CBS has decided to cancel two of its popular spinoff series in the FBI franchise—FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International—effective after their current seasons. These cancellations mark a significant shift in the network’s programming strategy as it continues to prioritize the flagship FBIseries, which recently received a three-season renewal extending it to Season 9 for the 2026–27 broadcast year. In contrast, the spinoffs were renewed for only one additional season, with FBI: Most Wanted set to conclude after its sixth season and FBI: International after its fourth season.

A Shift in the Franchise Landscape

The decision to end FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International comes at a time when CBS is recalibrating its programming mix. According to Variety, the cancellations were confirmed following CBS’s recent renewal of the flagship FBI series—a move that secured its future until the 2026–27 season. In contrast, the spinoffs, which once helped build the broader narrative universe of the FBI series, have not been given a similar long-term commitment.

Originally, both spinoffs were introduced as vehicles to expand the storytelling opportunities within the FBI franchise. FBI: Most Wantedpremiered in January 2020, focusing on the high-stakes work of the New York Fugitive Task Force, while FBI: International launched in September 2021, following the efforts of the international Fly Team based in Budapest. Despite their distinct settings and premises, both shows were designed to offer viewers a glimpse into specialized units of the FBI, highlighting different facets of law enforcement beyond the domestic scope of the original series.

The cancellation of these spinoffs has raised questions among fans and industry insiders alike. With FBI still going strong, many wonder what led CBS to decide against continuing these derivative series, especially when they have consistently performed well in their designated time slots.

An In-Depth Look at FBI: Most Wanted

Premise and Development

FBI: Most Wanted was introduced as the first spinoff in the franchise. The series quickly established itself by centering on the operations of the FBI’s New York Fugitive Task Force. With a focus on tracking and apprehending dangerous criminals, the show combined procedural storytelling with an ensemble cast that added depth and variety to its narrative.

Cast and Character Evolution

At its inception, FBI: Most Wanted featured a robust cast that included Julian McMahon, Kellan Lutz, Roxy Sternberg, Keisha Castle-Hughes, and Nathaniel Arcand. Over time, while some of the original cast members—such as Sternberg and Castle-Hughes—remained integral to the series, others cycled in and out as the storyline evolved. Notable additions over the seasons included Miguel Gomez and Alexa Davalos in earlier iterations, with later seasons featuring Dylan McDermott, Edwin Hodge, and Shantel VanSanten.

Despite changes in the cast, FBI: Most Wantedmaintained its reputation as a key program on CBS, particularly in its coveted 10 p.m. ET Tuesday time slot, where it consistently delivered strong ratings and audience engagement. The show’s blend of high-octane action, character-driven narratives, and timely social issues resonated with viewers, making its cancellation all the more surprising to loyal fans.

Impact and Legacy

Over its six-season run, FBI: Most Wanted not only entertained viewers but also contributed to the larger FBI franchise narrative. It offered an alternative perspective on the challenges of law enforcement, focusing on the psychological and operational complexities of fugitive investigations in one of America’s busiest cities. Although its cancellation signals the end of its journey, the series leaves behind a legacy of innovative storytelling and memorable performances that have enriched the overall FBI universe.