There’s a way to watch all threeFBIshows in order, including crossovers. TheFBIfranchise has aired on CBS throughout the 2020s, with two spinoffs joining the original show for a full night of programming. These shows are all part of theOne Chicago universe, which means they take place in the same world as Dick Wolf’s other two successful series, as well as being able to cross over with one another.
This shared universe has allowed senior members ofFBIsuch as SSA Jubal Valentine to make regular cameo appearances in the other two shows, something which is likely to continue inFBIseason 7. Additionally, there have been a number of full crossovers between theFBIshows and, on one occasion, the originalFBIhad a crossover withChicago PD. It’s helpful to understand the correct order to watch every episode of theFBIfranchise in, especially for that part of the audience that wants to catch up before the new season begins.
FBI: Most Wanted Season 6 - Cancellation & Everything We Know
The hit FBI spinoff FBI: Most Wanted has thrilled across its first five seasons so far, and now the Dick Wolf procedural ends with season 6.
FBI Shows In Release Order
The Shows Did Not All Begin At The Same Time
FBIwas a standalone show for the first two years of the franchise’s existence. When it first began,it stood out among police procedurals because it focused on a small team of FBI agents rather than local police; additionally, it was the first show to feature an Egyptian-born actor in a leading role rather than as a terrorist or villain (viaTime). These aspects of the series made it extremely popular, which led to the creation of spinoffs.
FBIfirst spawnedFBI: Most Wanted, which is about the Fugitive Task Force, another elite FBI team that chases violent criminals who have been evading justice, and which was introduced via a back-door pilot onFBI. This series began in 2020, two years after the originalFBIpremiered. A year later,FBI: Internationaldebuted via a three-episode crossover, the third part of which was also the pilot for the new show.
FBI Shows In Chronological Order
They Air Consecutively And Episodes Of One Show Are Not Connected To The Next
The chronological order is the same as the release order, as the shows air one after another on Tuesday nights. Since the release of the shows is staggered, the best order would involve first watching the first two seasons ofFBI, then watching season 1 ofFBI: Most Wanted, followed by season 3 ofFBI.FBI: Internationalpremiered the year afterFBI: Most Wantedand thus season 1 of that show would be watched after season 2 ofFBI: Most Wanted.
FBI: Most Wantedaired beforeFBIin its first season, but swapped spots afterward.
For the most part, theFBIshows' stories are independent of one another; thus, it is not necessary to watchFBI: Most Wantedseason 1, episode 1 beforeFBIseason 3, episode 2, although this is technically the correct chronological order.It’s sufficient to watch each season of each show in chronological order.However, the pilots of each series involve crossovers with the existing shows, so it’s important to watch these episodes in order to ensure the story makes sense.
Show and Season
FBI season 1
2018
FBI season 2
2019
2020
FBI season 3
2021
FBI season 4
FBI: International season 1
FBI season 5
2022
FBI: International season 2
FBI season 6
2023
FBI: International season 3
When Do The FBI Crossovers Take Place
There Are Several Throughout The Franchise’s Run
FBI: Most Wantedbegan with a backdoor pilot onFBI,which introduced the main characters. In the middle of its first season, it again crossed over with its parent show.FBI: Internationalwas introduced during a three-way crossover, and allthree shows crossed over again during its second season. This second crossover was unusual because it began onFBI: Internationalrather than beginning on its parent show.
When FBI Crosses Over With One Chicago
Chicago PD’s Hailey Upton Comes To New York For One Episode
Chicago PDset up Hailey Upton’s best futurewhen she visitedFBIin season 2, episode 19. During this episode, Upton was on loan to the FBI while Maggie was unavailable and arrived in New York, where she partnered with O.A. to help solve a case involving a dead body found in a park.This episode wasFBI’s season 2 finaleand comes immediately after the first crossover betweenFBIandFBI:Most Wanted.There is no corresponding crossover episode onChicago PD,and Upton is the only character from that show to visitFBI.
Do You Need To Watch FBI To Understand The Spinoffs?
Each Series Stands Mostly On Its Own
While several characters appear in all threeFBIseries, the spinoffs each stand on their own. Jubal and Isobel, who often make cameo appearances in the other series, are the leaders of the unit inFBI, but their function on the spinoffs is merely to provide input and direction, which can be understood without being familiar with the originalseries.
FBI: Most Wantedseason 5 included the transfer of a character fromFBI,and that part of the audience who watched both shows understood that Nina Chase was married toFBI’s Stuart Scola. However, the story is easy enough to follow without the details of Scola and Chase’s relationship, especially since Scola occasionally appears onFBI: Most Wanted.Thus, the spinoff is still equally enjoyable without watching its parent show.
FBI
Cast
FBI is a procedural drama that explores the workings of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York office as dedicated agents tackle high-stakes cases involving terrorism, organized crime, and various formidable threats.
FBI: International
FBI: International follows the elite agents of the FBI’s International Fly Team as they travel globally to protect Americans. The series focuses on their complex missions, navigating international law, and challenges posed by various jurisdictions, demonstrating the high-stakes nature of their work.
FBI: Most Wanted
FBI: Most Wanted follows a specialized team tasked with apprehending high-profile criminals on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Led by experienced agents, this mobile undercover unit operates tirelessly in the field, pursuing individuals who are determined to evade justice and ensuring public safety.
