In an unexpected move, CBS has announced that the highly anticipated CIA spinoff, part of the popular FBI franchise, will not premiere in the fall as originally planned. Instead, it has been moved to midseason, with the debut now scheduled for 2026. This marks a significant change in CBS’s programming lineup, as fans will have to wait longer than expected for the new series to hit their screens.

The decision to delay CIA comes as a result of behind-the-scenes changes, including a shakeup in the show’s creative direction. Warren Leight, the former showrunner of Law & Order: SVU, has been brought on to take over the reins from David Hudgins. Hudgins was initially tapped to lead the project after his success with FBI: Most Wanted, but it seems creative differences or production delays led to this change.

The news of the delay first broke via Deadline, and although it is a disappointment for fans eagerly anticipating the new show, it may ultimately benefit the series in the long run. With Leight stepping in, there is hope that his experience in the world of procedural dramas will help steer the show toward success.

The Unexpected Delay: Why CIA Is Pushed to 2026

The delay of CIA is surprising for several reasons. Initially, CBS had planned to introduce the spinoff as a backdoor pilot within one of the final episodes of FBI‘s most recent season. However, those plans were scrapped, reportedly due to a delay in casting. Without a full cast in place, the show couldn’t move forward as quickly as CBS had hoped, leading to the decision to push the spinoff’s release.

As it stands, CIA remains without a completed cast, with only Lucifer star Tom Ellis attached to the project. Ellis plays the lead role of a fast-talking, rule-breaking CIA agent, originally paired with a by-the-book, no-nonsense FBI agent. The dynamic between these two unlikely partners was expected to be a core element of the show, but with the change in showrunner, fans are left wondering if the premise will be altered to fit Leight’s vision.

Despite the delay, Deadline reports that CBS is working quickly to begin casting for CIA, with production scheduled to start in the fall. The creative team is hoping that the extra time will allow for a more polished and engaging series, but for now, the focus is on getting the right talent on board to bring the show to life.

What This Means for the FBI Franchise

For now, FBI fans will be left with just one series from the franchise in the fall of 2025. With CIA moved to midseason, CBS will rely on its current FBI series to carry the weight of the brand until the new spinoff debuts in 2026.

In a bit of good news for viewers, CBS has decided to bring back Watson, the medical drama starring Morris Chestnut, to fill the gap left by CIA’s delayed debut. The second season of Watson will air on Monday nights, immediately following FBI, beginning October 13. Fans of Watson were thrilled to learn that they wouldn’t have to wait until midseason for new episodes, as CBS chose to fast-track the show’s return to the fall lineup.

A New Beginning for CIA: What Fans Can Expect

While the delay is disappointing, it’s important to note that this creative shift may result in a stronger, more refined show when it eventually airs. Warren Leight’s experience in shaping compelling, long-running procedural dramas could bring fresh energy to the CIA spinoff, and fans will be watching closely to see how the show evolves under his leadership.

As for the show’s premise, the core idea of a partnership between a rule-breaking CIA agent and a by-the-book FBI agent still holds promise. However, with the change in creative direction, it’s possible that CIA may undergo some modifications to its tone or storyline. Will the partnership between Ellis’s character and his FBI counterpart remain central to the plot, or will other storylines take the lead?

For now, fans can only wait and see, but the excitement surrounding CIA is far from over. The potential for a gripping, high-stakes drama is still there, and with Leight at the helm, there is hope that the show will live up to the expectations set by its parent franchise.

Conclusion: Waiting for the CIA to Debut

The delay of CIA until 2026 is a major shift in CBS’s fall lineup, but it’s not the end for the spinoff. With a new showrunner at the helm and casting efforts underway, the show still holds promise. For now, fans will have to make do with FBI and Watson as CBS works to get CIA off the ground.

As the wait continues, fans are left to speculate about how CIA will take shape under its new leadership. Will the original premise remain intact, or will it evolve into something new? One thing is for sure: the FBI universe is still growing, and CIA’s eventual arrival is sure to be worth the wait.