CBS has made it clear that it intends to double down on the FBI brand, following the announcement that both spinoffs — FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted — will be canceled. While the move has disappointed many fans, it doesn’t signal the decline of the franchise. Instead, it marks a strategic decision to strengthen the flagship series FBI and pave the way for ambitious new projects.
Holding on to the Flagship
For nearly a decade, Dick Wolf’s FBI has been one of CBS’s most reliable franchises, consistently drawing strong ratings and maintaining a loyal fan base. By keeping the flagship show while cutting back on its extensions, CBS is choosing to concentrate its resources rather than spread them thin. The goal is to ensure that FBI continues to be the network’s leading procedural powerhouse.
A New Monday Night Home
One of the most notable shifts in the 2025–26 schedule is the move of FBI to Monday nights, where it will air alongside the brand-new series CIA. This creates what CBS is calling a “Dick Wolf crime block” — two back-to-back hours of high-stakes action and investigative drama. The pairing not only ensures that FBI retains its core audience but also provides a platform for introducing fresh stories set in the same universe.
Potential for Future Expansion
Although CBS is currently scaling back the franchise, the door remains open for future growth. With fan-favorite characters like Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and OA Zidan (Zeeko Zaki) continuing to resonate with viewers, the network could explore new avenues such as miniseries, TV movies, or streaming-exclusive projects that expand the FBI universe without overextending it.
Challenges and Opportunities
Doubling down on the flagship also comes with risks. Canceling two spinoffs will inevitably frustrate some fans and puts greater pressure on the original series to carry the franchise on its shoulders. However, by trimming less profitable projects, CBS gains the opportunity to invest more heavily in stronger scripts, cast development, and overall production quality.
Conclusion: FBI as a Long-Term Anchor
CBS’s new strategy demonstrates that FBI is not just another procedural hit — it’s a long-term anchor for the network. As the show heads into its eighth season with a prime new timeslot, it is poised to strengthen Dick Wolf’s legacy on CBS while laying the foundation for future projects that could keep the brand alive for years to come.
