Introduction: NBC vs. CBS — A Network Tug-of-War?

When CBS announced changes to its FBI franchise lineup, fans immediately speculated about whether another network, like NBC, might swoop in and give the castoffs a second chance. After all, TV history has a few examples of rival networks rescuing canceled shows. But here’s the reality check: NBC is already juggling its own problems and simply isn’t positioned to play savior to CBS’s FBI universe.

In this article, we’ll break down NBC’s challenges, why CBS’s FBI spinoffs aren’t an easy pickup, and what this means for fans craving more high-stakes procedural drama.

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The Rise of the FBI Franchise at CBS

CBS struck gold with Dick Wolf’s FBI. Following in the footsteps of his juggernaut Law & Order and Chicago franchises, FBI became a ratings powerhouse. Soon, the network expanded the universe with FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International.

But with every expansion comes risk. Viewership fragmentation, budget strains, and shifting audience interests left CBS with tough decisions. While the mothership show remains strong, the spinoffs face ongoing scrutiny about their sustainability.

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Why Fans Think NBC Could Step In

The idea of NBC swooping in to save CBS’s FBI shows isn’t random. For decades, NBC has been synonymous with Dick Wolf’s brand of procedural storytelling. From Law & Order to Chicago Fire, the network thrives on serialized drama with self-contained weekly cases.

On the surface, adding more Dick Wolf-led FBI dramas seems like a no-brainer. The shows fit NBC’s style, the creative partnership already exists, and Wolf’s name carries weight.

But as we’ll see, what sounds logical in theory doesn’t work so easily in practice.

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NBC’s Ratings Struggles Are a Bigger Problem

NBC isn’t sitting pretty right now. While it still enjoys strong numbers with Law & Order: SVU and the One Chicago lineup, other areas of the network are shaky. Prime-time comedy blocks are almost non-existent, scripted dramas outside of Wolf’s brand rarely stick, and NBC’s reliance on reality competition shows leaves big scheduling gaps.

Simply put, NBC can’t afford to stretch its lineup even thinner by absorbing CBS’s FBI spinoffs.

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Scheduling Conflicts: Too Many Procedurals, Too Little Room

If NBC were to take on FBI: Most Wanted or FBI: International, where would they even go? The network’s weekly schedule is already dominated by Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and multiple Law & Order shows.

Adding more Wolf dramas would oversaturate the lineup. Fans love procedurals, but even loyal viewers can experience fatigue when every night looks nearly identical.

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The Business Side: Who Owns the FBI Shows?

Here’s a detail many fans overlook: CBS owns the rights to the FBI franchise. While Dick Wolf is the creative mind, the distribution and network ownership tie directly to CBS and Paramount Global.

NBC can’t simply “pick up” these shows without messy negotiations, licensing fees, or outright purchases. And with streaming competition tightening budgets across networks, NBC has little incentive to invest in a franchise it doesn’t control.

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NBC’s Own Wolf Universe Is Thriving

Another reason NBC doesn’t need the FBI shows? Its Wolf-produced dramas are still delivering. The Chicago franchise continues to dominate Wednesday nights, while Law & Order: SVU remains one of the most popular shows on television.

Why gamble on CBS’s leftovers when NBC’s existing lineup already has proven success? From a strategic perspective, NBC has more to lose than gain.

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Audience Fragmentation and Viewer Burnout

One of the biggest risks of stacking too many procedurals is viewer burnout. Even die-hard fans of crime dramas need variety. NBC understands this and is cautious not to oversaturate its brand with too much of the same formula.

While CBS is trimming its FBI franchise to avoid this exact problem, it wouldn’t make sense for NBC to take the opposite approach.