When fans discuss the creative forces behind FBI: International, most immediately think of Dick Wolf or Derek Haas.

But by the time the series entered one of the most dramatic periods in its history, another veteran television producer was helping steer the Fly Team:

Matt Olmstead.

And many fans believe he never got the chance to fully execute his vision for the show. (TVLine)

The Man Behind Chicago P.D.

Long before joining FBI: International, Olmstead had already built an impressive résumé within the Wolf Entertainment universe.

He co-created the hit NBC drama Chicago P.D. and previously served as a showrunner on Chicago Fire. His reputation was built on creating character-driven procedural dramas that balanced action, emotional storytelling, and long-running character arcs. (TVLine)

That background made him a natural fit for the FBI franchise.

Taking Over FBI: International

In October 2023, it was officially announced that Matt Olmstead would become showrunner of FBI: International for Season 3 following leadership changes within Wolf Entertainment. The move came during a turbulent period that included industry strikes and significant production challenges. (TVLine)

The timing was critical.

Season 3 would soon see major cast changes, including the departure of Jamie Kellett and eventually the transition away from Scott Forrester’s era.

Many fans now view this period as the beginning of a creative reset for the series.

The Jesse Lee Soffer Era

One of the most notable developments during Olmstead’s tenure was the arrival of Jesse Lee Soffer as Wes Mitchell.

Season 4 introduced a noticeably different tone, with Mitchell bringing a more aggressive leadership style to the Fly Team. Several Season 4 episodes were written or executive-produced under Olmstead’s leadership, helping shape the show’s final direction. (Rotten Tomatoes)

Fans remain divided on whether the series was becoming darker, more serialized, or simply evolving naturally.

What most agree on is that change was happening.

The Cancellation Shock

Then came the announcement that stunned viewers.

CBS cancelled FBI: International after four seasons while continuing the flagship FBI series and moving forward with the new franchise entry, CIA. (EW.com)

The decision left many fans wondering what Olmstead’s long-term plans might have been.

Would Wes Mitchell have remained leader for years?

Would Amanda Tate, Cameron Vo, and Andre Raines have received larger story arcs?

Could the Fly Team have expanded beyond Europe?

Those questions remain unanswered.

Why Fans Still Talk About Him

Unlike some producers who become closely associated with a series from the beginning, Matt Olmstead arrived during a transitional period.

That has created an unusual legacy.

For some viewers, he represents the creative architect of the show’s unfinished future. They point to Season 4 as evidence that FBI: International was entering a new phase just before the cancellation was announced. Others simply appreciate how he helped stabilize the series during one of its most difficult periods. (TVLine)

The Unfinished Chapter

Today, Olmstead remains an important figure in the Wolf Entertainment universe and is still best known for his work on Chicago franchise projects and FBI: International. (TVLine)

But among Fly Team fans, his name is often connected to a lingering mystery:

What would FBI: International have looked like with two or three more seasons under his leadership?

Unfortunately, television history is filled with shows that ended before their next chapter could be written.

And for many viewers, Matt Olmstead’s version of FBI: International remains one of those intriguing unfinished stories. (People.com)