Unraveling the Home of "FBI": A Deep Dive into Its Broadcast Network and Beyond

Key Insights into the "FBI" Series

CBS is the Primary Broadcast Network: The original "FBI" series, created by Dick Wolf, premiered on CBS on September 25, 2018, and continues to be its broadcast home.
Part of a Larger Franchise: "FBI" is the cornerstone of a successful media franchise that includes two spin-offs, "FBI: Most Wanted" and "FBI: International," all primarily airing on CBS.
Streaming Accessibility: Beyond linear TV, the series is widely available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+, fuboTV, Philo, and through various digital purchase options.

The acclaimed crime drama series "FBI," a creation of Emmy Award winner Dick Wolf and Craig Turk, is primarily carried by the CBS Television Network. Since its premiere on September 25, 2018, CBS has been the exclusive broadcast network for the series, which delves into the intricate operations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's New York office. This fast-paced drama showcases an elite unit of agents who utilize their diverse talents, intellect, and technical expertise to solve major cases and ensure the safety of New York City and the wider country.

The Genesis and Evolution of the "FBI" Series

The journey of "FBI" to CBS is an interesting narrative in itself. Dick Wolf, renowned for his work on the "Law & Order" franchise, had initially envisioned a crime drama centered on the FBI for NBC. His original plan involved introducing an FBI agent character as a spin-off from "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." However, NBC ultimately did not proceed with the idea, leading CBS to pick up the series concept on September 20, 2017. This marked a significant moment, as "FBI" became Wolf's first drama series to launch on a network other than NBC in 15 years.

The series received a straight-to-series commission for 13 episodes and quickly garnered a full season order after its successful premiere. Its popularity led to multiple renewals, demonstrating CBS's strong commitment to the franchise. As of April 2024, "FBI" has been renewed through its ninth season, securing its presence on the network's schedule until the 2026–2027 television season. The seventh season is currently scheduled to premiere on October 15, 2024.

The Core Premise and Key Characters

"FBI" immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of federal agents operating out of the New York field office. The series focuses on the criminal division, where personnel are dedicated to protecting both New York City and the nation from various threats. The show is lauded for its intense action sequences, compelling storylines, and dynamic character interactions.

The ensemble cast brings to life a diverse group of agents:

Special Agent Maggie Bell: Portrayed by Missy Peregrym, Maggie is deeply committed to her colleagues and the people she protects, stemming from a multigenerational law enforcement background.
Special Agent Omar Adom "OA" Zidan: Played by Zeeko Zaki, OA is a West Point graduate who previously spent two years undercover for the DEA before joining the FBI.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine: Jeremy Sisto takes on the role of Jubal, the operational nerve center of the office, known for his ability to motivate and connect with both superiors and subordinates.
Special Agent Tiffany Wallace: Katherine Renee Kane plays Tiffany, an astute and vocal agent with six years of experience from the NYPD.
Special Agent Stuart Scola: Portrayed by John Boyd, Stuart is an Ivy League-educated former Wall Streeter who transitioned to the FBI.

FBI Season 2 promotional image showcasing agents Maggie Bell and OA Zidan

Promotional image for "FBI" Season 2, featuring lead agents.

The Expanding "FBI" Universe: Spin-offs and Crossovers

The success of the original "FBI" series paved the way for an expansive media franchise, often referred to as "The FBIs." This universe currently comprises three television series, all broadcast on CBS, demonstrating Dick Wolf's masterful ability to create interconnected fictional worlds, similar to his "Chicago" and "Law & Order" franchises on NBC.

"FBI: Most Wanted"

This spin-off, created by René Balcer, premiered in 2020 and focuses on the FBI's Fugitive Task Force (FTF). Unlike the original "FBI" which centers on general criminal investigations, "Most Wanted" delves into the intricate process of tracking down and apprehending notorious fugitives on the Bureau's Most Wanted List. The series emphasizes profiling and analyzing fugitives to catch them, offering a distinct procedural approach.

"FBI: International"

Launched in September 2021, "FBI: International" is the second spin-off and the third series in the franchise. Created by Derek Haas and Dick Wolf, this series follows the elite operatives of the FBI's International Fly Team (IFT). Headquartered in Budapest, this team travels across Europe to investigate crimes and neutralize threats against American interests abroad. The series is known for its globe-trotting depiction of international law enforcement, though it has faced some criticism regarding the jurisdictional accuracy of FBI operations overseas.

Interconnectivity and Crossover Events

A hallmark of the "FBI" franchise, mirroring Wolf's other successful universes, is its interconnectivity. Characters frequently make crossover appearances between the series, and there have been notable crossover events that weave together storylines across all three shows. This shared universe even extends to NBC's "Chicago" and "Law & Order" franchises, with characters like Tracy Spiridakos's Detective Hailey Upton from "Chicago P.D." making guest appearances on "FBI."

The radar chart above provides an analytical comparison of the three series within the "FBI" franchise, based on subjective assessments of various elements critical to a crime drama. The "FBI (Original Series)" often stands out for its strong storyline complexity and character development, balanced with robust action and suspense. "FBI: Most Wanted" excels particularly in its action and suspense, aligning with its focus on high-stakes fugitive pursuits, though its character depth might be slightly less emphasized compared to the original. "FBI: International", while offering a unique global perspective and decent inter-series cohesion, sometimes faces challenges in procedural realism due to its international setting, and its storyline complexity may vary. All three shows contribute significantly to audience engagement, leveraging the broader "FBI" brand and crossover appeal. This chart helps illustrate the subtle differences in emphasis and strengths across the "FBI" universe.

