Julian McMahon to exit FBI: Most Wanted after nearly three seasons

In a bit of surprising news, Julian McMahon has decided to exit the FBI spinoff, FBI: Most Wanted, after nearly three seasons. McMahon is essentially the male lead of the series so his exit may come as a shock to fans of the show.

Per “Deadline“, McMahon’s final episode is slated to shoot this week and will air on March 8, 2022. The series will introduce a new character later this season that will step in to replace McMahon’s character of Jess LaCroix, an “agent’s agent” and head off the team from the FBI’s Most Wanted Unit.

So why is McMahon leaving? It seems like he just wants to spread his wings creatively and work on other projects. In a statement McMahon said, “Over the past few months, the producers of FBI: Most Wanted and I have had discussions about my departure from the show in favor of additional creative pursuits and the transition of my character Jess LaCroix. These ongoing conversations have given us an opportunity to orchestrate a seamless and productive way for me to leave the show.” McMahon also took the time to thank everyone associated with the series for a gratifying experience:

“I would like to express the gratitude and admiration I have had working with [executive producers] Dick Wolf and Peter Jankowski. I’m extremely proud of the work we have done together and put the development of this show, and my character Jess, at the top of my professional experience list. I wish the show, and its cast & crew, the greatest success in the future. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play Jess; he is a good man.”

What’s unclear is exactly how the character will be written off. LaCroix is currently going through a major personal transition on the show as his daughter Tali, who has been his rock, has left for a boarding school in Canada. It’s possible that his departure could be linked to this story point but that hasn’t been revealed at this time.

McMahon, best known for his starring role on the hit FX series Nip/Tuck, made his debut as LaCroix in an April episode of the parents series, FBI. The episode served as a backdoor pilot for FBI: Most Wanted and the series got off to a great ratings start in January 2020. The show is now part of the FBI Tuesday lineup on CBS alongside the original FBI and the latest addition, FBI: International.

Are YOU sad to see Julian McMahon depart FBI: Most Wanted?