CBS Cancels Two High-Profile "FBI" Spinoffs Amid Network Revamps
Significant changes are on the horizon for CBS as the network makes tough decisions about its series lineup. Two major spinoffs, “FBI: Most Wanted” and “FBI: International,” will not be returning. “FBI: Most Wanted” is concluding after six seasons, while “FBI: International” ends after four. These shows, produced by Wolf Entertainment/Universal Television, were led by prominent actors Dylan McDermott and Jesse Lee Soffer, both of whom transitioned to these roles from other Dick Wolf creations like “Law & Order: Organized Crime” and “Chicago P.D.”
With the cancellation of these two shows, the highly rated original “FBI,” now entering the first year of a renewed three-year contract in its seventh season, remains unshaken. A new project, “FBI: CIA,” is under development at CBS, which will potentially benefit from the cancellation of “Most Wanted” and “International.” Set to debut as an episode within the main “FBI” series, “FBI: CIA” is actively casting, and buzz suggests that it might receive an immediate series order based on its talent pool.
The fate of the canceled spinoffs remains uncertain. Although Universal TV and Wolf Entertainment might consider finding a new home for these shows, which still maintain strong ratings comparable to or better than several renewed CBS dramas, relocating them isn’t guaranteed. Previously, a “Law & Order” offshoot found a new platform when “Organized Crime” moved from NBC to Peacock.
Should relocation efforts fail, “FBI: Most Wanted” and “FBI: International” continue production, preparing to wrap their narratives in their current seasons. This outcome signals a notable turnaround from three years ago when both spinoffs enjoyed two-season renewals alongside the flagship “FBI.” As part of CBS’s Tuesday night lineup, which spans three hours, making space for “FBI: CIA” necessitated canceling at least one spinoff—and CBS decided to let two go.
Financial negotiations between CBS and Universal Television have been tense recently, with financial implications likely influencing the latest decisions. The discussions surrounding a sixth, potentially final season of “Equalizer” are ongoing as well. Last year’s budget cuts saw reductions in the minimum guarantees for the main casts of both “FBI” and “FBI: Most Wanted,” though “International” remained unaffected due to its smaller, largely international cast.
The need to accommodate upcoming series underlies these decisions. CBS recently renewed multiple shows, such as “NCIS,” “NCIS: Origins,” “NCIS: Sydney,” “Tracker,” “Fire Country,” “Elsbeth,” and “Matlock.” With limited slots, existing dramas had to be cleared to welcome fresh content. Reserved for next season are “Sheriff Country,” a “Fire Country” spinoff, and “Boston Blue,” extending the “Blue Bloods” universe.
Aside from “FBI: CIA,” CBS is also exploring a possible “Equalizer” spinoff featuring Titus Welliver and a promising drama pilot “Einstein” with “Criminal Minds” alum Matthew Gray Gubler. The fate of “Equalizer” and “S.W.A.T.,” another externally produced show with a history of cancellations, remains uncertain. New drama “Watson” appears likely for renewal, although it’s still in early stages with CBS Studios.
The cancellation of “FBI: Most Wanted” raises questions about Shantel VanSanten’s character, who recently shifted from “FBI” to the spinoff and had a baby with Scola from the main series in its fifth season. In typical Wolf Entertainment style, characters and actors frequently transition within the franchise, maintaining continuity across its series.