Reasons for No New FBI Episode This Week (January 21) and Update on International, Most Wanted, and Flagship Returns

CBS has chosen not to air any episodes from the FBI franchise on January 21, 2025, leaving fans eager for resolution. The franchise, which includes FBI, FBI: International, and FBI: Most Wanted, concluded its last episodes with gripping cliffhangers, and it has been over a month since the series aired. In the latest episode of FBI, a shocking twist had OA (Zeeko Zaki) fatally shooting his close friend and mentor, Clay (Guy Lockard), during a tense confrontation—an emotional turmoil that OA will likely confront when the show resumes. Meanwhile, FBI: International is poised to tackle a dire situation involving Carmen Vo, whose life hangs by a thread after being shot by the notorious criminal, Greg Csonkas.

The uncertainty surrounding Vinessa Vidotto’s future on FBI: International adds to the suspense as viewers hold their breath for the fate of Carmen Vo. Csonkas, having previously murdered Wes Mitchell’s (Jesse Lee Soffer) partner, had just escaped after serving time in Hungary for prior offenses. On FBI: Most Wanted, the repercussions for Barnes (Roxy Sternberg) and Cooper (Edwin Hodge) remain unresolved, following their arrest by a racially motivated officer during an ongoing investigation. This series of cliffhangers has led to rampant speculation among fans about what’s next for their favorite agents.

No New FBI Episodes Tonight: A Brief Hiatus Overview

Ongoing Hiatus of CBS Shows

Following a mid-December hiatus, the FBI franchise remains on pause. It is customary for television programs to observe breaks during the holiday season, providing cast and crew with a chance to rest and reconnect with their families. While other shows have already resumed airing new episodes, CBS opted for a later break this season, which has extended the duration of its hiatus.

Despite being part of the interconnected One Chicago universe, the FBI series, not airing on NBC, are still in the midst of their hiatus. CBS is slated to air reruns of FBI Season 7, Episode 4, FBI: International Season 4, Episode 1, and FBI: Most Wanted Season 5, Episode 10. By airing these episodes from various points in each show’s season, CBS likely hopes to refresh memory and prepare fans for the upcoming midseason premiere.

Upcoming Releases for FBI, International, & Most Wanted

Anticipated End of the Hiatus

Jubal (Jeremy Sisto) appearing in the FBI International crossover event

The lengthy hiatus is nearing its end. CBS has officially scheduled new episodes for all three FBI series to air on January 28, 2025. Fans can expect the following schedule: FBI at 8 PM ET, FBI: International at 9 PM ET, and FBI: Most Wanted wrapping up the night at 10 PM ET. Just one week remains until these beloved procedurals return to their regular time slots.

All episodes from the first part of this season are currently available for streaming on Paramount+, making it convenient for viewers to catch up before the midseason launch. While the extended break may have been frustrating, it serves a dual purpose—allowing the cast and crew valuable downtime and ensuring that CBS stacks enough episodes to carry the season through to May, when many network shows conclude. This interim can be utilized by audiences to revisit any missed installments and arrive refreshed for the forthcoming premiere.

What to Anticipate Upon Return

Storylines Resuming from Last Episodes

Special Agents on FBI: Most Wanted in action

Upon their return, all three FBI shows are expected to resume plotlines that left off with significant tension. For instance, OA will have to navigate the emotional aftermath of shooting Clay while simultaneously engaging in a complex case involving the murder of an assistant U.S. attorney, which connects to a wider scandal surrounding airline security.

Upcoming Episode Schedule for the FBI Franchise
Show	Episode	Date
FBI	“Descent”	January 28, 2025
FBI: International	“The Kill Floor”	January 28, 2025
FBI: Most Wanted	“Moving On”	January 28, 2025

In particular, Wes Mitchell from FBI: International is set to take a rogue path while searching for Csonkas as Carmen Vo’s fate remains unresolved. According to the episode’s synopsis, “a team member goes missing,”suggesting a high-stakes pursuit that will engage both Mitchell and the FBI higher-ups, creating significant tension as audiences await to discover Vo’s fate, potentially spreading across several episodes.

Lastly, FBI: Most Wanted teases a thrilling case involving the Fugitive Task Force as they investigate a series of fatal fires linked to domestic terrorists associated with the infamous Philadelphia bombings in 1985. This storyline is poised to resurrect traumatic experiences for both Cooper and Barnes while delving into a dark chapter of Philadelphia’s history, thereby offering depth and excitement to the show’s return.

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