Entertainment

FBI: International Co-Creator Breaks Silence on Shock Cancellation: 'It Had Nothing to Do With Quality!'

2025-06-22

Author: Emma

The cancellation of CBS's hit series FBI: International has left fans reeling, and co-creator Derek Haas is no exception. After four seasons of thrilling international escapades, the news hit hard.

In an exclusive interview while promoting his new Prime Video thriller, Countdown, starring Jensen Ackles, Eric Dane, and Jessica Camacho, Haas expressed his disappointment over the abrupt end to what he considered a strong show.

"I was truly saddened to hear about the cancellation," Haas lamented. "Adding Chicago P.D. veteran Jesse Soffer as Wes was a fantastic decision in Season 4. He brought so much to the cast!" He praised the chemistry among the characters, especially between Soffer and Jay Hayden, who played Special Agent Tyler Booth.

Despite a compelling ensemble including original stars Vinessa Vidotto and Carter Redwood, the show faced the ax even while maintaining respectable viewership numbers.

WHY WAS IT CANCELLED?

Both FBI: International and its sister show FBI: Most Wanted averaged around 6.5 million viewers this past season—only a 9% decline from the previous year. They tied for eighth among CBS’s 14 dramas, outperforming shows like Fire Country and NCIS: Sydney.

According to CBS Entertainment Chief Amy Reisenbach, the decision to cancel beloved series was not an easy one. "We love collaborating with Dick Wolf, but we must be fiscally responsible. Sometimes, the numbers just don't add up," she explained.

Interestingly, FBI: International was produced in Budapest, which typically allows for lower production costs compared to American shows. However, Deadline speculated that ongoing tumultuous renewal negotiations between CBS and NBCUniversal Television may have played a part in the cancellation.

Haas Trusts CBS's Decision

When asked about the cancellation, Haas stated, "I don’t have the inside scoop on why it was cancelled. I have a lot of respect for Amy Reisenbach and her team, and I trust that their reasons had nothing to do with the show's quality." He further remarked on the mixed reviews of the Season 4 finale, which failed to deliver a satisfying conclusion.

With such a passionate fan base and a notable cast, the abrupt end of FBI: International raises eyebrows—will this beloved series find a new life elsewhere or is this truly the end of the road? Stay tuned, fans!