Will NBC Step In to Save FBI: Most Wanted & FBI: International? Unlikely – Here’s Why
When it comes to TV drama, Dick Wolf is practically a household name. From Law & Order to Chicago Fire and the FBI franchise, he’s built an empire that seems unstoppable. However, even his legendary status might not be enough to rescue FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International from cancellation. Despite speculation that NBC could be a safety net, the reality suggests otherwise. But why? Let’s break it down.
The CBS Connection: Why NBC Has No Obligation to Save the Shows
CBS Owns the Rights—NBC Doesn’t
Unlike Law & Order and the One Chicago series, which air on NBC, the FBI franchise is a CBS property. That means CBS controls distribution, licensing, and overall branding. NBC swooping in would require significant legal and financial maneuvering—not exactly a simple task.
Network Rivalry & Brand Loyalty
CBS and NBC are direct competitors. While networks sometimes pick up shows from each other (Brooklyn Nine-Nine moved from Fox to NBC, for example), it’s rare for one network to rescue another’s existing franchise.
Dick Wolf’s NBC Ties Aren’t Enough to Secure a Lifeline
His Biggest Hits Are Already on NBC
Dick Wolf’s most successful franchises—Law & Order and Chicago Fire—are thriving on NBC. The network is heavily invested in them, which makes it unlikely to prioritize saving CBS’s FBI shows over its own.
Contracts and Network Politics Get in the Way
Even if Dick Wolf wanted NBC to take over FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, there are contractual barriers. These shows were developed under CBS’s production deals, making a transition complicated.
NBC’s Packed Lineup: No Room for More Dick Wolf Shows?
NBC’s Schedule Is Already Crowded
NBC has a full slate of hit dramas, including Law & Order, SVU, Organized Crime, and the One Chicago universe. Adding more Wolf-produced series would lead to scheduling conflicts and dilution of its current lineup.
Balancing Costs and Ratings
Even if NBC wanted to save the FBI spin-offs, they’d have to justify the expense. Are these shows strong enough to draw in new NBC viewers, or would they just cannibalize the audience from existing Wolf productions?
The Ratings Problem: Are FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International Worth Saving?
Declining Viewership Trends
Both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International have seen fluctuating ratings. While they perform decently for CBS, they aren’t breakout hits that NBC would necessarily fight for.
Comparing to Other NBC Rescues
NBC has saved shows in the past (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Magnum P.I.), but those had passionate fanbases and a strong cultural footprint. The FBI spin-offs, while solid, don’t have the same level of die-hard support.
Financial and Streaming Considerations
CBS Has Streaming Rights Through Paramount+
CBS uses the FBI franchise to boost Paramount+. NBC would likely have to negotiate a costly deal to acquire streaming rights—something that may not be worth the hassle.
NBC Has Its Own Streaming Priorities
NBC is focusing on Peacock, its streaming platform. Acquiring two CBS-produced shows would create brand confusion and wouldn’t necessarily benefit Peacock’s long-term strategy.
What About Fan Campaigns? Could They Sway NBC?
Petitions and Social Media Pressure
Fans have successfully saved shows before (Lucifer, The Expanse), but it usually requires a massive push. Unless FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International generate an overwhelming outcry, NBC is unlikely to step in.
Advertiser Influence
Advertisers play a key role in network decisions. If CBS sees a dip in sponsorship for the FBI spin-offs, it further reduces the likelihood of NBC seeing them as worthwhile investments.
Possible Alternatives: Could Another Network Step In?
Paramount+ Could Absorb the Shows
Rather than NBC saving the shows, Paramount+ might choose to keep them alive as streaming exclusives. This would align with CBS’s broader strategy of strengthening its own platform.
Syndication and Licensing Deals
If cancellation happens, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International could live on in syndication or via licensing deals with networks like Ion Television or Amazon Freevee.
Conclusion: NBC Is Not the Savior for These FBI Spin-Offs
While Dick Wolf’s legacy with NBC is undeniable, it doesn’t mean the network will step in to save FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. CBS owns the rights, NBC’s schedule is already full, and the financial logistics make a rescue unlikely.
Unless a major shift occurs—such as overwhelming fan demand or a game-changing streaming deal—it’s safe to say NBC won’t be the safety net some fans are hoping for. If these shows get canceled, CBS and Paramount+ will likely be the ones making the final decision on their fate.
FAQs
1. Has NBC ever saved a CBS show before?
No, it’s extremely rare for competing networks to rescue each other’s shows. Most show transfers happen between smaller networks or cable channels.
2. Could Dick Wolf convince NBC to take over the FBI spin-offs?
While he has significant influence at NBC, his priority remains with his Law & Order and One Chicago franchises, making an NBC rescue unlikely.
3. Are FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International really at risk of cancellation?
There are rumors of CBS reevaluating its lineup, and if budget cuts happen, these spin-offs could be in danger.
4. Could another network or streaming service pick up the canceled shows?
Paramount+ is the most likely option since CBS owns the franchise, but a move to another network like Ion or Freevee is possible.
5. When will CBS announce the fate of these shows?
Final decisions on renewals and cancellations typically happen in the spring before the next TV season is scheduled.
