
đș Why Was FBI: International Canceled? Derek Haas Says Heâs Just as Clueless
Sometimes, even the creators are left scratching their heads. Thatâs exactly what happened when Derek Haas, co-creator of the FBI franchise, admitted he had âno insightâ into why CBS abruptly pulled the plug on FBI: International. For a show that boasted solid ratings, a loyal fan base, and a unique overseas angle, the cancellation seemed to come out of nowhere.
In this in-depth article, weâll explore:
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Why FBI: International was likely canceled
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What Derek Haas had to say about it
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The showâs impact on the FBI universe
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Fan reactions
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Whatâs next for the franchise
Letâs dive deep into this mystery that even the showâs creator canât solve.
đ§ Who Is Derek Haas, and Why Does His Opinion Matter?
The Creative Force Behind the FBI Franchise
Derek Haas isnât just some guy behind the curtain. Heâs one of the founding fathers of the FBI franchise alongside Dick Wolf. From co-creating FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, to launching FBI: International, Haas played a major role in turning the series into one of the most successful franchises on network TV.
When someone like him says heâs in the dark about a decision, thatâs big.
đ Derek Haas Steps AwayâCoincidence or Clue?
Leaving Before the Curtain Fell
In 2022, Haas announced he would be stepping down from the FBI franchise entirely to pursue new creative opportunities. Some fans immediately speculated whether this influenced CBSâs decision to cancel FBI: International. But even Haas himself shut that idea down.
âI have no insight into the decision. I left the show last year and Iâm just as surprised as everyone else.â
It seems like his departure and the cancellation were two separate events, at least from his point of view.
đ Ratings Didnât SinkâSo Why the Cancellation?
Strong Numbers But Still Axed
Hereâs what makes this all so strangeâFBI: International wasnât a ratings flop. According to Nielsen ratings, the show:
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Frequently ranked in the Top 20 network dramas
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Maintained consistent viewership
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Had a strong fan base both in the U.S. and internationally
If youâre thinking, âWait, donât strong ratings usually keep shows alive?ââyouâre not wrong.
đ The Unique Format That Set It Apart
Not Just Another Procedural
Unlike most crime dramas, FBI: International had a fresh twistâit followed the Fly Team, a special FBI unit tackling cases around the globe. The international element gave viewers:
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A taste of global crime-fighting
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Culturally diverse storylines
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A different flavor compared to domestic procedurals
The show offered cinematic visuals, on-location shoots, and globe-spanning stakesâyet it still got canceled. Go figure.
đŹ Derek Haas Wasnât Even Warned
Surprised Just Like the Fans
When the news broke, fans werenât the only ones shocked. Derek Haas expressed his complete lack of awareness or forewarning, stating that CBS hadnât reached out or discussed the decision with him.
âThey didnât consult me, and I honestly have no idea why it happened.â
When a creator has no clue why a show is canceled, it raises eyebrows.
đș Network Shuffle or Corporate Strategy?
Behind-the-Scenes Decisions at CBS
Many insiders believe that the cancellation might have had less to do with the showâs quality and more to do with corporate reshuffling:
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Budget constraints
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Shifting programming priorities
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International filming costs
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Realignment of network strategies for streaming and syndication
CBS is juggling an evolving media landscape. In that environment, even successful shows can become collateral damage.
đșïž The Cost of Going Global
Was Filming Abroad Too Expensive?
While the international setting was a fan favorite, it came with a hefty price tag. Shooting in Europe involves:
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Expensive logistics
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Travel and lodging costs
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Working with foreign governments
Some speculate that the network decided to cut losses by canceling the most expensive show in the franchiseâeven if it was performing well.
đ§ Fan Theories Flood Social Media
The Internet Tries to Make Sense of It
Fans took to Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook to offer their own explanations:
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Some think itâs a budget-saving measure.
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Others believe the streaming shift to Paramount+ had something to do with it.
