Why was FBI: International canceled? Speculations explored

CBS has canceled two of its fan-favorite shows, FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted, after the run of their current seasons. Since the news about this dual cancellation was confirmed by a Variety report, fans were speculating why the network pulled the plug on two of its most popular shows.

FBI: International, the second spin-off to Dick Wolf's FBI, premiered in September 2021 and follows the Fly Team as they travel throughout Europe to neutralize threats against America. The show is currently in its fourth season.

This news comes after the network announced another franchise spin-off, FBI; CIA, in January. It is reported that CBS canceled both FBI shows due to budget cuts and to accommodate the new spin-off series in their respective time slots.

More on FBI: International cancellation in our story.

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CBS canceled FBI: International to make way for another show in the franchise

While fans are reeling from the double shock of their favorite shows being canceled, many might wonder why CBS pulled the plug on FBI: International.

This is to make way for another show in the FBI franchise announced in January, FBI: CIA. The Pilot, which is currently under work, will be written by Dick Wolf, who will also serve as executive producer on the show along with David Hudgins, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski.

While FBI: CIA is not ordered for a series yet, it will have a backdoor pilot with the parent show and will likely have one of the timeslots of the canceled show. Since its announcement in January, fans have been speculating that the network will likely pull the plug on either FBI: International or Most Wanted, however, the dual cancellation is truly shocking.

International is currently led by a well-known cast who have become familiar with the audience as the show is in its fourth season. For FBI: CIA, it makes sense for the network to invest in more new shows as they will help to cut the cost and the cast would also be cheaper for the initial seasons.

Meanwhile, FBI: International, the only show in the franchise not set in New York, is costly because of its extensive filming locations in Budapest, Venice, and Hungary. Many fans were prepared to see their beloved show bid farewell.

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FBI: International will air its series finale in March 2025

The news is even more heartbreaking for its fans because it means that only two episodes are left in Season 4, which will conclude the series for good.

The penultimate episode will air on CBS on March 11, 2025, before the series finale, titled 'They May Get Their Wish' on March 18, 2025.

While International is the most recent spin-off from the franchise, it has already become a fan favorite, with many fans even liking it better than the original.

Many Reddit fans have expressed sorrow over the show being canceled after Season 4, as one fan notes:

''They’re cancelling international? Are you kidding me? It’s so good. It’s best FBI show.'' u/chocolatecoconutpie

Another user, u/lkjhggfd1, is disappointed by how CBS is canceling International to make way for other shows:

''The axing of Most Wanted and International boosts FBI: CIA’s chances. They should scrap FBI: CIA and keep international''

Catch the series finale on March 18, 2025 on CBS.

Also Read: CBS Studios to develop new FBI spin-off series: Reports

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