When CBS announced the cancellation of FBI: International after four seasons, fans were stunned. The series, which had become a unique fixture in the FBI franchise with its European backdrop and cross-border missions, had developed a loyal following. And now, it’s over.

But fans aren’t the only ones mourning. Series co-creator Derek Haas has finally broken his silence — and his words strike deep.

In a raw and honest reflection, Haas made it clear: this cancellation was not about the show’s quality.

“I don’t think it had anything to do with what we were delivering,” he shared. “We were telling timely, thrilling, and emotionally grounded stories. This team gave everything — and it showed.”

Haas, a major force behind the FBI universe and the Chicago franchise before it, revealed that the end of International came as a shock to him as well. Despite strong performances, a committed cast, and a fanbase that was growing with each season, CBS made the decision to close the curtain.

The lack of clear reasoning has left both the creators and viewers bewildered.

A Series That Pushed Boundaries

Since its debut, FBI: International stood apart. Where FBI focused on domestic cases and Most Wanted on fugitives, International gave viewers a global lens. It told stories about political conspiracies, arms trafficking, human rights, and the price of justice across borders.

But the series wasn’t just about action. It was also about the people behind the badge — the Fly Team. From Scott Forrester’s moral rigidity to Vo’s evolution as a rising leader, to the dynamic introduction of new character SSA Wesley “Wes” Mitchell (played by Chicago P.D.’s Jesse Lee Soffer), the show brought depth to each mission.

“We were just hitting our stride,” Haas said. “Season 4 introduced big changes, fresh conflicts, and a new kind of intensity. It felt like the beginning of something even better — not the end.”

And therein lies the heartbreak.

Behind the Scenes: The Pain of a Sudden Goodbye

For many of the cast and crew, the cancellation feels like a loss greater than numbers on a chart. The chemistry between Carter Redwood, Vinessa Vidotto, Eva-Jane Willis, and newcomer Jesse Lee Soffer was only beginning to develop into something long-term. The creators had laid the groundwork for deeper emotional arcs, multi-episode international threats, and a potential new era for the Fly Team.

But those stories may never be told.

“There’s no bigger frustration as a showrunner than knowing you have something powerful in motion… and no runway left to land it,” Haas admitted.

Still, he refused to blame the network directly. Instead, he called attention to the bigger picture — a shifting TV landscape where even well-loved shows can fall victim to behind-the-scenes restructuring, cost-cutting, or portfolio refocusing.

“We’re in an era where decisions are often made behind closed doors, and sometimes passion and quality aren’t enough to guarantee survival.”

The Legacy of the Fly Team

FBI: International leaves behind a powerful legacy: justice across borders, teamwork without borders, and stories that honored not just American law enforcement, but global cooperation. It introduced audiences to diverse agents, cultural collisions, and the complexity of carrying the weight of American authority abroad.

Though the show ends, its message remains.

And Haas believes the fans deserve credit for keeping that message alive.

“The love we’ve received from viewers — especially overseas — has been overwhelming. It means everything. This show may be done, but it mattered.”

What’s Next for the Cast and Crew?

While no official spin-offs or character crossovers have been announced, the FBI franchise still lives on through its flagship show, which enters Season 7 this August. Some fans are already speculating that characters like Wes Mitchell or Vo could resurface in guest roles — a possible way to bring closure to their arcs.

As for Haas himself? He remains grateful, but also grieving.

“It was a privilege to tell these stories. I just wish we had more time.”

Final Thoughts

When a series ends, it’s usually with a sense of closure — a final mission, a farewell montage, a bow tied neatly at the end. But this time, it feels more like a cliffhanger: one filled with emotional whiplash, unanswered questions, and characters still mid-flight.

The plane may have landed, but the journey feels unfinished.