When FBI: International premiered in 2021, one character stood at the center of everything:

Luke Kleintank’s Scott Forrester.

The fearless leader of the Fly Team quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in the entire FBI franchise. He was the agent who chased fugitives across Europe, negotiated international crises, and repeatedly put himself in danger to protect his team.

That’s why his departure remains one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s history.

The Exit That Changed Everything

In 2024, fans were stunned when Luke Kleintank announced he would be leaving FBI: International during Season 3.

The actor later explained that his decision was driven largely by family considerations and the demanding production schedule associated with filming overseas for much of the year. After spending several years based primarily in Europe, Kleintank wanted to devote more time to his wife and children. Interviews following his departure emphasized that the decision was personal rather than the result of creative disagreements.

For viewers, however, the news felt like an earthquake.

Scott Forrester wasn’t simply another member of the Fly Team.

He was the Fly Team.

A Character Who Never Got a Proper Goodbye

Unlike many television heroes who receive dramatic final episodes, Scott’s departure left fans wanting more.

The character remained alive within the FBI universe, meaning his story technically continued beyond the series. That creative choice immediately sparked speculation that Scott could someday return for a guest appearance or crossover.

Instead, fans were left imagining what happened next.

Did Scott continue working international cases?

Did he finally find the personal peace he had been searching for?

The series never fully answered those questions.

The Rise of Wes Mitchell

Following Kleintank’s exit, CBS recruited Jesse Lee Soffer to play Wes Mitchell.

The move generated enormous attention because Soffer had already built a passionate fan base through Chicago P.D..

Critics generally praised the decision, and many viewers felt Mitchell brought fresh energy to the Fly Team.

Ironically, just as fans began embracing the new era, CBS cancelled the series.

The Question Fans Still Ask

Because the cancellation followed so closely after Scott’s departure, some fans continue wondering whether losing the original lead affected the show’s long-term future.

There has never been any official statement linking the two events, and industry reporting has largely pointed toward financial and strategic business decisions rather than creative issues. Still, the timing remains impossible for many viewers to ignore.

Luke Kleintank’s Life After FBI: International

Since leaving the series, Kleintank has maintained a lower public profile while continuing to pursue acting opportunities.

Fans frequently monitor casting announcements hoping to see him return to a major television project. His performance as Scott Forrester remains the role most associated with his career, and many viewers continue to regard him as one of the standout leads in the FBI franchise.

The Legacy of Scott Forrester

Looking back, Scott Forrester’s impact on FBI: International is difficult to overstate.

He led the Fly Team through its formative years.

He established the show’s identity.

And he helped turn a risky international spin-off into a successful franchise drama.

The latest discussions surrounding the cancellation have only reinforced that legacy.

Because even now, years later, fans are still asking the same question:

What would FBI: International look like today if Scott Forrester had never left?

It’s a mystery that will never be solved—but it’s one that continues to fuel conversation throughout the FBI fandom.