The two spinoffs in theFBIfranchise should end the same way that they began, though it is not guaranteed that they will. All three shows in theFBIuniverse are connected through Jubal and Isobel. Although both characters are part of theFBIseason 7 cast, they have made appearances on other shows in the franchise as needed, demonstrating the interconnectivity of each show in the franchise.
Unfortunately,FBI:InternationalandFBI: Most Wantedare both on the list ofshows that CBS has canceled in 2025. Although these spinoffs have relatively high ratings, the network chose not to renew them for a variety of reasons, and thus, they will be wrapping up their seasons in May 2025. There has been widespread speculation about how each of theseFBIspinoffs will end, plus debate over what type of ending is best.
How The Spinoffs Were Connected To FBI At The Beginning
They Began As Crossovers Or Backdoor Pilots
Each of theseFBIspinoffs was established as an offshoot of the main series from the beginning. WhenFBI: Most Wantedpremiered, it was introduced on an episode ofFBIthat served as a backdoor pilot. In this episode, an ICE agent kills his family and fakes his death, prompting the New York Field Office to call in the Fugitive Task Force, which then takes over the case.UsingFBIto launch the new show was more effective than a standalone pilotbecause it easily connected new and old characters.
Isobel (Alana de la Garza) was also introduced during this pilot; at that point, she only supervised the Fugitive Task Force.
Similarly,the pilot ofFBI: Internationalwas the third part of a crossover episodefeaturing both of the otherFBIshows. It was understandable that this show was introduced this way rather than through a backdoor pilot — there were already two other shows in the franchise, so a crossover was a more natural way of introducing the newest spinoff. That had not been an option whenFBI: Most Wantedpremiered because there was only one otherFBIshow, which explains why it got a backdoor pilot instead.
Why A Crossover With FBI Would Be The Best Ending For Most Wanted And International
It Would Allow All Three Units To Work Together For The Last Time
AnotherFBIcrossover with the other two shows would be a phenomenal way to wrap up the spinoffs' runs. Not only would that mirror the way they were introduced, butit would allow all threeFBIteams to work together for the final time. This type of ending would acknowledge the importance of each team to the franchise and give the departing shows a memorable send-off. Additionally, it would be an exciting three-hour adventure that would likely attract large audiences and keep them talking after the final credits rolled.
This idea for anFBIepisodewould be the perfect wrap-up for the departing spinoffs.Each team would play a role in neutralizing a major threat, demonstrating the importance of their unique skill sets. Of course, the spinoffs would also have to leave room for wrapping up what happens to each character and answering questions about whether their teams will continue to operate after the show ends. However, these arcs could be integrated into a worldwide adventure utilizing all three teams. For example, Vo getting a well-deserved promotion could be a subplot in theFBI: Internationalpart of the three-team case.
Can The FBI Franchise Still Stage A Crossover Event This Late?
If One Hasn’t Filmed, It May Be Too Late
Unfortunately, since theFBIwriters don’t appear to be planning a crossover for the finales, it is unlikely that this idea will become a reality. The finales are scheduled to air on June 22, 2025; with only three weeks left, they likely have been filmed already. If not, they are in the process of being filmed, and production will likely wrap within the next week or so. Either way,the story has already been set, so if it doesn’t include a crossover, there is no longer a possibility that the wrap-up for the twoFBIspinoffs will include one.
While cameo appearances aren’t the same as a full crossover, they would help anchor each show’s place in the franchise before it wraps up permanently.
It is disappointing that theFBIspinoffs probably won’t get this dream ending. Still, that doesn’t mean that characters from other parts of the franchise won’t appear in the finales. Jubal and Isobel both appear semi-regularly on other shows in the franchise, so one or both could make a cameo appearance in the final episodes. Additionally, Nina’s marriage to Scola means there’s a chance for a mini-crossover featuring these characters. While cameo appearances aren’t the same as a full crossover, they would help anchor each show’s place in the franchise before it wraps up permanently.
FBI: International
Cast
FBI: International follows the elite agents of the FBI’s International Fly Team as they travel globally to protect Americans. The series focuses on their complex missions, navigating international law, and challenges posed by various jurisdictions, demonstrating the high-stakes nature of their work.
FBI: Most Wanted
FBI: Most Wanted follows a specialized team tasked with apprehending high-profile criminals on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Led by experienced agents, this mobile undercover unit operates tirelessly in the field, pursuing individuals who are determined to evade justice and ensuring public safety.