In an effort to manage rising production costs, CBS is implementing changes to the episode guarantees for series regulars on “FBI” and “FBI: Most Wanted.” According to Deadline, starting next season, these actors will see their minimum guaranteed appearances reduced by two episodes. The decision does not affect the third series in the franchise, “FBI: International.”
Representatives for Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, the producers behind the FBI franchise, have not commented on the changes. This move aligns with industry trends, as other popular shows are also making similar adjustments to keep budgets in check.
CBS’s decision echoes a broader trend in television production, where networks are finding various ways to reduce costs. For instance, veteran cast members on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” will appear in three to four fewer episodes next season as part of similar budget-tightening measures. This follows a precedent set by NBC’s “One Chicago” and “Law & Order” franchises, which also reduced episodic guarantees last year after their renewals.
An episodic guarantee is a contractual agreement that stipulates the number of episodes a series regular is paid for each season, regardless of their actual screen time. Typically, this covers all episodes produced in a season, which for Wolf Entertainment procedurals usually means 22 episodes. However, with the new adjustments, regulars on “FBI” and “FBI: Most Wanted” will now be guaranteed payment for only 20 episodes.
The cuts are primarily attributed to the higher costs associated with these two shows – FBI and FBI: Most Wanted. Both are filmed in the United States and feature larger casts with well-known actors like Missy Peregrym, Jeremy Sisto, and Dylan McDermott. These factors make them more expensive to produce compared to “FBI: International,” which films in Hungary and has a smaller, less established cast.
Despite these changes, CBS has shown confidence in the franchise, renewing all three FBI series for additional seasons. The flagship series, “FBI,” received an even more extended commitment with a three-year renewal, demonstrating the network’s long-term investment.
The strategy of reducing guaranteed episodes is becoming a common cost-saving tactic across the television industry. It allows networks to manage their budgets more effectively without significantly altering the per-episode fees for actors, though it does reduce their overall compensation. This approach also places additional responsibility on writers to craft storylines that accommodate these changes.
Other methods employed by networks include salary cuts and shifting some series regulars to recurring roles. For example, the cast of “Blue Bloods” accepted pay reductions to secure another season, while “Bob Hearts Abishola” and “Superman & Lois” transitioned some regulars to recurring status to manage costs.
The economic pressures on traditional television networks are intensifying, driven by increasing production expenses and declining live ratings. As media companies focus more on their financial health, cost-cutting measures like these are likely to become more prevalent. Bob Iger, CEO of ABC parent company Disney, recently emphasized the need to reduce investments in content for traditional networks, highlighting a shift in industry priorities.
CBS’s decision to reduce episodic guarantees for “FBI” and “FBI: Most Wanted” reflects a broader trend in the television industry towards tighter budget controls. While these measures aim to ensure the sustainability of popular series amid economic challenges, they also require careful balancing to maintain the quality and continuity of the shows. As the industry adapts to these changes, audiences may notice subtle shifts in their favorite series’ dynamics and storylines.