Whenever TV shows are canceled, there is hope that another network could save them. As soon asFBI: Most WantedandFBI:Internationalwere canceled by CBS, several ideas were raised in regards to how they could be revived. Theoretically, they could move to NBC or be picked up by a streaming service. I had hope that something could happen to keep at least one of them on the air, but I recently learned of one thing that prevents that from happening.
When you look at theSWATcast and crew, we can see that there is a fight to save the show. That’s not happening with either of theFBIfranchise shows canceled by CBS, at least not to any level that’s encouraging. As it stands, there’s not much room for optimism when it comes to the chances ofFBI: Most Wantedseason 7orFBI: Internationalseason 5 seeing the light of day.
Why I’m Hopeful That FBI: Most Wanted & International Could Still Be Saved
The FBI Spinoff Fit Well In The Dick Wolf Universe
BothFBI: Internationalseason 4 andMost Wantedseason 6 have strong followings, and it’s this sort of following that can help to keep a series on the air. Look at the way the support for the likes ofThe ExpanseandLuciferled to these shows being saved by Amazon and Netflix, respectively. The followingMagnum PIhad after its cancelation by CBS led to NBC saving the day for another season. With the right vocal following, there is always some element of hope for a series.
FBI: International Makes Good Of The Spinoff’s Name With Fly Team’s Last Mission
FBI: International’s series finale will make good use of the name of the Fly Team before the procedural permanently leaves the airwaves.
On top of that, both theFBIfranchiseshows are part of the Dick Wolf universe. They fit into the worlds ofLaw & OrderandOne Chicago, and they suit the tone of many of those shows already airing on NBC. In fact,bothFBI: Most WantedandInternationalare produced by Universal TV Studios, which creates the other Dick Wolf shows, and NBC is part of that company. It makes perfect sense forNBC to save theFBIshows, especially since the network is arguably struggling to find strong procedural dramas right now.
One of theFBIshows could have moved to that platform as well, withFBI: Most Wantedhaving the perfect tone for that move.
Even if the two shows wouldn’t fit into NBC’s plans, there is always the streaming platform Peacock.Law & Order: Original Crimeseason 5will air on Peacock instead of NBC, which does fit in well with the other programming in their TV lineup. One of theFBIshows could have moved to that platform as well,withFBI: Most Wantedhaving the perfect tone for that move.
Sadly, FBI: Most Wanted & International Are Not Being Shopped Around
The FBI Shows Are Creating Endings
With all that being said, it’s clear that we won’t get to seeFBI: Most Wantedseason 7 orFBI: Internationalseason 5. There is one aspect of their cancelations that makes it clear, and it is disappointing to those of us who have remained loyal from day one of both shows.TVLinerecently dropped the bad news that neither show is being shopped around.
It doesn’t matter how much people who watched the show want to see more if the writers have found a way to create series finales out of their season finales.
UnlikeSWAT, which had a huge fight from the cast and crew to save, the cast and crew of both theFBIshows seem to have accepted the fates. That’s much worse than putting up a fight and losing, as they have decided that their own shows aren’t worth keeping on the air. It doesn’t matter how much people who watched the show want to see more ifthe writers have found a way to create series finales out of their season finales.
In a way, this is a good thing, as at least we get to see some closure for the team members.There is nothing worse than having a show abruptly canceled with a major cliffhanger.NCIS: Hawai’iandSo Help Me Toddboth did that, and many are still fighting for them to be saved. With the ending of the two FBIs, there is a hope that there is some sort of clear ending, allowing us to say goodbye to the characters.
I Think CBS Canceling This 3-Season Show Is Worse Than Ending FBI: Most Wanted & International
The cancellations of FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted hurt, but there was a CBS cancellation in 2024 that continues to hurt much more.
With theFBIuniverse continuing, there is also hope that some of the characters can show back up again. TheNCISfranchise has done this, with LL Cool J just being announced as a returning face in the flagship series and with Kensi Blye both showing up previously despite theNCIS: Los Angelescancelation.TheFBIshows have done mini-crossover moments before, such as with Jubal appearing on video calls to assist the Fly TeamandShantel VanSanten can rejoin theFBIcast.
While having characters show up for an episode isn’t the same, there is a sense of solace to it, especially with closure to the respective shows. I would just prefer to have some hope ofFBI: Most WantedandInternationalbeing saved, but that hope is diminished with the realization that the shows aren’t being shopped around.
FBI: Most Wanted
Cast
FBI: Most Wanted follows a specialized team tasked with apprehending high-profile criminals on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Led by experienced agents, this mobile undercover unit operates tirelessly in the field, pursuing individuals who are determined to evade justice and ensuring public safety.
FBI: International
FBI: International follows the elite agents of the FBI’s International Fly Team as they travel globally to protect Americans. The series focuses on their complex missions, navigating international law, and challenges posed by various jurisdictions, demonstrating the high-stakes nature of their work.
