FBI: International surprisingly loses a core cast member after three seasons, with sources confirming the star will not return for season 4.
CBS crime drama FBI: International has lost one of its core cast members just ahead of season 4. The hit show is the second spinoff of the Dick Wolfe drama FBI after FBI: Most Wanted and debuted on the network in 2021. The show follows a team of FBI Special Agents investigating crime and terrorism abroad. After three successful seasons and 53 episodes, FBI: International was renewed for season 4 by CBS earlier this month. But the upcoming season will not be without dramatic changes to the structure of the show and its cast.
According to reports from Deadline, lead actor Luke Kleintank, who plays FBI Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester, will be leaving FBI: International after three seasons. The actor’s final episode will be May 7, which will come close to the conclusion of season 3. Kleintank released a statement confirming his departure and hinted at personal reasons behind it. Read the actor’s comments below:
“After much thought and consideration, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave FBI International. This decision is driven by my unwavering commitment to my family, whose love and well-being are paramount in my life. I’m profoundly thankful for the extraordinary cast and crew of the show, who have not only been colleagues but also a family away from home. Their unwavering dedication and remarkable talents have made every moment on set an unforgettable journey that has enriched my life in countless ways. Lastly, I would also like to extend my thanks to the fans who have supported us through the first three seasons.”
Can FBI: International Have A Strong Future After Losing A Core Lead?
Kleintank Is Not The First Key Cast Member To Leave FBI: International In The Past Year.
The show is facing an uncertain future with Kleintank’s surprise departure, but CBS clearly has faith that enough of an audience is going to watch FBI: International to make the show a long-term success.
While the details behind Kleintank’s departure are not fully clear, his statement suggests that there are personal reasons guiding his decision rather than professional ones. Mentioning the desire to be more committed to his family, it could be the case that the actor is simply looking to spend more time with his family. Whatever the reasons, it is understandable that Kleintank would want to put his loved ones first.
Many shows go through transitional periods during their run, but these tend to happen when the show has been a little more established. FBI: International has only run for three seasons to lose Kleintank, but he’s not the first key departure from the series recently. Heida Reed, who portrayed Special Agent Jamie Kellett, left the show early in FBI: International season 3 and was replaced by Christina Wolfe, who joined the cast in season 3, episode 3, “Magpie.”
The show is facing an uncertain future with Kleintank’s surprise departure, but CBS clearly has faith that enough of an audience is going to watch FBI: International to make the show a long-term success. Whether the decision is made to replace the leading star or continue with the remainder of the cast remains to be seen. It is unclear how many seasons FBI: International might run, but hopes will be high that the series can evolve beyond its cast departures, and bring in new talent to guide it to unexpected and thrilling places.