Where to Watch and Stream "FBI"

For viewers looking to catch up on or follow new episodes of "FBI," CBS remains the primary broadcast channel. However, in today's multi-platform media landscape, there are numerous ways to stream the series, offering flexibility to audiences.

Streaming Services with "FBI" Content

The "FBI" series and its spin-offs are widely available across several streaming platforms, catering to different viewer preferences:

Paramount+: This is arguably the most comprehensive streaming home for the "FBI" franchise. Viewers can find the most recent episodes, as well as full seasons, of the original "FBI," "FBI: Most Wanted," and "FBI: International." Paramount+ is accessible directly, through the Paramount+ Amazon Channel, and the Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel.
fuboTV: This live TV streaming service also carries "FBI," allowing subscribers to watch episodes as they air on CBS and potentially access on-demand content.
Philo: Another live TV streaming option that includes "FBI" in its channel lineup.
Spectrum On Demand: Some cable TV subscribers can stream "FBI" for free through Spectrum On Demand, usually requiring a TV provider connection.
The Roku Channel: Offers streaming access to "FBI."
Apple TV: Episodes and seasons can be purchased via Apple TV, and it also offers the Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel for subscribers.
Amazon Video / Prime Video: Individual episodes and full seasons of "FBI" are available for digital purchase on Amazon Video. Prime Video subscribers might have access to some content depending on their subscription tier and any additional channel subscriptions.
Fandango at Home: Another platform where episodes can be purchased.
CBS.com / CBS App: The official CBS website and app often provide free access to recent episodes, though this may require signing in with a TV provider. Full seasons might be available for subscribers to Paramount+.
GlobalTV.com (Canada): For Canadian viewers, full episodes of "FBI" are available to stream on GlobalTV.com and the Global TV App, usually the day after airing.

It's important to note that streaming availability can vary by region and subscription model. While live broadcast remains on CBS, the array of streaming options ensures that fans can access the series on demand.

Understanding Streaming Availability for the "FBI" Franchise

The table below summarizes the primary availability of the "FBI" franchise across various platforms, highlighting the comprehensive options for viewers.

Platform	Availability	Notes
CBS (Broadcast)	New episodes	Primary broadcast network for all "FBI" series.
Paramount+	Full Seasons, Recent Episodes	Most comprehensive streaming library for the entire franchise.
fuboTV	Live TV, On-Demand	Includes CBS for live viewing.
Philo	Live TV, On-Demand	Includes CBS for live viewing.
Apple TV / Amazon Video / Fandango At Home	Digital Purchase	Buy individual episodes or full seasons.
CBS.com / CBS App	Recent Episodes	May require TV provider login for full access.
GlobalTV.com (Canada)	Full Episodes (Canada)	Available for streaming next day in Canada.

A conversation with "FBI" creator Dick Wolf and the cast, offering insights into the series.

This video provides a fascinating look behind the scenes of "FBI," featuring discussions with the show's visionary creator, Dick Wolf, and key cast members. It offers valuable perspectives on the series' development, character dynamics, and the creative process that goes into bringing these compelling stories to life. For fans and new viewers alike, understanding the creators' intentions and the actors' interpretations enriches the viewing experience, shedding light on why "FBI" has become such a prominent and enduring presence on CBS.

Future of the "FBI" Franchise

The "FBI" franchise continues to be a cornerstone of CBS's programming. With the original series renewed through its ninth season, and past spin-offs having a significant run, Dick Wolf's interconnected universe remains a vital part of television's crime drama landscape. While "FBI: Most Wanted" and "FBI: International" were reportedly canceled by CBS as of early 2025, the original "FBI" series is set to continue its run, indicating a strong future for the flagship show.

The expansive nature of the "FBI" universe, coupled with Wolf's proven track record of creating long-running and interconnected series, suggests that even with potential changes in spin-offs, the core "FBI" brand on CBS will likely remain a strong draw for crime drama enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main network for the "FBI" TV series?

The main network for the "FBI" TV series is CBS. It has been the broadcast home for the show since its premiere in September 2018.

Are "FBI: Most Wanted" and "FBI: International" also on CBS?

Yes, "FBI: Most Wanted" and "FBI: International" are spin-offs of the original "FBI" series and were also broadcast on CBS, forming the "FBI" media franchise.

Can I stream "FBI" without a cable TV subscription?

Yes, you can stream "FBI" without a traditional cable TV subscription through various streaming services such as Paramount+, fuboTV, Philo, or by purchasing episodes/seasons on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Video.

Who created the "FBI" TV series?

The "FBI" TV series was created by Emmy Award winner Dick Wolf and Craig Turk. Dick Wolf is also known for creating the "Law & Order" and "Chicago" franchises.

How many seasons of "FBI" have aired or are planned?

As of April 2024, "FBI" has been renewed through its ninth season, ensuring its broadcast through the 2026–2027 network television schedule. The seventh season is scheduled to premiere on October 15, 2024.

Conclusion

In summary, the "FBI" television series is firmly rooted in the programming lineup of CBS, which serves as its primary broadcast network. From its debut in 2018, the show has captivated audiences with its fast-paced, high-stakes portrayal of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's New York office. Beyond linear television, the series, along with its successful spin-offs "FBI: Most Wanted" and "FBI: International," is readily accessible on a variety of streaming platforms, most notably Paramount+. The enduring popularity and continuous renewal of the flagship "FBI" series underscore its significance within the landscape of contemporary crime dramas, solidifying its place as a key component of Dick Wolf's expansive and interconnected television universe.