The FBI franchise is facing major changes after CBS recently announced the cancellations of two of its spinoffs—FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted. While Most Wanted will end with Season 6, International will conclude after its fourth season, marking the end of a short but impactful run.
Derek Haas Speaks Out
In a candid interview with TVLine, co-creator Derek Haas admitted he was caught off guard by the cancellation news.
“I was so sad to hear about the cancellation because I loved Jesse Soffer as Wes on the show and really thought it was a dynamic cast addition in Season 4,” Haas said.
Haas, who has long been part of Dick Wolf’s creative universe, emphasized that the decision wasn’t tied to the quality of the series:
“I have no insight into why it was canceled. I love [CBS executives] Amy Reisenbach and Eric Kim, plus all my good friends at Wolf Entertainment, and trust their instincts. So they must’ve had reasons that had nothing to do with the quality of the show.”
FBI: International’s Short Run
Launching in 2021, FBI: International quickly distinguished itself with a global scope, following the Fly Team as they tackled cross-border crimes. The cast included Luke Kleintank, Heida Reed, Carter Redwood, Vinessa Vidotto, and Christiane Paul. Kleintank exited after Season 3, with Jesse Lee Soffer stepping in as the new team leader, a change Haas praised as revitalizing for the show.
Despite a loyal fan base and positive reception, CBS decided to pull the plug, leaving many wondering what might have been if the series had continued under Soffer’s leadership.
The Future: FBI: CIA
While two spinoffs are winding down, CBS isn’t finished expanding the FBI brand. Earlier this year, the network announced FBI: CIA, a new series currently in development. The show will focus on the partnership between a rule-following FBI agent and a street-smart CIA operative as they form a secret task force to combat domestic terrorism in and around New York City.
Dick Wolf is once again at the helm, executive producing alongside David Hudgins, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski. If picked up, the new series could become the next flagship expansion of the ever-growing FBI universe.
Final Takeaway
The cancellation of FBI: International is bittersweet for fans and creators alike, particularly as Jesse Soffer’s addition hinted at a fresh new chapter. Still, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. With FBI: CIA on the horizon, CBS is betting big that its crime procedural universe will continue to thrive—even if some beloved shows must be left behind.
