In a surprising turn of events, CBS has announced that the FBI: CIA spinoff, which was originally scheduled to premiere this fall, will now be delayed until 2026. The move comes amid changes behind the scenes, with Warren Leight, a veteran showrunner known for his work on Law & Order: SVU, taking over from David Hudgins. Leight’s arrival as showrunner is part of a broader effort to ensure that the show meets its potential, especially after casting delays and developmental challenges.
The FBI: CIA spinoff had initially been introduced as a backdoor pilot in one of the final episodes of FBI Season 5, but those plans were scrapped due to delays in the casting process. So far, only Tom Ellis has been officially confirmed for the show, playing a fast-talking CIA agent with a rebellious streak. However, many are wondering if the change in showrunner will lead to a shift in the show’s premise. Originally, FBI: CIA was supposed to revolve around Ellis’ character teaming up with a by-the-book FBI agent to solve international cases. Will this focus remain the same, or could the direction of the show change entirely?
While FBI: CIA takes a backseat for the time being, CBS is keeping its Monday night lineup fresh and exciting by bringing back Watson for its second season, which will now air starting October 13. This last-minute schedule change allows Watson, the medical drama starring Morris Chestnut, to fill the gap left by the delayed spinoff. Watson will air immediately after FBI on Mondays, keeping the network’s lineup full of thrilling content for viewers.
Though FBI fans are disappointed that they won’t be able to enjoy the FBI: CIA spinoff this fall, CBS is giving the show more time to perfect its storylines and casting. The delay could ultimately work out for the best, allowing the show’s creative team to take the extra time to craft a more polished and compelling spinoff when it finally hits screens in 2026. But until then, viewers will be able to get their FBI fix with the ongoing episodes of FBI, and fans of Watson will also get an earlier-than-expected return for its second season.
The move is a strategic one by CBS, as it gives FBI: CIA the time it needs to build a solid foundation. However, it also leaves fans eagerly awaiting its debut in 2026. In the meantime, viewers can look forward to Watson’s return, as well as the continuation of FBI’s high-stakes investigations.
As the FBI franchise continues to evolve, fans will have to be patient—but it looks like the extra time will lead to even more thrilling content down the line. Stay tuned for more updates on FBI: CIA, and don’t miss the excitement of Watson Season 2 when it airs this fall!