TheFBIfranchise’s future has hit a major setback as two of its shows have been cancelled, while its upcomingFBI: CIAspinoff continues development. The successful franchise, created by Dick Wolf, has been running on CBS since 2018, showcasing the missions of various teams of agents doing different types of missions. There are three shows in the procedural series currently airing, those beingFBIseason 7,FBI: Most Wantedseason 6, andFBI: Internationalseason 4.FBI: CIAis expected to be the next show added to the roster, planned to expand the franchise even further.
Now,Deadlinehas confirmed a major setback for theFBIfranchise, withFBI: Most WantedandFBI: Internationalboth being cancelled at CBS. This meansMost Wantedseason 7 andInternationalseason 5 will not be happening. Both shows had been high-profile parts of the franchise, with the report stating it’s unclear if the series will be shopped to other networks.
At present, the move appears to coincide withFBI: CIA’s development, which is set to air a backdoor pilot through the main series at some point in the future.Deadlinereports that the show would likely get a straight-to-series order, depending on the talent that ends up attached.
What FBI’s Cancellations Mean For The Franchise’s Future
The Spinoffs Are Being Retired While Another Takes Its Place
The cancellations of bothFBI: Most WantedandFBI: Internationalcome with the knowledge thatFBIhas been renewed through season 9, meaning the franchise isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. While both spinoffs don’t get as many live viewers as the main show, they’re still able to pull attention. In the shows' latest episodes,Most Wantedgot 4.17 million views andInternationalscored 4.8 million, though still far from the main show’s 6.28 million. They’re not bad numbers, though, making it unclear whyFBIseason 8is the only one set to air in the 2025-26 primetime season.
FBI’s Surprise New Spinoff Is Worrying After One Chicago’s Failed 4th Show
CBS continues expanding the FBI universe, but the announcement of the franchise’s latest spinoff is concerning after what happened to One Chicago.
It appears CBS' current focus is on gettingFBI: CIAoff the ground, with the spinoff allegedly having major names attached to portray its team. The show isn’t the only new spinoff on the network later this year, withFire CountryspinoffSheriff Countryand theupcomingBlue BloodsshowBoston Bluealso set to air. The expansion of multiple franchises at once is a good sign for the channel’s successful shows - but also means some had to fall to the wayside to make room for future projects.
Our Take On 2 FBI Shows Getting Cancelled
An Unfortunate Development Despite The Series' Success
It’s clear from CBS' development of a fourth spinoff thatFBIis a lucrative franchise for the network, with shows that are getting strong viewership numbers. What makes the cancellation ofFBI: Most WantedandFBI: Internationalso disappointing is that they appear to be getting axed to make room for an entirely new show featuring new characters. WhileFBI: CIAwill likely be a success, it’s at the cost of series that have proven themselves solid bets for viewership, even if they’re not as high as the original show.
List ofFBIShows
2018-present
2020-2025
2021-2025
FBI
Cast
FBI is a procedural drama that explores the workings of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York office as dedicated agents tackle high-stakes cases involving terrorism, organized crime, and various formidable threats.
