🕵️♀️ Your Ultimate Guide to the FBI Crossover Episodes – In Order and How to Watch Them
If you’re diving into the action-packed world of CBS’s FBI universe, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Wait…should I be watching these crossover episodes in a certain order?” The answer is YES – and watching them correctly makes a huge difference.
With three interconnected series — FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International — the franchise has delivered some gripping multi-show events. But keeping track of what happens when (and where!) can be confusing.
This guide gives you a detailed, chronological list of every crossover episode in the franchise — plus, how to watch them so the stories actually make sense. Let’s solve this case together.
🔎 What Is the FBI Franchise?
Before we jump in, let’s set the stage.
CBS’s FBI franchise was created by Dick Wolf — the mastermind behind Law & Order and Chicago franchises. The shows include:
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FBI (2018–present) – The original series based in New York.
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FBI: Most Wanted (2020–present) – Focuses on a fugitive task force.
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FBI: International (2021–present) – Tackles cases involving Americans abroad.
Each show often crosses over with the others, creating mini-events and sometimes full-blown trilogies.
🎬 Why Watch FBI Crossover Episodes in Order?
Watching crossover episodes out of order is like starting a novel in the middle. You’ll miss crucial character interactions, emotional payoffs, and sometimes the entire plot resolution!
Following the correct order allows you to:
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Track character development across shows
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Understand the full scope of each investigation
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Enjoy the storytelling the way it was intended
📺 The Complete List of FBI Crossover Episodes in Chronological Order
Below is your ultimate viewing guide with each crossover episode listed in order, along with a short summary and where you can watch them.
📅 FBI Crossover Event #1: “Most Wanted” Backdoor Pilot
1. FBI – Season 2, Episode 18: “American Dreams”
This episode introduced us to Jess LaCroix and the Fugitive Task Force, laying the groundwork for FBI: Most Wanted. It’s the backdoor pilot that launched a franchise.
Watch on: Paramount+ / CBS
2. FBI – Season 2, Episode 19: “Reckoning”
A continuation of the backdoor pilot story, setting up the team’s dynamic further.
Watch on: Paramount+ / CBS
📅 FBI Crossover Event #2: “FBI & Most Wanted” Crossover
3. FBI – Season 3, Episode 1: “Never Forget”
4. FBI: Most Wanted – Season 2, Episode 1: “Rampage”
In this crossover, a white supremacist domestic terrorist strikes — forcing both FBI teams to work together.
Watch on: Paramount+ / CBS
📅 FBI Crossover Event #3: “Most Wanted” 3-Part Event
5. FBI – Season 4, Episode 1: “All That Glitters”
6. FBI: Most Wanted – Season 3, Episode 1: “Exposed”
7. FBI: International – Season 1, Episode 1: “Pilot”
This was the massive triple-show crossover that launched FBI: International. It follows a case that starts in NYC and ends in Europe.
Watch on: Paramount+ / CBS
📅 FBI Crossover Event #4: “Imminent Threat” Trilogy
8. FBI: International – Season 2, Episode 16: “Imminent Threat – Part 1”
9. FBI – Season 5, Episode 17: “Imminent Threat – Part 2”
10. FBI: Most Wanted – Season 4, Episode 16: “Imminent Threat – Part 3”
In this epic event, a terrorist plot unfolds across continents. It’s fast-paced, explosive, and emotionally intense.
Watch on: Paramount+ / CBS
🎯 The Correct Order to Watch Every Crossover
Here’s your cheat sheet:
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S2E18 – FBI: “American Dreams”
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S2E19 – FBI: “Reckoning”
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S3E1 – FBI: “Never Forget”
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S2E1 – FBI: Most Wanted: “Rampage”
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S4E1 – FBI: “All That Glitters”
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S3E1 – FBI: Most Wanted: “Exposed”
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S1E1 – FBI: International: “Pilot”
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S2E16 – FBI: International: “Imminent Threat Part 1”
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S5E17 – FBI: “Imminent Threat Part 2”
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S4E16 – FBI: Most Wanted: “Imminent Threat Part 3”
💻 Where to Watch All FBI Crossover Episodes
CBS & Paramount+ are your go-to platforms. Most episodes are available to stream with a subscription, and CBS occasionally reruns crossover events.
Here’s the platform breakdown:
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Paramount+ – All episodes available for streaming
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CBS.com – Free with cable login
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Amazon Prime Video – Pay-per-episode
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Apple TV / iTunes – Available for purchase
🔁 Will There Be More FBI Crossovers?
Definitely. CBS knows these events pull strong ratings and fans love seeing their favorite characters team up.
In fact, Dick Wolf is known for annual crossover events — like his One Chicago franchise. Expect more as long as the shows stay popular.
🧠 Tips to Enjoy FBI Crossovers Without Getting Lost
1. Use a Watchlist App
Apps like TV Time or JustWatch help track what you’ve watched and what’s next.
2. Watch All Three Series
You’ll better appreciate the crossovers if you know the characters. Don’t skip Most Wanted or International – they’re full of hidden gems.
3. Pay Attention to Air Dates
Crossovers often air back-to-back on the same night or week. Look at air dates to avoid confusion.
4. Don’t Skip Episodes Between Crossovers
Some character decisions or relationships evolve between crossover events.
🌍 How Each FBI Show Connects
FBI (Main Series)
Focuses on major crimes like terrorism, organized crime, and murder in NYC.
FBI: Most Wanted
Handles fugitives on the run – fast-paced and gritty.
FBI: International
Takes the action abroad with a team based in Budapest, tackling global threats.
The connection? Shared universe, overlapping characters, and common cases.
👥 Key Characters You’ll See Across All Shows
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Special Agent Jubal Valentine (FBI) – Frequently pops up in crossovers.
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Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix (Most Wanted) – A leader until his exit.
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Scott Forrester (International) – Fierce leader with a strong moral compass.
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OA Zidan & Maggie Bell (FBI) – Often anchor crossover cases.
These crossovers highlight different leadership styles, cultures, and tactics within the Bureau.
📆 Why the “Imminent Threat” Crossover Was a Game-Changer
This 3-parter is a franchise milestone. It:
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Connected all three shows with a single storyline
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Built tension across multiple locations
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Deepened character arcs
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Showed the global scale of the FBI’s mission
If you only binge one crossover, make it this one.
🧩 Final Thoughts: Watch FBI Crossovers Like a Pro
Crossover episodes in the FBI universe are more than TV gimmicks. They’re immersive, well-constructed crime stories that reward loyal viewers. Watching them in order is like putting together a high-stakes puzzle.
Whether you’re a franchise newbie or longtime fan, this guide helps you stay on track and catch every thrilling twist. So grab your popcorn — and your badge — and start the binge.
🙋♀️ FAQs: Everything You Still Might Be Wondering
1. Do I need to watch all the FBI series to enjoy the crossovers?
Not necessarily, but it enhances the experience. You’ll understand character relationships and plot continuity better.
2. Are the crossover episodes labeled clearly on streaming platforms?
Not always. Some streamers don’t indicate crossovers, which is why this guide is helpful.
3. Can I skip the backdoor pilot?
You can, but it gives important context for FBI: Most Wanted. It’s worth watching.
4. Is there a new crossover event coming in the next season?
It’s highly likely. CBS tends to feature at least one big crossover per season.
5. Which crossover should I start with as a beginner?
Start with the “Imminent Threat” trilogy — it’s polished, high-stakes, and showcases the full scope of the franchise.
