CBS Expands the ‘FBI’ Universe with New Spinoff ‘CIA’ Starring Tom Ellis

CBS is preparing to bolster its already dominant lineup of crime procedurals with a high-profile addition to the FBI franchise. The network has officially greenlit a new spinoff titled CIA, a one-hour drama that promises to bring a fresh, high-stakes dynamic to the Dick Wolf-created universe. Developed by David Hudgins and executive producer Dick Wolf, the series is set to bridge the gap between two of America’s most powerful intelligence agencies.

A New Dynamic: Rule-Breakers vs. The Book

The core of CIA revolves around an “odd-couple” partnership designed to create both professional tension and narrative “sing.” The story follows a by-the-books, seasoned FBI special agent who finds himself stationed at the CIA’s New York headquarters. There, he is forced to team up with a roguish, fast-talking CIA case officer who is known for breaking rules to get results.

This partnership isn’t just a trope; it is rooted in historical context. According to lead actor Tom Ellis, the show was inspired by the intelligence failures surrounding 9/11. The series explores the modern necessity of these two agencies—traditionally separated by domestic and international jurisdictions—working in tandem on U.S. soil to thwart domestic terrorism.

Star-Studded Cast

The series boasts a strong ensemble led by Tom Ellis (Lucifer, The Thursday Murder Club), who takes on the role of the renegade CIA field officer, Hart Hoxton. Joining him is Nick Gehlfuss, a familiar face to fans of the Dick Wolf universe from his long tenure on Chicago Med. Gehlfuss will play the straitlaced FBI agent Bill Goodman.

The supporting cast includes Natalie Linez (Tell Me Lies) as CIA analyst Gina Rojas and Necar Zadegan (NCIS: New Orleans) as the Chief of the CIA’s New York Station. Zadegan stepped into the role following the departure of Michael Michele early in the production phase.

Expanding the Wolf Universe

While the FBI franchise recently saw the conclusion of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, the launch of CIA signals CBS’s commitment to evolving the brand rather than retiring it. By shifting the focus to the intersection of the FBI and the Central Intelligence Agency, the network is tapping into a more globalized “techno-thriller” vibe while maintaining the procedural heartbeat that fans of FBI and Law & Order expect.

Release Date and How to Watch

Fans won’t have to wait much longer for the action to begin. CIA is scheduled to premiere on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET on CBS. Following its debut, the series will move to its regular time slot on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET.

For those who prefer streaming, the show will be available live for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers. Standard Paramount+ subscribers will be able to stream the episodes on-demand the day after they air on the network.

With its blend of veteran creators, charismatic leads, and a premise grounded in real-world intelligence challenges, CIA is poised to be the next big hit in CBS’s procedural empire.