After completing six successful seasons, CBS has canceled the series FBI: Most Wanted. The show about the dedicated work of the Fugitive Task Force came to an end in May 2025.
For many years, audiences were drawn in by its thrilling hunts for criminals, intricate investigations and the way its characters interacted. As FBI: Most Wanted comes to an end, fans who were loyal to the show’s adventures and plot twists will remember moments and roles that helped outline the series.
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CBS cancels FBI: Most Wanted after six seasons
The first official word regarding cancellation came from CBS in early 2025 which ended the series with the season 6 finale episode acting as the series finale. Though the show always had a faithful following and average ratings; it gradually lost viewers as its seasons went on.
In Season 6, the series drew a rating of 0.31 among viewers 18 to 49, attracting an average viewing audience of 4.27 million per episode. With an 11% drop from last year, people started to question if the show would last much longer. Even though the ratings dipped; the series pleased many with captivating plots, well-developed roles and exciting scenes.
Financial considerations and programming strategy influenced the cancellation
As per the CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach, leaving FBI: Most Wanted off the schedule was because the network wanted to be cautious with its money and keep its programs well-balanced. Since the world of television is more competitive than ever, CBS has worked to add new shows while keeping expenses in check.
The launch of the spin-off FBI: CIA, which is set for release in the fall of 2025, was a major reason why FBI: Most Wanted was dropped. A CIA agent and an FBI agent will work together in the latest series, which will add diversity to the franchise and bring exciting new stories to viewers. Before, CBS had gotten rid of some aged spin-off shows, which had opened the way for brand new titles in the FBI universe.
The series finale wraps up story arcs but leaves some narratives open
The final episode of FBI: Most Wanted aired on May 20, 2025, delivering a conclusion to the team’s ongoing investigations and character journeys. While CBS has kept specific plot details under wraps; the finale served as a culmination of the season’s overarching storylines.
Fans had hoped to see developments in key character relationships and leadership changes within the task force, but the cancellation cut short some of these potential arcs. Nevertheless, the episode provided a satisfying conclusion for many of the team’s cases, offering a fitting farewell to a series that had been a staple in the crime drama genre.
The FBI franchise continues with new and ongoing series
Though FBI: Most Wanted and its sister series FBI: International have ended, the flagship FBI show remains a cornerstone of CBS’s lineup. The original FBI series has been renewed through its ninth season, ensuring the franchise's continued presence on the network.
Additionally, FBI: CIA will join the lineup this fall; airing on Monday nights alongside the original FBI. This strategic move aims to strengthen CBS’s Monday night programming block and offer viewers a broader look into federal law enforcement operations, from domestic investigations to international and intelligence work.
Previous seasons are available for streaming online
For viewers wanting to revisit the series or catch up on missed episodes, FBI: Most Wanted remains available for streaming on popular platforms like Paramount+ and Peacock. This accessibility allows both longtime fans and newcomers to experience the show’s compelling storytelling and high-stakes drama.
While the series’ television journey has concluded; the FBI franchise itself continues to evolve, promising new characters and fresh narratives in the crime procedural genre for years to come.
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