CBS has made some bold decisions about the future of its FBI franchise, leaving fans both relieved and disappointed. On one hand, the network has officially renewed the flagship series FBI for three more seasons, carrying it through Season 9 and securing its place on the schedule until at least 2027. On the other, the two spin-offs, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, have been canceled as of March 2025.
The flagship continues to shine
Since its premiere in 2018, FBI has been one of CBS’s strongest procedural dramas, praised for its fast-paced cases, strong ensemble, and timely storylines that touch on terrorism, organized crime, and threats to national security. The three-season renewal announced in April 2024 was an unusual but powerful vote of confidence from CBS, something rarely granted in today’s competitive TV market. For loyal viewers, it means Special Agents Maggie Bell, OA Zidan, and the rest of the team will continue solving high-stakes cases for years to come.
Two spin-offs meet their end
Despite the success of the original, not all shows in the franchise were safe. FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International were both officially canceled in early 2025. The news hit fans hard, as each spin-off brought something unique to the table. Most Wanted focused on manhunts and fugitives across America, while International explored the complexities of crime overseas through the lens of an elite global FBI team. Together, the spin-offs had expanded the universe and diversified the storytelling. Their cancellation marks the end of an era for the franchise’s broader ambitions.
CBS plans a new spin-off: FBI: CIA
To balance the loss, CBS is moving quickly to keep the brand fresh. The network has announced development on a new spin-off titled FBI: CIA, which is set to debut during the 2025–2026 television season. While details are still limited, the show is expected to explore the sometimes tense relationship between America’s two most prominent law enforcement and intelligence agencies, promising a mix of espionage, counter-terrorism, and domestic drama. For fans, it represents a fresh opportunity to see the FBI franchise evolve in new directions.
What about Netflix and NBC?
Despite speculation, neither Netflix nor NBC has announced any plans to pick up or revive the canceled spin-offs. Netflix, which has invested heavily in its own action-thriller series like The Night Agent, appears focused on building original franchises rather than acquiring CBS properties. NBC, meanwhile, continues to prioritize its own procedural juggernauts, including the One Chicago series (Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Chicago Med) and the long-running Law & Order brand. For now, CBS remains the exclusive home of the FBI universe.
The future of the franchise
The decisions made by CBS reflect a strategy of consolidation rather than expansion. By keeping the original FBI strong and stable, while experimenting with a single high-concept spin-off, the network appears determined to streamline the franchise without stretching resources too thin. It also ensures that fans of the original will still have new episodes to look forward to, while still introducing fresh storytelling opportunities through FBI: CIA.
In summary:
- FBI is renewed through Season 9 (2027).
- FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International were canceled in 2025.
- CBS is developing FBI: CIA as a new spin-off for 2025–2026.
- Netflix and NBC are not currently involved with the franchise.
For fans, it’s a bittersweet update: the heart of the franchise remains intact, but its world has grown smaller. Still, with CBS doubling down on the flagship and betting on a bold new direction, the future of the FBI universe remains one to watch.
