CBS has had a stellar season so far, so we’re surprised they’re still committed to launching spinoffs of some successful series.
This season alone, we have new NCIS Origins titles.
The Equalizer and The Neighbors are also getting their first spinoffs, but the latest development is that FBI is gearing up for a fourth series while the other three appear to be still airing.
This has us worried about FBI: Internationally Wanted and FBI: Most Wanted.
The series is titled “FBI: CIA” and will air as a backdoor pilot in upcoming FBI episodes in the spring.
We’ll learn about the focal characters and plot before it officially airs, which should give CBS enough time to gauge whether viewers are eager to watch another show.
FBI: CIA follows a dedicated, no-nonsense FBI agent and a street-smart CIA agent as they are part of a new covert task force tasked with solving and preventing New York Domestic Terrorism in and around the City.
It doesn’t sound like it’s going to break new ground on the procedural side of broadcast television, but CBS is well-positioned for what viewers can watch, building on the success of long-running series like “NCIS” and “FBI.” Just proves it.
It’s not uncommon for derivatives to come and go, but the mothership remains intact.
Look at NCIS, which has lost NCIS: Hawaii, NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.
Mainline NCIS may actually be a spin-off these days, as it’s lost most of its original stars, but it’s kept the show alive, and for now, it’s worthwhile.
The FBI is the main attraction of the series
“FBI” was renewed for three seasons last year, while “FBI: International” and “FBI: Most Wanted” were renewed for one season after both shows failed to do as well as the originals, both domestically and internationally. Make a breakthrough.
So there’s every reason to believe CBS will keep the mothership alive longer than the spin-off series.
There’s no way CBS will continue airing four series about the FBI universe next season unless “Matlock” and “Elsbeth” are already major performers, and there are many others A spin-off series is being prepared.
There will be a lack of real estate on the schedule.
CBS sacrificed NCIS: Hawaii for NCIS: Origins , and we should expect something similar here.
The big question is which show will get the pink slip.
FBI: Most Wanted’s creative department is in disarray as cast members continue to leave. When a character disappears without a satisfying farewell arc, it’s hard for viewers to stay invested.
Yes, procedural dramas are known for their revolving door, but FBI: Most Wanted is worse than any show in recent memory.
Why ‘FBI: International’ Has an Advantage Over ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ When it comes to Renewal
FBI: Inter Milan have had a makeover this season.
FBI: International Season 4 had slightly higher ratings than FBI: Most Wanted, and it was also much cheaper because it was filmed across Europe, meaning it was split between two shows. The show has an advantage among those vying for renewal.
But both shows are likely to go on hiatus as CBS aggressively adjusts its schedule in an effort to remain competitive heading into the 2025-26 television season.
Elsbeth and Matlock may not have had a major impact on traditional ratings, but each show added huge numbers in live +7 views, surpassing many of the network’s other shows.
It’s going to be an nerve-wracking few months for all CBS dramas, but we should get answers soon.
Sadly, if the way NCIS: Hawaii is handled leads to the cancellation of the FBI spinoff, we likely won’t get any resolution.
The cliffhanger finale was a slap in the face to the millions of viewers who watch the show every week.
What impact do you think the fourth FBI series will have on FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted?
Which of the following shows would you sacrifice to introduce new stories?
Please vote below and leave a comment about why your favorite show deserves a second watch.
