The CBS network is making some big changes by canceling two popular shows in the FBI franchise. Both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International are going off the air. The first show ended after six seasons, while the latter lasted four. Notable stars like Dylan McDermott and Jesse Lee Soffer joined these spinoffs from other well-known series.
Despite these cancellations, the original FBI show is still running strong in its seventh season and has a three-year extension. There’s even a new spinoff called FBI: CIA in development. This new project is gaining traction thanks to the cancellations, and its casting is currently underway. Depending on the talent involved, it might get a direct pick-up for a series.
It’s uncertain if the producers will try to shop the canceled shows to other networks, even though they still attract a good number of viewers. Last year, a spinoff from the Law & Order franchise successfully moved to a streaming platform.
Just three years ago, both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International enjoyed renewals alongside the flagship series. The changes come amid broader financial discussions between CBS and the production studio, Universal Television. CBS has faced tough negotiations about renewing existing shows, including The Equalizer.
As part of cost-saving measures, both FBI and FBI: Most Wanted reduced the minimum cast guarantees. However, International was less affected due to its smaller cast, which includes several international actors.
CBS is also facing space limitations on its schedule. With many other shows getting renewed, including multiple installments of NCIS, the network had to make tough decisions to allow for new productions. Upcoming drama spots are already designated for the spinoffs Sheriff Country and Boston Blue.
In addition to FBI: CIA, there’s also a potential spinoff from The Equalizer in the works, along with a high-profile drama pilot titled Einstein, featuring Matthew Gray Gubler from Criminal Minds.
With the cancellation of FBI: Most Wanted, it’s uncertain what will happen to Shantel VanSanten’s character, who had shifted from the original FBI show to the spinoff.
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