FBI: International Shocker: Luke Kleintank Exiting After 3 Seasons
FBI: International is losing another star.
Luke Kleintank, who has played Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester since the show’s debut, will exit the CBS series as it nears the end of its current third season, TVLine has confirmed.
“After much thought and consideration, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave FBI: International,” the actor said in a statement to our sister site Deadline, which broke the news. “This decision is driven by my unwavering commitment to my family, whose love and well-being are paramount in my life. I’m profoundly thankful for the extraordinary cast and crew of the show, who have not only been colleagues but also a family away from home. Their unwavering dedication and remarkable talents have made every moment on set an unforgettable journey that has enriched my life in countless ways. Lastly, I would also like to extend my thanks to the fans who have supported us through the first three seasons.”
Kleintank’s final episode will air Tuesday, May 7, at 9/8c, while the Season 3 finale airs May 21.
News of Kleintank’s departure comes just over two months after his FBI: International co-star Heida Reed exited the series as Special Agent Jamie Kellett. In February’s Season 3 premiere, Reed’s character announced she was quitting the Fly Team and transferring to the Washington, D.C. field office.
Kleintank’s future on the FBI offshoot previously came into question during a January 2023 storyline in which Forrester repeatedly clashed with legal attaché Ken Dandridge (Michael Torpey), which seemed to tease Forrester’s termination from the Fly Team. But Forrester ultimately emerged unscathed from that storyline — which had accommodated Kleintank’s paternity leave from the series after welcoming his first child with wife Christina — and Kleintank reassured viewers at the time that “I know it scared the fans, but Forrester is not going anywhere.”
Earlier this month, CBS renewed its entire FBI franchise for additional seasons. FBI: International will be back for Season 4, FBI: Most Wanted will return for Season 6, and the mothership was picked up for another three seasons, ensuring it will be on the air through at least Spring 2027.
FBI: International fans, are you surprised by Kleintank’s exit? Tell us in a comment below!
Not really a shocker imo. His character has been less in the field and more back at HQ. And he took time off last season when he had a new kid. I’m surprised he came back for S3.
I won’t even be able to watch it anymore. I am very sad…however I think it’s great he is putting his family first
What??!! Say it ain’t so!!! Please don’t kill him off like Jess on FBI: Most Wanted!
The way they got rid of Jess Lacroix was terrible. I hated that they made his daughter an orphan especially since it seems like she was going through some teenage drama.
The show hasn’t been the same since he was killed off.
I actually like it better now.. The case last night was great… Sue Misner seems to like parts that hook up or marries FBI agents… She was the wife of Stan on The Americans at the start of that show…
She was on Most Wanted last night. I’ve liked her since One Life To Live – I hope she sticks around!
Actor wanted to leave the show, what were they supposed to do?
Transfer him to a unit closer to his daughter? Not every character leaving a show needs to have a funeral.
I’m going to miss him. I really enjoy watching him and fbi international is my favorite fbi
I agree
Wow. Now the one season renewal makes more sense. I hope for a happy ending to him maybe a reunion with Jamie.
I wonder if they’ll reunite him with Jamie. Anything but killing him off like they did with their lead in Most Wanted.
He was the reason I started watching the show, now I’ll stop.
Gotta do what you gotta do for the love of family. Definitely going to miss his character.
Such a great portrayal ! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s pretty bold that he actually took paternity leave on a Dick Wolf production. Good for him.
Why is it bold? It’s normal. I remember Kevin Mckidd greys took it at some point too
Different show, different producers.
This really upsets me. He is my favorite character on the show. It will take away from that FBI International for me. I watch that show mostly because of him. He is so charismatic and always knows how to handle any situation in all of the countries that the team works on. It will be hard for me to watch with him not there.
As long as they don’t kill the dog off, I’m good.
Well THAT was hard to hear. Anyone in mind who will take over??
I think it’s gonna be Cam
I don’t think it’s going to be Cam — she’s too young, the first episode was her first day on the team as a junior agent — but I think she’s definitely now the team’s Kellett. Or, to compare the show to ER, she’s its Noah Wyle/John Carter — she’s going to lead it eventually, but the mytharc is about her growing up through the ranks.
It’s a shame, but I saw this coming with his reduced screen time this season. I assumed that had to do with him wanting more time with his family and asking for less screen time. I suspect that’s also why Vo has been taking the lead so much as his second in command.
Ohhh no! I loved him! I wonder who could possibly fill his shoes??
Only reason I watched this show, so one more show off my watchlist….. I will watch whatever Luke is in next tho.
There goes Tuesday night viewing.
Love Scott and the show won’t be the same without him tears🤣🤣
Gotta do what you gotta do for the love of family. Definitely going to miss his character.
Such a great portrayal ! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sorry, but I still think of him as Noah Newman on Y&R or Finn on Bones. I couldn’t adjust to him portraying an FBI agent. And keep the dog!
Very upset! He is the anchor; but family must come first.
I’m not surprise. Filming overseason while trying to be a new dad. I get it.
I saw the signs when Cam started stepping up this season. Scott Forrester’s will be missed. I hope he guest stars on FBI or Most Wanted n the future.
Wow another great actor leaves the series…. it becoming like MW where they changed all the characters after we watched then since the beginning …we as the fan sure hopenit does not become a dumb trend …it will definitely lose its viewership and eventually canceled since they can’t keep the actors …..so sad
Really wish he would not leave, but I do understand.
Just hard to stay a fan when the main characters leave. So many talented actors and actresses but when a show focuses on just a few and they leave it is very hard to continue to watch. So many shows get canceled before u can really become a fan, but when u do it is rough because all we want as the viewing public are some great shows to invest our time in and be entertained till it has give a fair shot for a final ending , ie 6 to 9 years. Ty though I do understand he is doing it for family reasons. U do have to appreciate that. God speed.
He made the show! Not the same after the other lady exited the show. Definitely not as interesting.
That’s too bad as he’s one of the best parts of the team. Going to be tough finding a replacement who fans will instantly like and make them stick with the show.
Frankly I’m pissed.
It was probably hard for him the show filming in Europe. Even if his family was with him in Hungary, they actually travel to the countries where they help Americans.
This is disappointing to hear. Enjoyed his character. What is wrong with so many of these crime shows that they can’t keep people for any length of time? Is something going on behind the scenes?