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A few even blamed casting changes or hinted at internal drama.
None of these are confirmed, but the absence of answers just fuels more speculation.
đ What Happens to the Cast and Crew?
Talented Actors Left Hanging
FBI: International featured a strong ensemble:
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Luke Kleintank as Scott Forrester
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Heida Reed as Jamie Kellett
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Carter Redwood as Andre Raines
With the showâs abrupt end, these actors are now free agents. While some may land on other Wolf Entertainment projects, others are venturing into new rolesâleaving fans to wonder, âWill we ever see them again in the FBI universe?â
đïž Will the Storylines Ever Be Resolved?
No Closure, No Justice
Another bitter pill for fans: the show didnât get a proper send-off. No farewell episode. No emotional finale. Just… canceled.
Questions still linger:
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What happens to the Fly Team?
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Will their arcs be wrapped up in the other FBI shows?
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Could we see a TV movie or a spinoff down the line?
For now, the answer is a hard maybe.
đŁ Derek Haas Speaks Out to the Fans
A Heartfelt Goodbye
Despite the lack of answers, Haas did take time to thank the fans:
âIâm proud of the show we built and grateful to the fans who supported it. You made it something special.â
It was a classy exit, even if it lacked the closure fans hoped for.
đ§± How It Impacts the FBI Franchise
A Hole in the Tuesday Night Block
FBI: International was part of the Tuesday night power lineup on CBS, along with FBI and FBI: Most Wanted. Now, the trio becomes a duo.
This could disrupt:
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Viewer loyalty
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Cross-show storylines
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Franchise synergy
Letâs be honestâthereâs a noticeable gap without the international crew.
đš Will CBS Replace It With Something Better?
No Clear Replacement in Sight
As of now, CBS hasnât announced a direct replacement. Itâs unclear whether:
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Another FBI show is in the works
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A different franchise will take the time slot
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The network plans to lean more heavily into reality TV
Whatever it is, itâll have some big shoes to fill.
đ„ Could FBI: International Be Revived Someday?
Hope Is Still Alive
Letâs not forgetâBrooklyn Nine-Nine got revived. Lucifer rose from the dead. Stranger things (pun intended) have happened.
While CBS may have dropped the show, itâs possible another network or streamer (hello, Paramount+?) could pick it up.
For now, fans are holding on to hope like agents clinging to a cold case.
đ§ What Should Viewers Watch Next?
Shows That Might Fill the Void
Missing your global crime-fighting fix? Try these:
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Criminal Minds: Evolution
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NCIS: Sydney
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Jack Ryan on Prime Video
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Reacher for a gritty alternative
None are exactly like FBI: International, but they could help scratch that itch.
đ Conclusion: When Even the Creatorâs in the Dark, You Know Itâs a Mystery
FBI: Internationalâs cancellation remains one of the most baffling TV decisions in recent memory. When someone like Derek Haas says he has no idea why the plug was pulled, it says a lot about how mysteriousâand sometimes ruthlessâthe TV industry can be.
The show was well-liked, well-watched, and well-made. And yet, itâs gone.
No answers. No closure. Just questions.
And maybe thatâs the most FBI thing of allâleaving us with a case we may never solve.
â FAQs
1. Why was FBI: International canceled despite strong ratings?
Thereâs no confirmed reason, but speculation points to high production costs and shifting network priorities.
2. Did Derek Haas have any say in the cancellation?
No. Haas revealed he had âno insightâ into the decision and was not consulted by CBS.
3. Could FBI: International return on another network or streamer?
Possibly. Shows have been revived before, and fan support could influence a comeback on Paramount+ or another platform.
4. Will any characters from FBI: International appear in other FBI shows?
Itâs possible. The FBI universe often has crossover episodes, so characters might reappear.
5. Where can fans watch past episodes of FBI: International?
Full episodes are currently available on Paramount+, with select episodes possibly airing on CBS reruns or other streaming services.
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