Introduction
When you think of Dick Wolf, you probably picture NBC’s iconic lineup of Law & Order shows. After all, Wolf practically built the network’s identity around gritty legal and crime dramas. So when FBI premiered in 2018, many fans assumed it would air on NBC too. Surprisingly, it landed on CBS instead. But why? What could have pushed the mastermind behind NBC’s most successful franchises to take his latest series to a rival network?
Let’s dive deep into the surprising reason behind this major television move—and why it turned out to be one of Wolf’s smartest decisions yet.
The Legacy of Dick Wolf and NBC
Dick Wolf and NBC go together like peanut butter and jelly. Since the 1990 debut of Law & Order, Wolf has been NBC’s golden child. The original series spun off into SVU, Criminal Intent, Organized Crime, and more, cementing NBC as the king of procedural dramas.
For nearly three decades, NBC was Wolf’s creative home. It seemed unthinkable that his next big project would end up anywhere else. So why did FBI break tradition?
Why CBS Wanted FBI
CBS has long dominated the procedural drama genre. With hits like NCIS, Criminal Minds, and CSI, the network already had a strong grip on crime-focused storytelling. But by 2018, some of its older franchises were aging, and CBS needed fresh blood.
Enter FBI. A Wolf-produced drama offered CBS exactly what it craved: a new tentpole series that fit perfectly alongside its lineup while also attracting a loyal Wolf fanbase.
NBC’s Oversaturation Problem
At the time, NBC already had a full slate of Wolf shows on its schedule. With Law & Order: SVU, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med, the network was swimming in Wolf content. Adding FBI might have created redundancy, making it difficult for the show to stand out.
CBS, on the other hand, had room for a new procedural powerhouse. That breathing space gave FBI a better shot at becoming the network’s next big hit.
The Business Side of the Deal
Television isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about business. Behind the scenes, production and distribution rights played a key role in where FBI landed.
CBS Studios co-produced FBI alongside Universal Television, meaning CBS had a financial stake in the series. That stake gave CBS extra motivation to push hard for the rights, ensuring it wouldn’t just be another NBC show but rather a CBS crown jewel.
Dick Wolf’s Strategic Vision
Wolf is a master strategist. He understood that planting FBI on CBS would diversify his portfolio. Instead of relying solely on NBC, he could expand his influence across multiple networks. This move allowed him to dominate crime drama storytelling on two of the biggest broadcast giants at the same time.
It was less about loyalty and more about legacy. Wolf wanted to prove he wasn’t confined to one network—he was bigger than that.
The Perfect Fit: CBS and FBI
CBS audiences love structured, case-of-the-week dramas with an overarching character narrative. FBI fit seamlessly into that formula. By joining CBS’s powerhouse lineup with NCIS and Blue Bloods, FBI quickly found its tribe.
If the show had aired on NBC, it may have been overshadowed by Wolf’s other juggernauts. On CBS, it became a marquee series in its own right.
The Expansion into a Franchise
Wolf doesn’t just create shows—he creates universes. On CBS, FBI blossomed into its own franchise, spawning FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. This expansion was only possible because CBS gave the show room to grow into a brand, much like NBC did with Law & Order and Chicago.
The Rivalry Factor
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: CBS and NBC are rivals. By bringing FBI to CBS, Wolf shook up the competition. Suddenly, NBC’s long-time partner was boosting a competitor’s lineup. That rivalry only heightened the intrigue and attention surrounding the show’s debut.
Critical Reception and Ratings Success
From its very first season, FBI proved the gamble was worth it. The show earned strong ratings, often ranking as one of CBS’s top programs. It pulled in audiences loyal to Wolf’s brand while also appealing to CBS’s core demographic.
This success validated Wolf’s decision, proving that FBI didn’t need NBC to thrive.
Wolf’s Cross-Network Empire
With Law & Order thriving on NBC and FBI dominating CBS, Wolf achieved something few showrunners ever have—he built simultaneous empires on two major networks. It’s like being the quarterback for two rival football teams and winning championships with both.
Why NBC Didn’t Fight Harder
So why didn’t NBC go to the mat for FBI? Simply put, they didn’t need to. Their schedule was already stacked with Wolf’s content, and the network may have preferred to avoid oversaturation. Plus, NBC still had the Chicago shows and SVU, ensuring their lineup stayed strong without FBI.
How CBS Marketed FBI Differently
CBS leaned into the “authentic, ripped-from-the-headlines” appeal of FBI. They highlighted the show’s focus on national security, terrorism, and high-stakes investigations. This approach differentiated it from Wolf’s NBC shows, which often spotlight local police or legal dramas.
The Long-Term Impact
Today, FBI is a cornerstone of CBS’s programming. It not only strengthened the network’s procedural dominance but also cemented Wolf’s reputation as a cross-network powerhouse.
By making the bold move to launch FBI on CBS, Wolf ensured the show would stand tall rather than compete for attention within his own NBC empire.
Conclusion
The surprising reason Dick Wolf put FBI on CBS instead of NBC comes down to strategy, business, and opportunity. NBC had too much Wolf content already, while CBS offered the perfect opening for a fresh crime procedural. By seizing that chance, Wolf not only diversified his empire but also created a new franchise that continues to thrive.
Sometimes, success isn’t about staying loyal—it’s about knowing where you’ll shine the brightest. And for FBI, that place was CBS.
FAQs
1. Was FBI originally meant for NBC?
Yes, given Dick Wolf’s long history with NBC, many assumed the show would air there. But production and network strategy shifted it to CBS.
2. Why did CBS want FBI so badly?
CBS needed a fresh procedural to carry the torch as shows like Criminal Minds and CSI wound down. FBI was the perfect fit.
3. Did NBC regret not picking up FBI?
Publicly, NBC hasn’t expressed regret. With its Chicago shows and SVU, the network remained strong in Wolf’s content.
4. Has FBI become as big as Wolf’s NBC franchises?
Yes. With multiple spin-offs, FBI has grown into a franchise similar to Law & Order and Chicago.
5. Will Dick Wolf continue producing shows for both networks?
Absolutely. Wolf has established himself as a powerhouse on multiple networks, and his success on both CBS and NBC shows no signs of slowing down.
