The FBI universe is officially stronger than ever. In a major — and rare — show of confidence, CBS has renewed the entire FBI franchise for the 2025–26 season, with the flagship series FBI receiving an eye-opening three-season pickup. At a time when broadcast networks are becoming increasingly cautious with long-term commitments, CBS has taken a bold step that signals just how essential the Dick Wolf–produced franchise has become to its primetime lineup.
Below is the full breakdown of what this renewal means for fans, the franchise, and the future of CBS programming.
A Three-Season Renewal: Why This Is a Big Deal
Three-season renewals are extremely rare on modern network TV. Yet CBS made the move with confidence — and for good reason. Over the last few years, FBI has consistently dominated its timeslot, outperforming scripted competitors and remaining one of the most-watched dramas on broadcast television.
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The series averages tens of millions of viewers across airings and streaming
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It remains a top performer in the advertiser-coveted 18–49 demographic
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CBS reports strong international sales and syndication numbers
This renewal locks the show through at least Season 11, giving writers and producers a long runway to develop meaningful story arcs, character evolution, and franchise expansions.
CBS executives praised the series as “a cornerstone of the network’s primetime identity,” emphasizing the blend of high-stakes storytelling and emotionally grounded character work that has kept audiences hooked.
The Entire Franchise Survives: FBI: International & FBI: Most Wanted
Along with the flagship series, both spinoffs — FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International — will return for the 2025–26 season.
FBI: Most Wanted
The manhunt-driven drama continues to deliver gritty episodic storytelling anchored by its evolving Fugitive Task Force. With recent cast shifts and a renewed focus on personal stakes, the show has found new momentum that CBS clearly wants to keep nurturing.
FBI: International
With its global backdrop and tense geopolitical cases, International brings a different flavor to the franchise. The Fly Team’s dynamics — mixed with on-location filming across Europe — have made it a standout and a strategic asset for CBS’s global audience appeal.
Both spinoffs represent strong contributors to the network’s Tuesday-night domination, and their renewal effectively secures a full FBI-themed programming block for another year.
Why the FBI Franchise Works So Well for CBS
The appeal isn’t just about ratings. The FBI franchise hits a unique sweet spot:
✔ Character-Driven Storytelling
The shows center on agents whose personal and professional lives constantly collide, grounding each episode’s tension.
✔ Procedural Structure That Viewers Love
Viewers can jump into any episode without feeling lost — a major advantage in the streaming age.
✔ Real-World Relevance
Cases often pull from timely national concerns: cybercrime, terrorism, domestic threats, and global tensions.
✔ Dick Wolf’s Proven Universe-Building
As seen with the Law & Order and One Chicago franchises, Wolf excels at creating interconnected worlds that fans return to week after week.
The FBI franchise has become CBS’s answer to NBC’s One Chicago — a unified block that reliably attracts massive weekly audiences.
Major Impact on the Cast and Writers Room
A multi-season order is especially meaningful for the people working behind the scenes:
Long-Term Security
Actors, writers, and crew benefit immensely from a stable renewal. This allows for:
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Larger, more ambitious story arcs
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Expansion of character backstories
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Longer-term contract negotiations
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Better scheduling across all three shows
Sources close to the production note that the creative team is “energized and excited” by the flexibility this three-season pickup grants.
Potential for Crossovers
Fans have been begging for bigger, bolder crossover events. With all three shows renewed together, CBS now has the perfect opportunity to plan them more strategically.
Expect at least one major crossover in the upcoming cycle.
What This Means for Fans: More Action, More Drama, More Everything
Fans can celebrate — the FBI franchise isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s poised to grow.
You can expect:
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New character introductions that might lead to future spinoffs
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Stronger, serialized plotlines thanks to long-term planning
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Higher production value now that CBS is fully committed
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More emotional depth, especially for the flagship team
The renewal also signals that CBS sees FBI as a tentpole franchise well into the second half of the decade.
A Rare Moment of Stability in a Shifting TV Landscape
Broadcast television is undergoing massive changes — budget cuts, cancellations, streaming migrations — but the FBI franchise stands out as a consistent powerhouse.
CBS’s decision to invest so heavily in it shows that:
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Procedural dramas remain some of the most reliable programming
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Loyal weekly audiences still matter
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Franchises with strong brand identities continue to thrive
With many shows struggling to survive season by season, FBI securing three full seasons is one of the most confident renewal moves of the year.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Franchise?
While CBS hasn’t revealed storyline details, insiders hint at:
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A dramatic shift in leadership within at least one team
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A season arc involving a major Homeland Security case
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Reinvention of key characters as the franchise enters its “second decade”
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Expanded settings, including more international missions
The creative team has reportedly been planning several long-term story threads — something only possible with the multiyear renewal now confirmed.
Final Thoughts
The FBI franchise continues its reign as one of the most powerful forces on broadcast television. With CBS granting a three-season renewal to the flagship series and greenlighting the entire lineup for 2025–26, fans can look forward to years of tightly written cases, emotional character journeys, and explosive crossover potential.
