In a television landscape crowded with crime procedurals, FBI: International manages to do something rare — it reinvents the genre on a global scale. As the third installment in Dick Wolf’s ever-expanding FBI franchise, FBI: International takes the pulse-pounding action of its predecessors and elevates it with a thrilling cross-border twist. Set against the backdrop of Europe, this spin-off isn’t just about catching criminals — it’s about navigating international politics, cultural divides, and personal sacrifice on the world stage.

From the moment it premiered in 2021, FBI: International carved out its identity. The series follows the Fly Team, an elite group of FBI agents stationed in Budapest, Hungary. Their mission: pursue and apprehend threats to American citizens and interests abroad. But without the protection of U.S. jurisdiction, every move the team makes must be carefully calculated. No badges. No backup. Just brains, diplomacy, and raw instinct.

Leading the team is Special Agent Scott Forrester, played with steely intensity by Luke Kleintank. He’s a strategist with a haunted past, often walking the tightrope between loyalty to his country and respect for the nations he operates in. Alongside him is Special Agent Jamie Kellett (Heida Reed), a fiercely intelligent operative who balances compassion with a razor-sharp sense of justice. The team also includes tech whiz Andre Raines, analytical mind Cameron Vo, and Tank — the team’s loyal canine companion who’s become a fan-favorite in his own right.

What makes FBI: International stand out isn’t just the action, though there’s plenty of that — from gunfights in French vineyards to high-speed chases through the streets of Rome. It’s the tension that comes with every case. The Fly Team often finds itself at odds with local authorities, facing language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and diplomatic landmines. In one episode, rescuing a kidnapped American involves not just bravery, but navigating a tense standoff between rival governments. These aren’t just crimes — they’re geopolitical puzzles with lives on the line.

The show also shines when it comes to representation. The diverse cast reflects the international world it portrays, and storylines frequently engage with current issues like global terrorism, human trafficking, and cross-border corruption. Rather than painting the world in black and white, FBI: International leans into the gray — forcing its characters to make difficult choices with no easy answers.

Visually, the series delivers a cinematic experience rarely seen on network television. Filmed on location across Europe, each episode offers sweeping cityscapes and authentic cultural details that ground the story in reality. Combined with tight pacing and emotionally driven subplots, FBI: International proves that procedural drama can be both gripping and globally resonant.

For fans of intelligent thrillers and real-world stakes, FBI: International is more than just a spin-off — it’s a standout. And in a time when audiences crave authenticity and complexity, the Fly Team is answering the call.