While fans are still reeling from the cancelation ofFBI: International, removing it from CBS’ slate can make room for a better version of the series. It’s unfortunate to think that there will be noFBI: Internationalseason 5as bothInternationalandMost Wantedjoin the list ofcanceled CBS showsthis season. Considering the network also just announced the third (and likely final) cancelation ofS.W.A.T.while having canceled the extremely popularBlue Bloodsprior to theFBIannouncement, it’s getting to the point that getting axed by CBS could almost be taken as a compliment.
But while many might not be happy about the network’s decision, particularly when it only gives the writers limited time to wrap things up before the finale, the network’s previous announcement thata newFBIspinoff is currently in developmentcould be great news forFBI:Internationalfans. Not only could the next show improve on the franchise’s formula, but it may present an opportunity to bring back some ofFBI: International’s castas well.
FBI: CIA Spinoff Explained After International & Most Wanted’s Cancelation
The New Series Will Spin Off Directly From The Flagship FBI
Announced more than a month prior to CBS’ cancelation ofFBI: Most WantedandFBI: International, the oddly titledFBI: CIAwill involve the two named agencies cooperating together to prevent acts of domestic terrorism. There are reportedly two main characters, one hailing from each agency and backed by a team that make up part of a larger anti-terrorist task force. Their work will be done largely in the shadows when possible, with most ofFBI: CIA’s storyset in New York City.
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.
CBS has chosen the flagshipFBIseries to host the backdoor pilot forFBI: CIA. Reportedly set to air in the spring of 2025, the pilot will debut three new characters from the spinoff working with the mainFBIteam. Although it could be argued that the new series is unnecessary whenMost Wanted’s Fugitive Task Force occasionally combats domestic terrorism already, what makes thenewFBIspinofftruly interesting is how it might resembleFBI: International. And in some ways,FBI: CIAcould even outshine its predecessors.
How FBI: CIA Can Be Better Than FBI: International
The CIA’s Presence Can Add More Intrigue To The Show
After four seasons of investment, many fans are understandably upset about losing out on character arcs, such as whetherFBI: International’s Wes and Vo romancewill ever become more than simply an imagined possibility. But while the new spinoff will have plenty of time to make viewers fall in love with its own new characters,FBI: CIAbenefits from a new premise completely unique to the franchise. The show’s covert task force will have to operate more stealthily than other series’ teams, giving the show a hefty dose of spy intrigue.
The series could easily hop the globe just as much asFBI: International, employing stealth in other countries while having to collaborate with boots on the ground in Manhattan simultaneously.
What makesFBI: CIAparticularly compelling is that the show’s focus on domestic terrorism won’t necessarily have to ground the team completely in New York. Because of their role in gathering foreign intelligence,the CIA’s involvement suggests that many of these terrorists likely won’t be homegrown. The series could easily hop the globe just as much asFBI: International, employing stealth in other countries while having to collaborate with boots on the ground in Manhattan simultaneously. This could lead to some excitingly complex investigations thatFBI: Internationaldoesn’t justify quite as easily.
Can FBI: CIA Bring Back Some Of The Fly Team’s Members After International Ends?
International’s Best Feature Sets Up A Prime Excuse For Their Return
EvenFBI’s OA actor Zeeko Zakihas said he’d like to see characters from the canceled spinoffs continue to show up in the franchise, andFBI: CIApaves the cleanest route to bring back everyone’s favorite characters fromFBI: International. If the series does make use of the CIA’s international operations by having them investigate their domestic terrorists’ ties to foreign cells, then there’s no reason to think they couldn’t use an occasional helping hand from the Fly Team. In fact, the CIA already needed the Fly Team’s help as recently asFBI: Internationalseason 4, episode 14.
Why NBC Will Unlikely Save FBI: Most Wanted & FBI: International From Cancelation (Despite Dick Wolf’s Connections)
CBS canceled FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International ahead of their 2025 finales, but fans shouldn’t get their hopes up that NBC will save them.
There are still questions about which characters fromFBI: Internationalcould return. The fate ofJesse Lee Soffer’s Wes Mitchellmight be safe now that Zaleski appears neutralized, and the CIA’s shown they have no qualms about playing dirty when they told Wes to simply avoid getting caught next time. The CIA also works with Europol in real life, allowing for the return of Smitty or Jaeger. But as for whetherFBI: CIAactually intends to bring back these or other fan favorites, only time will tell.
FBI: International
Cast
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.
