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CBS Renews Hit Series ‘FBI,’ ‘FBI: Most Wanted,’ and Orders New Series ‘FBI: International’

CBS decided that FBI is officially a successful franchise with multiple spinoffs. On Wednesday, the network ordered more episodes for FBI and FBI: Most Wanted along with another new FBI-themed series.

CBS will use a backdoor pilot to introduce FBI: International. There will be a crossover next season with FBI and FBI: Most Wanted. These FBI-themed shows are the work of Dick Wolf, who gave television all of the Law and Order franchises and the Chicago dramas.

FBI is the fastest growing brand on television and our partner Dick Wolf has found yet another creative way to expand its universe,” said Kelly Kahl, president of CBS Entertainment. “FBI: International is an intriguing and distinct drama that perfectly complements its compelling siblings, FBI and FBI: Most Wanted, creating an enviable triple-threat for next season that will fit seamlessly across our network lineup.”

CBS loves these FBI-themed shows. In its third season, the main show averages more than 11 million viewers per week and is the most-watched Dick Wolf series on any network. The show is based in New York and stars Missy Peregrym, Zeeko Zaki and Jeremy Sisto.

The network introduced the Most Wanted series in 2020. It’s almost as successful as the original, averaging nearly 9 million viewers an episode. The show focuses on the FBI’s special Fugitive Task Force that hones in on the criminals at the top of the most wanted list. The show stars Julian McMahon, who last was on TV as one of the stars of Nip/Tuck on FX. The series also features Kellan Lutz from the Twilight movie franchise.

The International series is self-explanatory. It will tell the stories of the agents in the international division as they protect Americans all over the world.

The series has been in the works for at least a year. Wolf told Deadline in January of 2020: “There is the FBI and basically all other law enforcement. These are true‑blue people, and we should be honoring them in a variety of ways.”

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Wolf told Deadline: “CBS has been a great creative partner, and they understand the value of the growing (the) brand.

None of the cast for the newest spinoff has been announced.

Previously, CBS announced it was renewing The Neighborhood, Bob Hearts Abishola and The Equalizer. The network, however, is unloading some of its most popular shows, ending Mom and NCIS: New Orleans. There also is a concern that the original NCIS, which is in its 18th year, also will be ending soon as star Mark Harmon mulls a departure from the show.