Cancellations are always a tough pill to swallow, for both fans and the creative teams behind the scenes. While networks weigh factors like ratings, budgets, and scheduling, it doesn't make the loss of a beloved show any easier. Fans of the CBS crime drama FBI: International are still coming to terms with the sudden end of the series, especially after the promising addition of Jesse Lee Soffer (Chicago PD) as the new lead in season 4.
Unfortunately, CBS made the decision to axe the series along with the other FBI spinoff, FBI: Most Wanted, in March 2025. While an exact reason was never given for why these shows were canceled, it is believed that the decision was made due to financial reasons.
Based on some previous statements made by Amy Reisenbach, President of CBS Entertainment, about the cancellations, it appears that the network had to carefully evaluate its entire lineup and make tough choices, considering factors such as production costs, ratings performance, the creative direction of each show, and overall scheduling demands. Ultimately, these economic and strategic considerations led CBS to prioritize other projects over FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted.
Now, after months of silence, FBI: International co-creator Derek Haas has finally opened up about the unexpected cancellation. In a recent interview with TVLine, Haas expressed his deep disappointment in the show getting the boot, particularly because he liked Soffer’s casting as the new lead. While he acknowledged that he has no insider knowledge on the network’s decision, Haas emphasized his respect for CBS and Wolf Entertainment, trusting that their choice was based on factors beyond the show’s quality.
"I was so sad to hear about the cancellation because I loved [Chicago P.D. vet] Jesse Soffer as Wes on the show and really thought it was a dynamic cast addition in Season 4. I have no insight into why it was canceled. I love [CBS Entertainment President] Amy [Reisenbach] and [EVP of current programming and daytime programming] Eric [Kim] over at CBS, plus all my good friends at Wolf [Entertainment], and trust their instincts. So they must’ve had reasons that had nothing to do with the quality of the show.”
FBI: International's cancellation will always leave a lingering sense of disappointment among fans who felt the show had more stories to tell. Although the show isn't being shopped around, we hope that the team can reunite in some way one day.
The original series, FBI, remains a cornerstone of CBS’s crime drama lineup, having secured a renewal through the 2026–27 broadcast season. Joining the flagship series this fall is the new FBI spinoff, CIA. CIA stars Tom Ellis as a CIA case officer who finds himself joining forces with an FBI agent to solve cases involving criminals who threaten the United States. Other shows confirmed to be premiering this fall on CBS are Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage season 2, Ghosts season 5, NCIS season 23, Matlock season 2, Elsbeth season 3 and others.
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