Major Shakeup for CBS' FBI Franchise: Spinoffs Cancelled, 'FBI: CIA' in the Works

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The 2025 TV lineup has been a thrilling period for CBS’ FBI series, with “FBI: Most Wanted” nearing its 100th episode milestone and “FBI: International” adapting to changes with Jesse Lee Soffer joining the cast. However, in surprising news for Tuesday night viewers, both of these series have been cancelled by CBS. Only the original “FBI” will continue, as the network had already renewed it for three more seasons back in 2024. This development raises questions about the possible expansion of the franchise.

End of an Era for ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International’

The expansive Dick Wolf TV universe is narrowing with the conclusion of the 2024-2025 TV season. “Most Wanted” is in its sixth season, and “International” their fourth, wrapping up CBS’ Tuesday programming after “FBI” kicks off the night in Season 7. Since “International” launched in 2021, this lineup was a staple, though both spinoffs endured significant cast shifts. “Most Wanted” currently has only two original cast members while “International” lost its lead, Luke Kleintank, at the end of its third season.

I was particularly concerned for “FBI: International” after rumors emerged about a potential NYC-based spinoff that might be more economical than the series shot in Budapest and across Europe. I speculated that perhaps one series would be dropped to make way for “FBI: CIA,” never imagining both would be cut. According to Variety, “Most Wanted” prevailed each week in the 10 p.m. ET slot for its sixth season, while “International” frequently led or came second at 9 p.m. ET.

The Future with ‘FBI: CIA’

In January, it was reported that CBS was working on another spinoff, dubbed “FBI: CIA.” This new concept is said to focus on a “strait-laced” FBI agent paired with a “street-smart” CIA operative, introduced during “FBI” Season 7. This duo would be part of a covert task force combating domestic threats in New York City.

As “FBI” also tackles domestic terrorism, whereas “Most Wanted” and “International” do not as much, I thought one of these spinoffs might continue if “FBI: CIA” progressed. The spinoff remains in development with Dick Wolf as creator and EP, alongside “FBI: Most Wanted” showrunner David Hudgins and frequent Wolf contributors Peter Jankowski, Nicole Perlman, and David Chasteen.

I’m definitely disappointed by the cancellations, yet I’m also intrigued at the prospect of a backdoor pilot for “FBI: CIA” in the current “FBI” season. It’s difficult to picture CBS Tuesdays with fewer than two FBI series, so the cancellations might imply CBS has significant confidence in “CIA.” While we ponder, I can’t help but wish the cancellations hadn’t been announced before “Most Wanted” could mark its 100th episode on March 11.

In the meantime, catch new episodes of all three series on CBS Tuesdays: “FBI” at 8 p.m., “International” at 9 p.m., and “Most Wanted” at 10 p.m. You can stream the current seasons on Paramount+, with past seasons of “International” and “Most Wanted” available on Peacock.