CBS is expanding its FBI universe with an exciting new spinoff titled FBI: CIA, set to premiere in the 2025–2026 television season. This series promises to bring fresh energy and a unique angle to the franchise by exploring the collaboration between two key federal agencies in a high-stakes, domestic terrorism context.
What Is FBI: CIA About?
FBI: CIA focuses on an unlikely partnership between Hart Hoxton, a charismatic and rule-breaking CIA case officer, and a yet-to-be-cast, by-the-book FBI agent. Together, they form a secretive task force based at the CIA’s New York Station, working to thwart domestic terrorism threats within the United States. The show’s central dynamic revolves around the contrast between Hoxton’s fast-talking, street-smart tactics and the FBI agent’s disciplined, methodical approach.
Behind the Scenes
The series is executive produced by Dick Wolf, the creator of the FBI franchise and Law & Order, along with David Hudgins, Nicole Perlman, and former CIA officer David Chasteen. Hudgins serves as the showrunner, ensuring that FBI: CIA maintains the franchise’s signature procedural intensity combined with rich character development.
Full Season Order, No Pilot
In an unusual move, CBS has ordered a full season of FBI: CIA without first producing a pilot episode. This decision reflects the network’s strong confidence in the series concept and its potential to engage viewers. Initially, the show was planned to be introduced via a backdoor pilot within an episode of FBI, but due to casting changes, CBS decided to move forward with a full season order directly.
A New Direction for the FBI Franchise
Unlike previous spinoffs like FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, which heavily interconnected with the original series, FBI: CIA is designed to stand on its own with minimal crossover. This approach allows the show to establish its own identity and explore fresh themes centered on intelligence and domestic counterterrorism.
Premiere and Scheduling
FBI: CIA is scheduled to premiere in fall 2025 as part of CBS’s Monday night lineup, alongside the original FBI series entering its eighth season. This prime scheduling is expected to attract a wide audience and strengthen the franchise’s presence in the competitive network TV space.
Looking Ahead
With its compelling premise and fresh character dynamics, FBI: CIA is set to breathe new life into the FBI universe. The show offers an intriguing exploration of the intersection between FBI and CIA operations on domestic soil, promising a blend of action, drama, and complex storytelling that fans of the franchise will surely appreciate.
