When CBS announced that CIA—a new FBI offshoot starring Lucifer’s Tom Ellis—would hit screens in spring 2026, fans immediately began speculating about the cast. The buzz was electric, the concept thrilling: Ellis as a rogue CIA officer paired with a no-nonsense, by-the-book FBI agent. A fire-and-ice partnership destined for conflict, chemistry, and high-stakes drama. But as the months roll by, there’s been just one confirmed name on the call sheet: Tom Ellis.

The absence of a confirmed co-lead has frustrated fans. After all, CIA isn’t just about Ellis playing solo—it’s about the dynamic between two opposites forced to work side-by-side in the shadows of New York’s intelligence network. But what if CBS already has the perfect partner hiding in plain sight? What if the answer has been within the FBI franchise all along?

Enter Jubal Valentine, played by Jeremy Sisto.

Jubal has been a mainstay on FBI since the show’s early seasons. As the Assistant Special Agent in Charge, he’s not only a veteran in the field—he’s a symbol of calm, rule-abiding leadership. He’s the kind of guy who believes in the system, respects the badge, and won’t take shortcuts just to close a case. In short, he’s the exact opposite of what Ellis’ maverick CIA character appears to be—and that’s exactly why the pairing could be a stroke of genius.

This isn’t just fan fiction. There’s logic—and precedent—behind the theory. Consider this: the FBI franchise has a history of crossing characters between shows. Jubal himself has already appeared in multiple crossovers, including FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. His presence has become the connective tissue of the franchise, grounding even the most chaotic cases in procedural consistency. So why not anchor the newest series with someone fans already know—and trust?

Let’s look at what we know about CIA. It’s set in New York. So is Jubal. It revolves around threats on American soil. That’s Jubal’s turf. The core tension will be between a rule-breaker (Ellis) and a rule-follower. No one embodies “by-the-book” professionalism better than Jubal Valentine. And if CBS wants instant credibility for this new series without losing franchise continuity, integrating Jubal into CIA is a narrative masterstroke.

There’s also the chemistry factor. Jeremy Sisto brings an understated gravitas to his roles. He’s not flashy, but he commands the room. He doesn’t overact, but he never fades into the background. Placing his calm, controlled demeanor opposite Ellis’ magnetic volatility? That’s oil and water in the best way possible.

Imagine the scenes: Jubal trying to hold the line while Ellis’ character pulls an unauthorized surveillance op. A heated exchange in the CIA control room over chain of command. Mutual frustration building into grudging respect. The kind of slow-burn partnership that viewers live for. And let’s not forget, both actors have serious dramatic chops—and an uncanny ability to reveal emotional depth beneath stoic exteriors.

Still not convinced? Let’s talk story mechanics.

With both FBI: International and Most Wanted ending in 2025, there’s an opportunity to redistribute characters. Rather than flood FBI with returning faces, why not redeploy key figures like Jubal into the next big thing? CIA will need seasoned agents, trusted voices, and franchise familiarity to give it weight. A brand-new character might take episodes—or an entire season—to click. But a character like Jubal? He’s already beloved. Already tested.

This theory isn’t without precedent in TV franchise history. Law & Order often transitions characters between spin-offs. NCIS is famous for giving backdoor pilots using franchise favorites. Chicago Fire, PD, and Med constantly rotate players. And with Dick Wolf himself behind the FBI universe, the blueprint is already in place.

So why has CBS remained silent about casting Ellis’ partner?

Possibly because they’re waiting for the perfect launch. A surprise reveal. A high-profile crossover. Maybe they’re holding the announcement to build anticipation—or to test audience theories like this one. If so, it’s working. The idea of bringing in Jubal isn’t just smart, it’s exciting. It deepens the universe without diluting it. It gives CIA a head start. And most of all, it delivers what fans want: familiar faces in new, dramatic terrain.

Of course, it’s also possible CBS is heading in a totally new direction. They could introduce a fresh character to pair with Ellis. They could be searching for a female FBI agent to shake up the dynamic. But even then, the show would benefit from having someone like Jubal in the orbit. As a boss, a liaison, a reluctant mentor. His presence would lend CIA instant legitimacy and deepen the stakes.

The beauty of the FBI universe is its interconnectivity. CIA doesn’t have to exist in isolation. And if it’s going to stand out from the crowded procedural landscape, it must do more than offer car chases and interrogations—it has to anchor itself in emotional tension, character evolution, and franchise DNA.

Jubal Valentine offers all of that and more. He’s not just a fit for CIA. He may be the missing piece that turns the show from “promising” to “unmissable.”