The Shocking End: Why FBI: Most Wanted And FBI: International Were Canceled In 2025 And What's Next

The Dick Wolf-produced FBI universe is undergoing a massive, unexpected shakeup, as of December 10, 2025. After years of dominating the CBS Tuesday night schedule, two-thirds of the franchise—FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International—have been officially canceled, with their final seasons concluding in 2025. This shocking news marks a significant shift in the procedural television landscape, closing the book on two popular series that followed elite Federal Bureau of Investigation teams tackling high-stakes crime both domestically and across the globe. The decision, announced in March 2025, has left fans reeling and the network scrambling to "rebuild" the successful franchise around the original flagship show, FBI.

The cancellation of both spin-offs, *FBI: Most Wanted* after six seasons and *FBI: International* after four, was a sudden move that signals a new direction for the interconnected universe. While the original *FBI* series has been renewed for an eighth season, the network is clearly looking to refresh its lineup with a new approach to the crime procedural format. The silver lining for fans is the promise of a new, intriguing expansion to the universe, which will focus on another major government agency, the CIA.

The Final Lineup: A Look at the Casts and Crews of the Canceled Series

To fully appreciate the scope of the cancellation, it is important to acknowledge the talented teams that brought the high-octane drama of the Fugitive Task Force and the Fly Team to life. The final seasons saw some notable cast changes and solidified fan-favorite characters before their untimely end.

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FBI: Most Wanted (2020–2025)

• Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott: Played by Dylan McDermott. Scott took over as team leader in Season 3, bringing a distinct mix of humor and intensity to the Fugitive Task Force.
• Special Agent Sheryll Barnes: Played by Roxy Sternberg. Barnes served as the team's second-in-command and a grounding force, having been with the show since its inception.
• Special Agent Hana Gibson: Played by Keisha Castle-Hughes. Gibson was the team's indispensable intelligence analyst and tech expert throughout the series' run.
• Special Agent Ray Cannon: Played by Edwin Hodge. Cannon joined the team in Season 4, quickly becoming a key member of the task force.
• Special Agent Nina Chase: Played by Shantel VanSanten. Chase, who also appeared in the original *FBI* series, joined the *Most Wanted* team in a main role for the final seasons.
• Former Lead: Julian McMahon (as SSA Jess LaCroix), who departed the series in Season 3.
• Executive Producer/Creator: Dick Wolf and René Balcer.

FBI: International (2021–2025)

• Supervisory Special Agent Wesley Mitchell: Played by Jesse Lee Soffer. Soffer, a veteran of the Dick Wolf universe, joined the Fly Team as the new leader, replacing Scott Forrester.
• Special Agent Andre Raines: Played by Carter Redwood. Raines was the second-in-command, a skilled agent with a strong focus on international relations.
• Special Agent Cameron Vo: Played by Vinessa Vidotto. Vo was known for her exceptional interrogation skills and dedication to the mission.
• Europol Agent Megan 'Smitty' Smothers: Played by Eva-Jane Willis. Smitty acted as the crucial liaison between the Fly Team and Europol, providing local expertise.
• Former Cast: Heida Reed (Special Agent Jamie Kellett) and Christiane Paul (Katrin Jaeger).
• Executive Producer/Creator: Dick Wolf and Derek Haas.
• Showrunner: Matt Olmstead for the final season.

The End of an Era: Series Finale Spoilers and Unresolved Plotlines

The sudden cancellation means both series had to pivot quickly to craft satisfying series finales, rather than typical season closers. This has led to intense speculation about how the writers will wrap up the complex narratives and character arcs, particularly after the major three-part "Imminent Threat" crossover event that linked all three shows.

For fans of the entire *FBI* franchise, the series finale of *FBI: Most Wanted* and *FBI: International* is expected to be a high-stakes, emotional conclusion. Unofficial synopsis details suggest a massive threat will loom over the entire universe. The plot hints at a "calculated assault on a secret FBI office" which the team discovers is the work of a rogue terrorist group. The synopsis specifically mentions that Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine, a main character from the original *FBI* series, narrowly escapes this assault, suggesting a strong connective thread between the canceled shows and the continuing flagship.

The finale will likely focus on the Fugitive Task Force and the Fly Team working their final cases, with the possibility of a final, emotional team dinner or a symbolic passing of the torch. The most pressing question remains how the writers will provide closure for characters like Remy Scott, who has a deeply personal connection to his work, and the Fly Team, whose missions are inherently open-ended due to their international nature. The need to tie up loose ends while maintaining the action-packed pace of the final episodes presents a significant creative challenge for the showrunners, including Matt Olmstead and the team led by Dick Wolf.

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The Future of the FBI Universe: Enter the CIA Spin-off

The cancellation of two major shows is not a sign of the *FBI* franchise's demise, but rather a strategic "rebuilding" effort by CBS and Dick Wolf to keep the universe fresh and relevant. The network has already ordered a new series, tentatively titled *CIA*, which is slated to debut in the 2025-2026 television season. This new show will take the place of one of the canceled spin-offs on the Tuesday night schedule.

The biggest news surrounding the new expansion is the casting of fan-favorite actor Tom Ellis, best known for his lead role in *Lucifer*. Ellis will star as a fast-talking, rule-breaking, and loose-cannon CIA case officer. The premise of the new show centers on this unconventional agent being paired with a by-the-book, seasoned, and serious partner. This dynamic promises a different tone and flavor compared to the more straight-laced, procedural nature of the *FBI* and *FBI: Most Wanted*.

The introduction of the CIA into the *FBI* universe is a bold move. It expands the scope of the franchise beyond the Federal Bureau of Investigation, opening up new possibilities for international espionage, intelligence gathering, and high-level political intrigue. The contrast between the FBI's domestic and law enforcement focus and the CIA's foreign intelligence mission could be the source of future crossover events and compelling narrative tension. The show will be a key component in the newly structured Tuesday night lineup, alongside the continuing *FBI* flagship series, ensuring that the Dick Wolf procedural machine keeps running strong on CBS for years to come.

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Topical Authority and The Dick Wolf Legacy

The cancellation of two successful series, even to make room for a new one, is a rare event in the world of television. It speaks to the relentless drive of producer Dick Wolf to keep his franchises dynamic and to prevent creative stagnation. Wolf, who is also the mastermind behind the long-running *Law & Order* and *One Chicago* universes, has built a legacy on interconnected, reliable, and high-quality procedural dramas.

The transition from *FBI: Most Wanted* and *FBI: International* to the new *CIA* spin-off demonstrates a calculated risk. While the decision is disappointing for the dedicated fan bases of the canceled shows, the move is a clear investment in the future of the *FBI* universe. The network is betting that the star power of Tom Ellis and the fresh premise of a CIA-focused procedural will inject new life and draw a new audience, while the original *FBI* series provides the necessary stability. This strategic shift ensures that the *FBI* franchise remains a powerhouse in the competitive world of network television, continuing to explore the complexities of federal law enforcement and global security. The final episodes of *Most Wanted* and *International* are now must-watch television, not just for closure, but to see how the stage is set for the next chapter of the Dick Wolf empire on CBS.