Despite maintaining solid viewership and offering a distinct angle within the crime procedural landscape, FBI: International was unexpectedly canceled by CBS after its fourth season. The decision surprised both fans and the show’s co-creator, Derek Haas, who recently broke his silence in an interview with TVLine, expressing frustration and sadness over the show’s premature end.
The series followed a team of FBI agents operating overseas from their base in Budapest, mixing international intrigue with high-stakes drama. Averaging around 6.5 million viewers per episode, FBI: International was one of CBS’s most-watched dramas. However, the network opted not to renew it, citing financial constraints rather than performance or quality issues.
Why did CBS decide to end the series?
According to Haas, CBS offered no formal explanation for the cancellation. Executives Amy Reisenbach (President of Entertainment) and Eric Kim (EVP of Programming) pointed to “fiscal responsibility” as the primary reason. This suggests that, although the show was a ratings success, the costs of international production—primarily based in Europe—made it financially unsustainable.
CBS has made similar budget-driven decisions before, including with FBI: Most Wanted, which also faced restructuring. Instead, the network is now investing in upcoming projects like FBI: CIA, launching in fall 2025. Within this context, FBI: International became a casualty of cost-cutting, rather than any creative shortcomings.
Haas acknowledged the rationale but expressed deep disappointment. He trusted the instincts of CBS leadership but lamented that a compelling narrative was cut short. The final episode of Season 4 was intended to open a new chapter in the storyline, not serve as a series conclusion.
A story left unfinished, with characters full of potential
One of the most painful aspects of the cancellation was that the show ended on a cliffhanger. The arrival of Jesse Lee Soffer (formerly of Chicago P.D.) as Wes Mitchell, alongside Jay Hayden as Tyler Booth, injected new life into the series during its fourth season. Haas described their chemistry as “dynamic” and “gold,” emphasizing how this duo was just starting to evolve within the team.
The cast also expressed their disappointment publicly. Vinessa Vidotto (Cameron Vo) and Eva-Jane Willis (Smitty) shared heartfelt messages on Instagram, thanking fans and mourning the unresolved story arcs. Their posts reflected the strong emotional connection the cast and audience had developed over four seasons of international missions and personal stakes.
Is there any chance for revival?
At present, no network or platform has stepped forward to continue FBI: International. Haas has not been approached with any offers, and while the franchise remains alive through the original FBI series—renewed through 2027—and the upcoming FBI: CIA, the future for the international team is uncertain.
Still, fans remain hopeful. Crossovers are a hallmark of the Dick Wolf universe, and characters like Wes or Vo could reappear in future FBI projects. CBS has a history of re-integrating beloved characters into new shows, keeping their stories alive in fresh contexts. Meanwhile, all four seasons of FBI: International are available on streaming platforms like Paramount+ and Peacock, allowing new viewers to discover its legacy.
The cancellation of FBI: International illustrates how even critically and commercially successful shows can fall victim to shifting budgets. Audiences are left with unanswered questions—and the hope that the doors of the International Fly Team might open again someday.
