A Franchise Rocked by Unexpected Cancellations
The FBI universe is entering a new and uncertain era. CBS’s decision to cancel both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International sent shockwaves through the fanbase, especially given how tightly connected the three-series franchise had become over the years. With only the flagship series FBI moving forward into Season 9, viewers are now asking the same urgent question: which familiar faces will still be around — and which are officially gone?
The answers reveal a major reset for the franchise.
The Flagship Survives — and Moves Into Season 9
While the spinoffs were cut, CBS has firmly committed to FBI, renewing the original series through Season 9. That renewal signals confidence in the show’s core cast and storytelling, even as the broader franchise contracts.
Season 9 is expected to continue focusing on the original New York-based team, reinforcing the importance of stability after months of behind-the-scenes uncertainty.
The Core FBI Cast Returning for Season 9
Several key actors are confirmed to return as series regulars in Season 9, ensuring continuity for longtime viewers. Missy Peregrym remains at the center of the show as Maggie Bell, whose leadership and emotional depth continue to anchor the series. Zeeko Zaki also returns as Omar Adom, one of the show’s most trusted and morally grounded agents.
Jeremy Sisto is set to continue his role as Jubal Valentine, the team’s strategic nerve center, whose recent storylines have pushed the character into darker and more personal territory. John Boyd will also return as Stuart Scola, a fan favorite whose relationships and growth have become increasingly important to the show’s emotional balance.
Together, these four characters form the backbone of FBI as it enters Season 9.
The Spinoffs End — and Their Casts Exit With Them
With FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International officially canceled, their casts are not returning as part of FBI Season 9 in any regular capacity. This includes Dylan McDermott, who led Most Wanted as Remy Scott, as well as longtime ensemble members like Roxy Sternberg, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Edwin Hodge, and Shantel VanSanten.
On the International side, cast members such as Eva-Jane Willis, Carter Redwood, and Jesse Lee Soffer are also not confirmed to continue within the franchise. Because these shows were standalone productions with separate contracts, their cancellations effectively end those characters’ regular presence in the FBI universe.
Why Spinoff Stars Aren’t Automatically Transferring
Many fans assumed that spinoff characters might naturally fold back into the main series, but television contracts rarely work that way. Each FBI series had its own budget, cast agreements, and long-term planning. Once a show is canceled, those contracts typically expire unless new deals are negotiated.
As of now, CBS has not announced any plans to absorb spinoff characters into the flagship FBI as regulars.
Are Guest Appearances Still Possible?
While regular roles are unlikely, guest appearances remain a possibility. The FBI franchise has a long history of crossovers, and characters such as Nina Chase previously moved between shows. That flexibility leaves the door open for limited appearances, story wrap-ups, or short arcs if the creative direction supports it.
However, there have been no official confirmations regarding guest spots from former Most Wanted or International cast members.
How the Cancellations Change Season 9’s Direction
Without the spinoffs, FBI Season 9 is expected to narrow its focus and lean more heavily into character-driven storytelling. The absence of crossover obligations allows the writers to explore deeper arcs for the main team, particularly for characters like Jubal Valentine and Maggie Bell.
The shift also marks a tonal change for the franchise — smaller in scope, but potentially more emotionally concentrated.
The Wildcard: CBS’s Planned CIA Series
CBS is developing a new series tentatively titled CIA, which may exist within the same universe. While casting details remain unclear, the project has sparked speculation that former FBI spinoff actors could reappear in some capacity.
At this stage, however, no casting announcements have been made, and the series should be viewed as a fresh start rather than a direct continuation of the canceled shows.
What Fans Can Expect Going Forward
For now, Season 9 of FBI will be led by its original core cast, with no confirmed returns from the canceled spinoffs. While surprises are always possible in television, the current reality suggests a streamlined franchise focused on stability rather than expansion.
For fans, this means saying goodbye to several beloved characters — but also watching the flagship series redefine itself after one of the biggest shakeups in its history.
Final Thoughts: A Smaller Universe, a Clearer Focus
The FBI franchise may be smaller than it once was, but its future is far from uncertain. With Season 9 on the horizon and its central cast intact, FBI is poised to move forward with renewed clarity.
Which stars are returning is now clear. Which ones aren’t is equally definitive. And as the franchise resets, one thing remains certain: FBI is not done telling its story.
