CBS has officially expanded the FBI franchise with a new spin-off series titled CIA, focusing on the intense and covert operations of the Central Intelligence Agency. Tom Ellis, who gained international fame starring as Lucifer Morningstar on Lucifer, leads the show as a charismatic and unconventional CIA agent.
Unlike the straight-laced FBI agents fans are familiar with, Ellis’s character breaks the mold—bringing charm and risk-taking tendencies into a high-stakes world of espionage and international threats. The show also pairs him with a more disciplined and by-the-book FBI partner, creating an engaging “odd couple” dynamic.
Originally planned as a backdoor pilot within an episode of FBI, CIA’s development shifted after casting and scheduling issues led CBS to order a full series directly. The show is slated to air Monday nights during the 2025 fall season, occupying a complementary timeslot to FBI itself. This strategic scheduling aims to capture viewers with a double dose of crime and intelligence drama.
Critics and fans alike are eagerly awaiting to see how CIA differentiates itself while maintaining the procedural excitement that has made the FBI franchise successful.