The FBI franchise, led by the original flagship series, has grown into one of the most successful crime drama universes on television. After the immense success of FBI—the original procedural that tracks the agents of the New York Field Office—CBS has expanded the world of federal law enforcement with two highly successful spinoffs: FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. Each of these spinoffs delves into different aspects of the Bureau’s work, offering viewers unique stories from both domestic and international perspectives.

FBI: Most Wanted – The Hunt for the Most Dangerous Criminals

FBI: Most Wanted has been one of the standout spinoffs of the FBI franchise. The show revolves around the Fugitive Task Force, a team of elite agents tasked with capturing the most dangerous criminals on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Led by Special Agent Jess LaCroix, played by Julian McMahon, the team dives into high-stakes manhunts, chasing down individuals who pose the greatest threats to society.

The show has become known for its blend of intense action, emotional storytelling, and high-stakes drama. Each episode presents a new challenge for the team as they track down dangerous fugitives, uncovering complex backstories that humanize the criminals they pursue. However, it’s not just the criminals’ stories that are compelling—the personal struggles of the agents themselves provide depth and make the series more than just a procedural.

With characters like Special Agent Jess LaCroix, played by Julian McMahon, and the emotional rollercoaster of the team’s dynamics, FBI: Most Wanted continues to be a fan favorite. Viewers are drawn to the balance of action and heart that the show brings to the FBI universe, as well as the team’s relentless pursuit of justice.

FBI: International – A Global Perspective on American Interests Abroad

While FBI: Most Wanted focuses on domestic crime-fighting, FBI: International takes a broader approach, focusing on the Bureau’s international division tasked with protecting American interests overseas. This spinoff brings a unique global perspective to the FBI franchise, with the Fly Team—a unit of elite agents—stationed in various international locations. From the bustling streets of London to the exotic landscapes of Budapest, each episode brings fresh challenges that test the team’s ability to navigate different cultures and environments while protecting American citizens and assets abroad.

What sets FBI: International apart is its globe-trotting format, which allows the show to incorporate a variety of exciting international locations, and provide fresh storylines rooted in international law enforcement. The agents face unique cultural challenges as they deal with cases involving international terrorism, human trafficking, and high-profile kidnappings, all while juggling diplomatic tensions and international red tape.

The show has gained a strong fan following for its high-quality action sequences, complex storylines, and rich character development. The Fly Team, headed by Special Agent Scott Forrester (played by Luke Kleintank), is known for their resilience and their ability to work in high-pressure, high-risk situations. Their dynamic as a team adds to the appeal of the show, as viewers are drawn to the way they rely on each other to navigate the dangerous world of international crime.

Strong Ratings and Positive Reception

Since their premieres, both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International have garnered solid ratings and positive reviews from both critics and fans. They have helped CBS solidify its dominance in the procedural drama market, with the interconnected storylines of the FBI franchise offering a sense of continuity for fans of the original series. Crossovers between the shows, where characters from the original FBI series make appearances in the spinoffs, have only strengthened the bonds between the series and kept viewers hooked on the ongoing action.

While each spinoff offers its own unique spin on law enforcement, they share the same high standards for writing, acting, and action that have made FBI such a staple in prime-time television. Fans have praised the shows for their ability to balance fast-paced action with emotionally resonant moments that dig deep into the personal lives of the characters.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the FBI Franchise?

As we head into the fall of 2025, the FBI franchise shows no signs of slowing down. While FBI continues to be a dominant force on CBS, the spinoffs have expanded the franchise into new and exciting directions, attracting a broad and diverse audience. With FBI: International continuing to explore the challenges of international law enforcement and FBI: Most Wanted delving deeper into the emotional and physical demands of hunting the most dangerous criminals, there’s plenty to look forward to.

For FBI fans, the expanded universe offers a wealth of storylines that explore everything from the complexities of personal relationships to the gritty realities of fighting crime on a global scale. Whether you’re a fan of intense manhunts, international cases, or the complex dynamics of a law enforcement team, there’s something for everyone in this ever-expanding universe.

As we gear up for the new seasons of FBI, FBI: International, and FBI: Most Wanted, it’s clear that the future of the FBI franchise is bright. With fresh twists, new characters, and continued action-packed storylines, the series is sure to remain a cornerstone of CBS’s programming for years to come.