Everything You Need to Know About the FBI Spinoff CIA Following Production Delays
FBI‘s spinoff, CIA, created quite a buzz by halting production in the fall of 2025 due to casting and showrunner changes, but it remains on track to premiere in February 2026.
FBI first hit screens on CBS in 2019, showcasing the agents working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York City. Following its success, the network introduced FBI: Most Wanted, which ran from 2020 to 2025, focusing on the Fugitive Task Force of the FBI. Additionally, there was FBI: International, a spinoff centered on the International Fly Team, which concluded its four-season run in 2025.
In April 2025, CBS ordered CIA straight to series, featuring Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss in lead roles. The official synopsis reveals that CIA follows “two unlikely partners — a fast-talking, rule-breaking CIA case officer and a methodical, seasoned FBI agent who believes in the rule of law.”
The plot unfolds when this unconventional duo is assigned to CIA’s New York Station, where they must collaborate to tackle cases and criminals threatening U.S. security, learning to leverage their differences as a source of strength.
As the cast was finalized, CIA confronted a showrunner change and the exit of one of its lead actors. Continue reading for insights into the changes happening both on and offscreen as CIA approaches its CBS debut:
The Key Players
FBI, which launched in 2018, focuses on the operational dynamics within the New York City field office of the FBI’s criminal division, where agents work tirelessly to maintain safety in the city.
The police procedural features stars such as Zeeko Zaki, Missy Peregrym, Jeremy Sisto, John Boyd, and Alana De La Garza. Following its initial success, FBI expanded with FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, both of which have wrapped up.
On the other hand, CIA boasts a cast that includes Tom Ellis, Nick Gehlfuss, Necar Zadegan, and Natalee Linez.
The Gist
CBS made an announcement in April 2025 that CIA, existing in the same universe as Dick Wolf’s FBI, received the green light for the 2025-2026 broadcast season.
Though it was initially slated for a fall 2025 debut, CIA was rescheduled for midseason after Warren Leight took over as showrunner from David Hudgins of FBI: Most Wanted.
The adjustments didn’t stop there: Michael Michele, one of the series leads, departed in November 2025. Shortly thereafter, Eriq La Salle, who served as executive producer and directed the pilot, also exited. Following these changes, Leight stepped down as showrunner, resulting in a temporary halt to production. Mike Weiss, currently heading FBI, was reportedly in negotiations to take over.
The year 2025 is set to be significant for TV spinoffs, with series like The Handmaid’s Tale, 9-1-1, The Big Bang Theory, and others expanding their universes. ABC has piqued interest with the announcement of a second 9-1-1 spinoff, building on the original’s focus on Los Angeles first responders featuring Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Oliver Stark, […]
What Has Been Said
Though no formal statements have been made regarding the recent changes, Ellis hinted at what FBI enthusiasts can anticipate from the show.
“We’re going to take the foundation set by the FBI and explore it through the lens of the CIA,” Ellis shared in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in May 2025. “We might even see some crossover with FBI characters along the way, but fundamentally, this series will delve into the CIA’s operations on U.S. soil and highlight the necessity of collaborative information-sharing for the greater good.”
What’s Next
Filming for the series commenced in September 2025 and has progressed without disruption despite the departures. CBS announced in December 2025 that CIA will debut on Monday, February 23, 2026, immediately following a new episode of FBI.
Is There a ‘CIA’ Trailer?
CBS teased a first look at CIA in December 2025, showcasing the contrasting dynamics between Ellis’ CIA operative, Colin Glass, and Gehlfuss’ FBI agent, Bill Goodman.
Colin introduces Bill informally by saying, “He can be a little by the book.” In the accompanying video, he shares that Bill admonished him for being dishonest with a suspect in a safe house.
Despite Bill questioning Colin’s methods, he stands by him in critical situations.
As the trailer wraps up, Colin highlights a notable contrast, stating that the FBI “operates in the open,” while his team “functions in the shadows.”
Bill adds, “We both do it to ensure the safety of our country,” implying that the two agencies will eventually find common ground.
