CBS has sent shockwaves through television fandom with a stunning announcement that’s reshaping the future of its FBI universe. The network revealed that while the flagship FBI series will continue to thrive, its two major spin-offs — FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International — have been officially canceled ahead of the 2025–26 television season. The decision has stunned fans, who have followed these shows faithfully since their debuts, and it marks one of the boldest strategic shifts CBS has made in years regarding one of its most successful franchises.
According to multiple industry reports, the cancellations were not driven by creative struggles but by economic and strategic factors. Both Most Wanted and International were expensive to produce, with large ensemble casts, international filming costs, and complex licensing arrangements. Sources from inside CBS indicated that the network had growing concerns about the streaming rights and profit-sharing agreements associated with the spin-offs, which limited CBS’s ability to fully capitalize on the franchise’s success. In an era where ownership and streaming control are key to long-term profitability, CBS executives reportedly decided that simplifying the FBI lineup was the most sustainable move.
Still, it’s not all bad news for fans. CBS has confirmed that the main series, FBI, will remain the cornerstone of the franchise, with a multi-season renewal that secures its run through at least Season 9. The flagship drama — starring Missy Peregrym as Agent Maggie Bell and Zeeko Zaki as OA Zidan — continues to dominate Tuesday nights, drawing strong ratings and critical praise for its mix of emotional storytelling and high-stakes procedural action. CBS executives described the show as “a proven hit with staying power,” emphasizing its consistent performance across both broadcast and streaming platforms.
To balance the loss of the two spin-offs, CBS is already working on an ambitious new project within the same universe — a brand-new series titled FBI: CIA. This upcoming spin-off will reportedly explore the tension between the FBI and the CIA as both agencies navigate domestic and global threats. Early reports suggest the show will feature a darker tone, more political intrigue, and a focus on interagency conflicts — potentially bridging the gap between FBI and classic espionage thrillers. The project has already been given a straight-to-series order, signaling CBS’s confidence in its potential to revitalize the brand.
For many fans, however, the cancellations of Most Wanted and International feel like the end of an era. FBI: Most Wanted, led by Dylan McDermott as Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott, had built a loyal audience with its emotionally charged manhunt stories and strong ensemble cast. Meanwhile, FBI: International, starring Luke Kleintank as Scott Forrester, offered a refreshing global perspective that set it apart from traditional American procedurals. Both shows expanded the FBI universe in creative ways — and their departures leave a noticeable gap in the network’s schedule.
CBS’s move reflects a broader shift in network television strategy: fewer shows, but stronger franchises with unified creative visions and more centralized ownership. While fans mourn the loss of two beloved series, the announcement of FBI: CIA offers a glimmer of excitement — a promise that the franchise isn’t ending, just evolving. As one CBS executive put it, “We’re not closing the book on FBI. We’re just starting a new chapter.”
In the end, this dramatic reshuffling reminds viewers that even the most powerful franchises must adapt to survive. The FBI universe may look smaller in 2026, but its next phase could be its most ambitious yet.
