FBI’s Spinoff CIA Hints at Onscreen Drama Between Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss
FBI‘s spinoff CIA is experiencing a rocky beginning, marked by tense interactions between Tom Ellis‘s character Colin and Nick Gehlfuss‘ Bill.
In an exclusive clip shared by Us Weekly for the premiere on Monday, February 23, the CBS series introduces Bill as an FBI special agent who finds himself at odds with CIA case officer Colin.
“[The suspect is] cuffed to a radiator in the bathroom, I will read him his rights,” says Bill, only for Colin to point out that the man is “not” under arrest. “We don’t treat people like that in America. The FBI abides by the constitution — so do I.”
Colin challenges Bill’s perception of the CIA, remarking, “There it is. You’re not fond of my methods.” Bill responds, emphasizing his “duty to uphold the law.”
“I took an oath, how about you?” Bill retorts, to which Colin responds, “Don’t wave old glory at me. You lost your leverage when you messed up.”
Bill expresses his frustration over Colin’s disregard for orders, becoming even more unsettled when he realizes Colin’s hidden agenda. “If you’re not going to heed my words, then why even involve me … am I just here to provide you legal cover? Am I merely a tool to you?” he questions.
Colin, for his part, remains committed to his own approach.
“I need you to focus on domestic matters. This is my operation, not yours. If you have an issue with that, then the door is right there. I’ve reviewed your file, and I believe I understand your mindset even better than you do,” he states. “Deep down, you’re itching to embrace what I do. You’ve been living this black-and-white existence that you know is false. You realize that real problems are resolved in the gray.”
He adds, “Either get on board or step aside, but make your decision right now because I have a mission to accomplish. The FBI closes cases, we ensure global safety.”
FBI first premiered on CBS in 2019 and chronicles the lives of agents within the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York City. This was followed by FBI: Most Wanted, airing from 2020 to 2025, highlighting the work of the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force. There was also a spinoff called FBI: International, which focused on the International Fly Team and ran for four seasons until its conclusion in 2025.
In April 2025, CBS greenlit CIA for a straight-to-series order featuring Ellis and Gehlfuss. The official synopsis states that CIA revolves around “two unlikely partners — a fast-talking, rule-breaking CIA case officer and a disciplined, intelligent FBI agent committed to the rule of law.”
The synopsis further elaborated: “When this odd couple is assigned to work from the CIA’s New York Station, they must figure out how to collaborate in investigating cases and criminals that threaten U.S. soil, discovering that their differences could actually serve as their greatest asset.”
“The FBI predominantly handles crimes that have already occurred, while the CIA aims to prevent crimes before they take place,” Ellis exclusively told Us Weekly while discussing his new CBS series. “The FBI represents the public face of U.S. law enforcement. They are the recognizable embodiment of law enforcement while the CIA operates in obscurity — avoiding the spotlight and conducting its affairs in a very discreet manner.”
Ellis believes CIA is an excellent option for fans of procedural dramas — whether they are familiar with FBI or not.
“The show will be worth the wait because I believe that fans of FBI will enjoy it. Anyone who loves the Dick Wolf universe is going to appreciate it,” he remarked. “And for those who haven’t watched either series, there’s something for them as well. It offers a variety of elements and incorporates humor, which is always a major draw for me.”
CIA is set to premiere on CBS on Monday, February 23, at 10 p.m. ET.
