The anticipation for the upcoming CBS spinoff, CIA, is reaching a fever pitch as the series, set to premiere in midseason 2026, promises to expand the FBI universe in an exciting new direction. Originally intended as a planted spinoff from the hit show FBI, CIA has evolved into its own standalone series that will join the likes of FBI and FBI: Most Wanted in the network’s prestigious crime drama lineup. With FBI: International wrapping up its fourth season, fans are eager to see how this new show will fit into the universe. Here’s everything we know about the show so far.

A New Crime Drama with a Familiar Face

CIA will introduce viewers to a new set of characters, but the star power of Tom Ellis, known for his role in Lucifer, will certainly grab attention. Ellis plays the lead role of a fast-talking, rule-breaking, and highly unpredictable CIA case officer. Ellis’ character will be forced to team up with a by-the-book, experienced FBI agent — played by a yet-to-be-announced actor — in what promises to be a clash of methods and personalities. The two will work together out of CIA’s New York Station, handling high-stakes investigations that focus on cases and criminals posing threats to the United States.

Fans of Ellis are particularly excited for his portrayal of this loose-cannon agent, as the show’s premise revolves around the chemistry and tension between his character and the disciplined FBI agent. As they navigate their differences, the odd couple dynamic will serve as the heart of the show, potentially making CIA a fresh addition to CBS’ growing lineup of procedurals.

Behind the Scenes: Big Names on Board

Eriq La Salle, who is no stranger to the world of crime drama having worked on Chicago P.D., Law & Order, and On Call, will direct and executive produce the first episode of CIA. His extensive experience in the genre promises a gritty, edge-of-your-seat atmosphere that fans of FBI: International and other Dick Wolf shows will certainly appreciate.

In addition to La Salle, the series will be executive produced by a team of experienced producers: showrunner David Hudgins, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski. With such a talented behind-the-scenes team, it’s clear that CBS is aiming for CIA to live up to the high standards set by its predecessors.

A Shift in the Schedule and Cast Details

While CIA was initially slated to air in the fall of 2025, the premiere date has now been moved to midseason 2026. The new time slot is due to FBI: Most Wanted taking over the fall lineup, while CIA will land after FBI on Monday nights at 10/9c. Although no official trailer has been released yet, fans can expect an action-packed, high-stakes introduction to the series once the first episode is unveiled.

What’s the Future of the FBI Universe?

The success of FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted proved that the franchise has a winning formula, and while those two spinoffs have concluded their runs, the launch of CIA signals that the FBI universe will continue to thrive on CBS. The main FBI series has been renewed for Seasons 8 and 9, securing its place on CBS’ primetime schedule for years to come. With the cancellation of International and Most Wanted, CIA is poised to take over as the latest chapter in the franchise’s expansion.

Fans of FBI: International can expect to see the same blend of fast-paced investigations, complex characters, and intense drama that made FBI a household name. However, with the introduction of CIA, there will likely be new dynamics at play, and fans are eager to see how this spinoff will carve out its own identity while still maintaining the familiar tone of the FBI shows.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect from CIA?

As of now, details on the cast are limited, but the addition of Tom Ellis is a promising start. His dynamic with the FBI agent — who will likely be a key character in the series — will be crucial to the show’s success. The blend of personal tension and professional stakes is what fans have come to expect from shows like FBI and FBI: International, and CIA appears to promise more of the same.

Will CIA be the new staple of CBS’ crime drama lineup? With the right mix of action, tension, and character-driven stories, it has the potential to continue the legacy of FBI and its spinoffs. Stay tuned as more information about the series, including a potential trailer and new cast additions, is sure to surface in the coming months leading up to the midseason premiere.