CBS has announced a new addition to its FBI franchise: a spin-off titled “CIA”, starring Tom Ellis, known for his role as Lucifer Morningstar. The series is set to premiere in the 2025–2026 broadcast season.
🕵️♂️ Premise
“CIA” centers on two unlikely partners:
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Hart Hoxton (played by Tom Ellis): A fast-talking, rule-breaking CIA case officer.
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FBI Agent (casting yet to be announced): A seasoned, by-the-book FBI agent who believes in the rule of law.
Together, they are assigned to work out of the CIA’s New York Station, investigating cases and criminals posing threats on U.S. soil. Their contrasting approaches may prove to be their strength.
🎬 Production Details
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Showrunner: David Hudgins, known for his work on FBI: Most Wanted.
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Executive Producers: Dick Wolf (creator of the FBI franchise), Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski.
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Director: Eriq La Salle is set to direct the premiere episode.
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Production Companies: Universal Television, Wolf Entertainment, and CBS Studios.
📺 Scheduling
“CIA” will air on CBS on Mondays at 10 PM ET, following the original FBI series, creating a back-to-back crime drama block.
🔍 Insights from the Showrunner
David Hudgins emphasizes that the series will focus on the dynamic between the two lead characters, describing it as an “odd couple” partnership. While the show will feature weekly cases, the central narrative will revolve around their evolving relationship, filled with “ups and downs.” Hudgins notes that this character-driven approach sets “CIA” apart from other shows in the FBI universe.
📰 Industry Reactions
The announcement of “CIA” follows the cancellations of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. Industry insiders view this as CBS’s strategic move to refresh its FBI lineup with a new direction. The decision to bypass a pilot episode and order a full season indicates the network’s confidence in the series’ potential.
