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Why is there no ‘FBI’ episode tonight? An explosive twist awaits fans when the show returns soon

CBS pauses ‘FBI’ as a special event reshuffles the schedule, leaving the team’s next explosive case waiting in the wings

Fans tuning in for a fresh episode of ‘FBI’ tonight may be surprised to find the team off duty for the week. CBS has confirmed that the long-running procedural is stepping aside temporarily for the Thanksgiving holiday, as reported by Precinct TV. The network adjusts its Monday primetime schedule for a major anniversary special. While ‘FBI’ has maintained one of the most consistent runs among broadcast dramas this fall, tonight marks the first time since its October premiere that the series will not debut a new episode. CBS launched its 2025–2026 television season slightly later than ABC and NBC, but the shift has largely worked in its favor.

Most of its scripted offerings have aired with minimal breaks, giving viewers an unusually steady slate leading into the winter holidays. The network’s uninterrupted rollout means many of its series, including ‘FBI,’ are able to push new episodes deep into December before the traditional hiatus begins. Now anchoring Monday nights solo after the cancellations of ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ and ‘FBI: International,’ the flagship series has had a particularly packed season. The new batch of episodes has dug into the fallout of Isobel Castille’s near-fatal ordeal in the Season 7 finale, managed the emotional exit of Dani Rhodes, and introduced Eva Ramos as Scola’s new partner.

Season 8 has been a transitional year for the New York field office. However, ‘FBI’ will not air a new installment tonight, November 24. CBS is temporarily reshuffling its regular lineup to make room for the 90-minute ‘Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion’ airing at 8 pm ET. The special event has bumped several Monday programs out of their normal time slots. ‘The Neighborhood’ will also sit out this week, and DMV’s usual 8.30 pm broadcast is shifting an hour later to 9.30 pm, taking over the back half of the window typically held by ‘FBI.’

Meanwhile, ‘Watson’ Season 2 will remain in its usual 10 pm position, closing out CBS’ primetime block. Fortunately for devoted viewers, the interruption will be brief. ‘FBI’ returns next Monday, December 1, sliding back into its regular 9 pm ET time slot with Season 8, Episode 7, titled “Fadeout.” The upcoming installment centers on a deadly explosion that tears through a Brooklyn apartment building, as per ScreenRant. As the Bureau races to uncover the motive behind the blast, the investigation leads them to an unexpected mastermind: a convicted offender who is supposedly secure behind bars.

The hour will also bring an important turn for Isobel, who is facing professional pressure of her own. After surviving the Forefront takeover incident and earning a major promotion, she now finds herself responsible for choosing her successor before officially stepping into her new role. With its brief hiatus ending next week, ‘FBI’ appears ready to ramp up toward a dramatic December run before the winter break.