In a surprising move, CBS announced the cancellation of two of its popular series, ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International’, as part of a broader strategy to revamp its scripted television lineup. The network made this decision publicly known as it aims to streamline its offerings ahead of the 2025-2026 television season. The cancellations come as a shock to both fans and those involved in the productions, given the considerable fanbase both shows had cultivated over their runs. ‘FBI: Most Wanted’, which centered around an elite team that tracked down the most wanted criminals in the United States, had been a staple of the network since its debut in January 2020. Meanwhile, ‘FBI: International’, which followed agents working abroad to combat crime, began airing in September 2021. The elimination of these two series is part of CBS’s year-end review, which has seen other shows like ‘The Equalizer’ and ‘Blue Bloods’ being renewed. According to network insiders, the decision to cut the two shows stemmed from a desire to refresh the primetime lineup and potentially introduce new concepts that might attract a wider audience. Industry experts are speculating the network may be looking to pivot its focus towards shows that resonate more with younger demographics, particularly as viewing habits continue to shift in the streaming age. CBS has stated it remains committed to delivering high-quality dramatic programming that engages its viewers, but the network’s president has acknowledged the changing landscape of television viewership. “We recognize the changing tastes of our audience,” he said. “It’s crucial that our lineup reflects those shifts and meets their demands.” Fans of both shows have taken to social media to express their disappointment over the cancellations, highlighting the strong character development and compelling storylines that the series have provided. As CBS prepares for the upcoming pilot season, the future remains uncertain for many other scripted shows across networks, with the 2025-2026 television season on the horizon. As this scenario unfolds, reinforcement of content strategies by major networks will be vital in capturing the evolving tastes of television audiences today.
CBS Cancels ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International’ Amid Major Network Shakeup
