Introduction: NBC vs. CBS — A Network Tug-of-War?
When CBS announced changes to its FBI franchise lineup, fans immediately speculated about whether another network, like NBC, might swoop in and give the castoffs a second chance. After all, TV history has a few examples of rival networks rescuing canceled shows. But here’s the reality check: NBC is already juggling its own problems and simply isn’t positioned to play savior to CBS’s FBI universe.
In this article, we’ll break down NBC’s challenges, why CBS’s FBI spinoffs aren’t an easy pickup, and what this means for fans craving more high-stakes procedural drama.
The Rise of the FBI Franchise at CBS
CBS struck gold with Dick Wolf’s FBI. Following in the footsteps of his juggernaut Law & Order and Chicago franchises, FBI became a ratings powerhouse. Soon, the network expanded the universe with FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International.
But with every expansion comes risk. Viewership fragmentation, budget strains, and shifting audience interests left CBS with tough decisions. While the mothership show remains strong, the spinoffs face ongoing scrutiny about their sustainability.
Why Fans Think NBC Could Step In
The idea of NBC swooping in to save CBS’s FBI shows isn’t random. For decades, NBC has been synonymous with Dick Wolf’s brand of procedural storytelling. From Law & Order to Chicago Fire, the network thrives on serialized drama with self-contained weekly cases.
On the surface, adding more Dick Wolf-led FBI dramas seems like a no-brainer. The shows fit NBC’s style, the creative partnership already exists, and Wolf’s name carries weight.
But as we’ll see, what sounds logical in theory doesn’t work so easily in practice.
NBC’s Ratings Struggles Are a Bigger Problem
NBC isn’t sitting pretty right now. While it still enjoys strong numbers with Law & Order: SVU and the One Chicago lineup, other areas of the network are shaky. Prime-time comedy blocks are almost non-existent, scripted dramas outside of Wolf’s brand rarely stick, and NBC’s reliance on reality competition shows leaves big scheduling gaps.
Simply put, NBC can’t afford to stretch its lineup even thinner by absorbing CBS’s FBI spinoffs.
Scheduling Conflicts: Too Many Procedurals, Too Little Room
If NBC were to take on FBI: Most Wanted or FBI: International, where would they even go? The network’s weekly schedule is already dominated by Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and multiple Law & Order shows.
Adding more Wolf dramas would oversaturate the lineup. Fans love procedurals, but even loyal viewers can experience fatigue when every night looks nearly identical.
The Business Side: Who Owns the FBI Shows?
Here’s a detail many fans overlook: CBS owns the rights to the FBI franchise. While Dick Wolf is the creative mind, the distribution and network ownership tie directly to CBS and Paramount Global.
NBC can’t simply “pick up” these shows without messy negotiations, licensing fees, or outright purchases. And with streaming competition tightening budgets across networks, NBC has little incentive to invest in a franchise it doesn’t control.
NBC’s Own Wolf Universe Is Thriving
Another reason NBC doesn’t need the FBI shows? Its Wolf-produced dramas are still delivering. The Chicago franchise continues to dominate Wednesday nights, while Law & Order: SVU remains one of the most popular shows on television.
Why gamble on CBS’s leftovers when NBC’s existing lineup already has proven success? From a strategic perspective, NBC has more to lose than gain.
Audience Fragmentation and Viewer Burnout
One of the biggest risks of stacking too many procedurals is viewer burnout. Even die-hard fans of crime dramas need variety. NBC understands this and is cautious not to oversaturate its brand with too much of the same formula.
While CBS is trimming its FBI franchise to avoid this exact problem, it wouldn’t make sense for NBC to take the opposite approach.
Streaming Platforms Change the Game
Another wrinkle is the rise of streaming. Both CBS (through Paramount+) and NBC (through Peacock) are prioritizing digital platforms. If NBC picked up an FBI spinoff, streaming rights would be complicated. Would episodes stream on Paramount+ or Peacock?
That question alone makes a rescue scenario messy and unattractive for NBC executives.
What History Tells Us About Network Rescues
There are famous cases of shows being rescued by rival networks — like Brooklyn Nine-Nine moving from Fox to NBC. But those situations are rare and often involve unique fan campaigns or favorable business deals.
In contrast, the FBI spinoffs aren’t cult comedies with massive online movements. They’re procedural dramas with steady but not earth-shattering ratings. That doesn’t give NBC much motivation to intervene.
NBC Has Its Own Development Slate to Protect
Every year, NBC develops new dramas, comedies, and pilots in hopes of finding the next big hit. Picking up CBS’s FBI leftovers would take up valuable slots that could instead be given to fresh content with higher upside potential.
The Risk of Overshadowing NBC’s Current Hits
Even if NBC did acquire the FBI shows, it risks cannibalizing viewership from its own lineup. For example, FBI: Most Wanted could pull eyeballs away from Chicago P.D. or Law & Order: Organized Crime. That’s not a win — that’s self-sabotage.
NBC Needs Solutions, Not More Problems
The hard truth is that NBC has enough challenges already. From declining live viewership to stiff streaming competition, the network can’t afford to take on CBS’s baggage. Instead, it must focus on strengthening its existing brands and developing fresh programming.
The Bottom Line: Why NBC Won’t Save CBS’s FBI Shows
While fans love to dream of network rescues, the reality is harsh. NBC has too many procedural dramas already, financial complications make acquisitions unlikely, and the risks outweigh the rewards.
CBS’s FBI franchise is a CBS problem — not an NBC solution.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the FBI shows live or die by CBS’s choices. NBC may share Dick Wolf as a creative partner, but that doesn’t mean it’s in any position to rescue competing franchises. NBC must focus on fixing its own house before trying to clean up CBS’s mess.
Fans may not like the answer, but here’s the truth: if you love the FBI shows, keep your eyes on CBS and Paramount+, not NBC.
FAQs
1. Could NBC realistically save an FBI spinoff?
Not likely. Rights, finances, and scheduling conflicts make it extremely difficult.
2. Has NBC ever saved another network’s show before?
Yes — Brooklyn Nine-Nine moved from Fox to NBC, but that was a unique case involving fan demand and ownership rights.
3. Why is CBS trimming its FBI lineup?
To prevent audience fatigue, manage production costs, and strengthen its core lineup.
4. What’s NBC’s current strength in dramas?
NBC thrives with its Wolf-produced Law & Order and Chicago franchises, which consistently pull strong ratings.
5. Will streaming impact the future of FBI shows?
Absolutely. Paramount+ controls streaming rights, making network transfers to NBC even more unlikely.
