The once-mighty FBI empire on CBS is crumbling before our eyes — and Luke Kleintank‘s bombshell departure is just the tip of the iceberg!

In a devastating blow that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and left millions of loyal viewers reeling, the charismatic star who commanded the Fly Team as Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester for three intense seasons has walked away from FBI: International. Kleintank’s exit, announced back in April 2024, came as a total surprise — right after the show scored a Season 4 renewal — and insiders say it has triggered a full-scale exodus across the sprawling Dick Wolf procedural universe.

“It’s absolute pandemonium behind the scenes,” one production source spilled exclusively. “Luke was the anchor — tough, brooding, and impossible to replace. Now everyone’s questioning their future, and contracts are being torn up left and right.”

Kleintank, 33 at the time of his departure, cited family priorities as the driving force. In his heartfelt statement to Deadline, he explained: “After much thought and consideration, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave FBI: International. This decision is driven by my unwavering commitment to my family, whose love and well-being are paramount in my life.”

The actor had poured his soul into the role since the spin-off’s 2021 debut, delivering raw emotion in storylines involving betrayal, lost loved ones, and high-stakes global chases. His chemistry with the cast — especially Vinessa Vidotto’s Cameron Vo, Heida Reed’s Jamie Kellett (who exited earlier), and the rest of the Budapest-based team — made International a fan-favorite standout.

But Forrester’s final episode in Season 3 (aired May 7, 2024) saw the character dramatically written out: relocating to Alaska with his long-lost mother to prioritize family over the badge. It was a poignant, respectful send-off — but one that left a gaping hole in the show.

The domino effect has been brutal:

• Season 4 introduced Colin Donnell (from Chicago Med) as new leader Wes Mitchell, but fans have been vocal about missing Forrester’s intensity.
• Whispers of “creative differences,” grueling international filming schedules, and burnout have fueled speculation that more stars from the mothership FBI and spin-offs are eyeing the door.
• Ratings for FBI: International reportedly dipped post-exit, contributing to broader franchise instability — with some insiders fearing CBS could pull the plug if the shake-ups continue.

Social media is ablaze with heartbreak: #BringBackForrester and #FBICrisis are trending as devastated fans share montages of Kleintank’s iconic brooding stares, explosive action scenes, and rare vulnerable moments. “He WAS the show,” one tearful tweet read. “Without Luke, it’s just not the same.”

This isn’t isolated drama. The FBI universe has weathered cast changes before — think departures in the flagship series and spin-offs — but never a chain reaction this explosive. Kleintank’s choice to step away for family reasons has inspired respect from some, but panic from others who see it as the beginning of the end.

Could more big names bolt? Will CBS recast Forrester or reinvent the Fly Team entirely? Or is this the fatal crack in Dick Wolf’s procedural powerhouse?

One thing’s for certain: the FBI franchise — from Maggie Bell’s grit in the main show to the international intrigue — hangs in the balance. Fans are begging for stability, but with Luke Kleintank gone and uncertainty swirling, the future looks anything but secure.

Stay glued to your screens — because if more exits hit, the tears won’t stop flowing. And Luke? Wherever you are, know your Forrester legacy lives on in every high-stakes takedown and quiet moment of doubt.