Are you all set to jump into the action-packed world of the FBI franchise? It’s important to follow the right watch order to get the best experience from those epic crossover moments.
Dick Wolf, the mastermind behind it all, has so far given us three FBI shows in total: FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International. They all aired one after the other on CBS, and they’ve had characters hopping around and stories that connected, so you wanna watch them in the right sequence to get the full picture. Both FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted have now been canceled, with a new show in the universe, CIA, set to air after the FBI this fall.
Whether you’re just starting, trying to catch up before the next season hits, or want to do the full homework even for the shows that have already ended, this is your go-to guide to make sure you’re all caught up and ready for more!
1. FBI (2018–present)
FBI, the show that started it all, takes you right into the thick of things in the hectic streets of New York City. This series introduces you to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s crew. You’re in for a ride with every episode, dealing with situations like terrorism and organized crime, to kidnappings.
But it’s not just about the cases; they throw in the personal lives of the agents (like Special Agent Maggie Bell and her team) too, so you feel the weight of what’s at stake. The story zooms along at a quick pace, and the way they handle the investigations feels like it’s straight out of real life. Plus, they sprinkle in some timely social topics that keep things relevant.
If you’re into crime dramas that have action, smarts, and a human touch, FBI‘s the place to kick things off.
Where to watch: Paramount+ and CBS TVE
2. FBI: Most Wanted (2020–2025)
FBI: Most Wanted is the cousin of the FBI franchise, taking us on the road with the Fugitive Task Force to catch the nation’s most notorious criminals. This show keeps you on the edge of your seat with non-stop chases and tales that tug at your heartstrings. Every episode is like opening a new case file.
The boss of this bunch is Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott, who’s good at his job and actually cares about people. His team is like a well-oiled machine, but they’re not just robots in suits. You get to know them, feel their wins and losses, and understand why they’re so good at catching crooks.
What makes this show stand out is that it doesn’t just throw action scenes at you; it digs into the personal lives of the agents, showing us the real humans behind the badges. They deal with what would break most of us, but they keep going.
So if you’re into shows that have car chases, shootouts, and honest-to-goodness feelings, you’ve got to check out FBI: Most Wanted.
Where to watch: Paramount+, CBS TVE
RELATED: Dylan McDermott On Joining The Cast Of ‘FBI: Most Wanted’
3. FBI: International (2021–2025)
FBI: International takes the franchise to new heights by focusing on the Fly Team. They handle situations with Americans in Europe, so it’s not a typical neighborhood watch. This show has a big-screen vibe with exotic spots and international drama. It doesn’t just go through the motions of solving crimes.
It shows how tricky it can get with laws and languages in each country. Plus, there’s tension because of its global stakes.
The show balances between following the steps of a good old-fashioned investigation and looking into the local culture. The team’s leader is Special Agent Wes Mitchell. The way they work together and adapt to situations keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next.
If you’re into shows that take you on a trip around the world, with a side of suspense and diplomacy, then FBI: International is your jam.
Where to watch: Paramount+, CBS TVE
