The latest update on the nextFBIspinoff could be a bad sign for those hoping to see a crossover with the characters ofFBI: Most Wanted. Even though the original series is set to return, withFBI season 8 debuting on Monday, October 12 at 8 PM, the procedural franchise has lost theInternationalandMost Wantedspinoffs.
When explaining whyFBI: InternationalandFBI: Most Wantedwere cancelled despite solid ratings, CBS executives pointed to the network’s packed schedule and having to make difficult choices about which shows to keep. But until a recent change,the thirdFBIspinoffCIAlooked to be in a good spot to bring in characters from past shows. That’s especially true ofMost Wanted.
FBI: Most Wanted’s David Hudgins Has Been Replaced As CIA’s Showrunner
It’s Part Of A Larger Shift
Deadlinerecently reported thatCIA, the upcoming spinoff led byLucifer’s Tom Ellis, will move to midseason. Part of the delay has to do with the fact that the project is said to have no ready scripts and no additional castings other than Ellis, although the casting issue will resolve quickly.
Warren Leight was previously a showrunner onLaw & Order: SVU.
Along with the news thatCIAhas been delayed, it’s been announced thatLaw & OrderveteranWarren Leight will replace Hudgins as showrunner. Hudgins, the former showrunner and executive producer ofFBI: Most Wanted, was tapped to serve as showrunner and co-writer on the pilot with franchise creator Dick Wolf.
Hudgins' close ties to the previous spinoffmade it easy to imagine that he’d find a way to bring in some of his favoriteFBI: Most Wantedcharacters. That may still be on the table, although the news confirms that the spinoff is headed for a notable shift in direction to get the scripts ready for the show’s debut next year.
Hudgins Could Have Easily Tapped Someone From The Most Wanted Cast To Appear In CIA
He Might Have Wanted To Continue The Story
Hudgins helped to keep the story wide open for a continuation, as theFBI: Most Wantedendingconcluded with the characters celebrating a restaurant opening. It remains to be seen how theCIAdelay impacts its story and focus. But in its current state, the show centers on Hart Hoxton (Ellis), a wildcard CIA agent who gets paired with a rule-follower.
…it would be easy to slide in Dylan McDermott’s Remy Scott or anotherFBI: Most Wantedcharacter.
The duo gradually realizes that their different approaches are actually strengths, working together to solve high-profile cases. It’s a general enough premise, with enough shared ground, that it would be easy to slide in Dylan McDermott’s Remy Scott or anotherFBI: Most Wantedcharacter.
The shift is not prohibitive, though.Leight may still want to throw in some crossovers. It’s also true thatDick Wolf’s universe of shows, such as One Chicago andLaw & Order, is happy to rope in familiar faces when possible. So even though the loss of Hudgins is discouraging for fans of his work, it may not mean the end forFBI: Most Wanted.
