europe, Asia, and Latin America appreciated the international cast and exotic settings.
Fan Reactions Online: Outrage and Sadness
Social media lit up with hashtags like #SaveFBIInternational and #BringItBack. Fans voiced frustration at the cancellation of what many considered the most unique entry in the FBI universe.
What About the Cast?
A Talented Lineup Cut Short
Luke Kleintank, Vinessa Vidotto, and the rest of the team brought charisma and depth to their roles. Their chemistry and development were just beginning to hit stride.
Where Will the Cast Go Next?
With the cancellation, fans are already speculating about where these actors might show up next—maybe even as guest stars in the remaining FBI shows.
What’s Next for the ‘FBI’ Franchise?
A Franchise Still Going Strong
Despite International’s cancellation, the FBI franchise is far from over. FBI and FBI: Most Wanted continue to thrive, and new spinoffs aren’t off the table.
Could Characters Return in Other Shows?
It’s possible. CBS has a history of crossovers, and fan-favorite characters from International could reappear in FBI or Most Wanted.
Lessons from the Cancellation
Good Doesn’t Always Win in TV
FBI: International’s axing is a reminder that even great shows aren’t safe. Ratings, budgets, streaming performance, and network politics all play a role.
Creativity vs. Corporate Strategy
The cancellation reignites the age-old debate: Should art bow to business? In many cases—like this one—business wins.
Could It Be Picked Up by Another Network?
There’s Still Hope
Shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Lucifer found second lives on other platforms. Could FBI: International do the same? It’s a long shot, but not impossible.
Streaming Platforms Might Be Interested
If enough fans make noise, maybe Netflix, Paramount+, or Amazon could come knocking. Stranger things have happened.
Final Episode: A Fitting End?
Did the Show Get Closure?
Not really. The last episode wasn’t designed as a series finale. That’s left many fans unsatisfied, with loose threads still dangling.
Unanswered Questions Linger
What happened to certain characters? Will there be a follow-up in another series? Only time will tell.
What the Cancellation Says About Today’s TV Landscape
Quality Isn’t Always Enough
In today’s TV world, being “good” doesn’t guarantee survival. Networks prioritize shows that are affordable, stream well, and appeal to advertisers.
Viewers Are Losing Trust
When critically acclaimed series are canceled without resolution, fans start to wonder: Why invest time in a show that might just vanish?
Co-Creator’s Message to Fans
“Thank You for Watching”
Despite his frustration, Derek Haas ended his statement with gratitude: “We made this show for the fans, and we’re proud of what we created.”
Hope for the Future
Haas hinted that he’s not done yet—other projects are in the works, and he remains optimistic about storytelling, wherever it finds a home.
Conclusion: A Show Gone Too Soon
FBI: International wasn’t perfect, but it was ambitious, fresh, and engaging. Canceling it might’ve made business sense, but to fans and creators, it felt like a story cut short.
The co-creator’s comments shed light on a bitter reality: quality alone isn’t enough to keep a show alive. And in a world ruled by algorithms and ad dollars, even great stories can fall through the cracks.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s this—fans care, creators speak out, and the conversation continues.
❓ FAQs
1. Why was ‘FBI: International’ canceled?
The co-creator believes the cancellation had more to do with external, financial, or strategic factors than the actual quality of the show.
2. Did the show end with a proper finale?
No. The final episode wasn’t planned as a series finale, leaving some storylines unresolved.
3. Could another network pick up ‘FBI: International’?
It’s possible, though not confirmed. Shows have been revived in the past by streaming services or other networks.
4. Will characters from the show appear in other FBI series?
There’s potential for crossover appearances, especially given the shared universe between FBI, Most Wanted, and International.
5. Was the show performing poorly in ratings?
Not at all. It had solid viewership, but may not have met certain behind-the-scenes expectations regarding cost and long-term profitability.
