CBS Renewals Leave ‘FBI: International’ and ‘Most Wanted’ Hanging in the Balance
CBS recently made headlines by announcing a new slate of show renewals, but the silence surrounding two key members of its popular FBI franchise—FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted—has sparked concern among loyal fans. Could these shows be next on the chopping block?
Let’s dive into what’s really happening behind the scenes and what it might mean for the future of these hit crime dramas.
What the Latest CBS Renewals Mean
CBS gave green lights to several long-running shows including FBI, Blue Bloods (a partial-season final run), and other procedural heavy-hitters. However, noticeably absent from the announcement were FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted—two critical components of the FBI universe created by Dick Wolf.
That silence has raised serious questions.
The Silence Around ‘FBI: International’
Why Is CBS Holding Back?
It’s not unusual for networks to stagger renewal announcements, but when shows as prominent as FBI: International are left in limbo, it raises eyebrows. The show has held decent ratings and boasts a loyal viewership, but CBS hasn’t confirmed its future.
Ratings Aren’t the Whole Story
While FBI: International maintains solid numbers, networks also consider production costs, streaming performance, syndication deals, and future scheduling needs when making renewal decisions. That means a show could look strong on paper but still face an uphill battle behind the scenes.
What’s Going On With ‘FBI: Most Wanted’?
Is It Just Budget Cuts—or Something More?
FBI: Most Wanted has performed steadily since its premiere in 2020. Yet as CBS leans into trimming costs, the show’s fate may rest on whether the network sees it as financially viable in the long run.
Scheduling Shake-Ups Add Fuel to the Fire
CBS’s decision to reduce episode counts and consolidate programming nights in recent seasons may also be pushing shows like Most Wanted out of priority status.
Behind the Scenes: Dick Wolf’s Expanding Universe
Too Much of a Good Thing?
The FBI franchise, like its sister franchises (Law & Order, Chicago), is part of the ever-expanding Dick Wolf television universe. At one point, three shows under one banner was a strength. But now, even fans wonder: is it too much?
Networks are cautious not to oversaturate audiences. If the franchise becomes too bloated, even successful titles risk being cut.
CBS’s Budget Rebalancing Strategy
The Streaming Effect
With Paramount+ playing a growing role in CBS’s overall strategy, traditional broadcast programming is being reevaluated. Even legacy shows can suffer when budgets tighten, and priorities shift toward digital-first content.
Trimming the Fat—But at What Cost?
While budget cuts may be needed, they’re rarely precise. Popular shows sometimes get axed, not because of quality or audience, but because they don’t fit the new financial puzzle.
Fan Reactions Have Been Loud and Clear
Social Media Is Buzzing
Viewers haven’t held back. Fans of both International and Most Wanted have taken to X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Facebook to express confusion and frustration about the lack of clarity from CBS.
Campaigns for Renewals Are Already Rolling
Petitions, hashtag campaigns, and direct calls to CBS executives are gaining traction. If fan energy counts for anything, these shows still have a fighting chance.
How These Shows Stack Up Against Renewed Titles
Comparing Viewership Numbers
Both FBI: International and Most Wanted consistently draw millions of viewers, often matching or beating newer CBS series that have already been renewed. So what gives?
Demographics and Market Appeal
Networks care deeply about demographics—especially the 18-49 advertising sweet spot. If a show performs well overall but lacks that key audience, renewal chances shrink.
What Cast Contracts Could Reveal
Are Actors Tied Down—or Ready to Move On?
Contract negotiations can play a major role. If CBS is hesitant to lock in stars for another multi-season arc, it could explain the pause. And if major talent is already eyeing other projects, it complicates renewal odds.
Past Patterns Show Trouble
CBS has a history of quietly sunsetting shows when cast contracts expire. Remember what happened to Magnum P.I.? It’s not unprecedented.
Streaming Numbers Could Be a Secret Weapon
Global Popularity Matters
While U.S. broadcast ratings are the loudest numbers in the room, CBS also considers how well shows perform on Paramount+, international licensing, and digital platforms. FBI: International, for instance, has a broad global footprint. That could tip the scales in its favor.
The Rise of Streaming Metrics in Renewal Talks
Executives are no longer looking at Nielsen alone. If streaming minutes are high—even if TV ratings are average—renewal is still possible.
How the Writer and Actor Strikes Delayed Decisions
A Disrupted Production Schedule
Both the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes pushed back production timelines, which means CBS has had less time than usual to assess the full impact of this year’s seasons. Renewal talks may simply be behind schedule, not dead in the water.
More Data Needed?
It’s possible CBS is waiting to see full streaming results, international deals, or other behind-the-scenes data before making the call.
Potential Outcomes and What They Mean
Option 1: Full Renewals Announced Late
CBS could still greenlight both shows—just later than usual. It wouldn’t be the first time a renewal came weeks or even months after other announcements.
Option 2: Shortened Seasons
CBS might offer abbreviated runs, much like they’re doing with Blue Bloods, to test continued fan interest and manage budgets.
Option 3: Quiet Cancellations
The worst-case scenario? Quiet cancellations with no official word. It’s happened before, and it could happen again.
What CBS Executives Are (Not) Saying
No News Isn’t Always Bad News
While frustrating, silence from CBS isn’t necessarily doom. Executives might still be in talks with Wolf Entertainment or ironing out contracts.
Official Statements Are Rare Until Deals Are Done
Until everything is signed, sealed, and delivered, CBS tends to keep its cards close to the vest. That leaves fans in suspense—but it doesn’t guarantee bad news.
What Can Fans Do Right Now?
Make Noise—It Matters
Social campaigns work. When fans show up loudly and consistently, networks take notice. Keep tweeting, signing petitions, and tagging CBS.
Stream the Shows
Viewership drives decisions. If you want to help your favorite FBI spinoff stay alive, keep watching—especially on official platforms.
Conclusion
CBS’s recent renewals left FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted in an uncomfortable limbo. Despite solid ratings, loyal fanbases, and franchise strength, the silence is deafening. Whether it’s budget realignments, behind-the-scenes negotiations, or changing streaming priorities, fans are left wondering: Is the franchise shrinking?
Until CBS gives a definitive answer, the fate of these popular spinoffs hangs in the balance. One thing’s for sure—fans won’t go down without a fight.
FAQs
1. Why hasn’t CBS renewed ‘FBI: International’ or ‘Most Wanted’ yet?
CBS may be waiting on streaming data, finalizing contracts, or making strategic decisions about future programming lineups.
2. Are ‘FBI: International’ and ‘Most Wanted’ getting canceled?
As of now, neither show has been canceled or renewed. Their futures remain officially undecided.
3. When will CBS likely announce the fates of these shows?
Announcements could come any time before the fall schedule is finalized—typically late summer or early fall.
4. How can fans help save the shows?
Watch episodes on official platforms, engage on social media, and support campaigns urging CBS to renew the shows.
5. What happens to the FBI franchise if these shows end?
The franchise would lose significant reach and character continuity. It would likely focus solely on the original FBI unless new spinoffs emerge.
