CBS is officially expanding its FBI universe once again. The network has confirmed that the highly anticipated spinoff FBI: CIA has been ordered to series, promising to take viewers into the shadowy and high-stakes world of international intelligence. Alongside the announcement, CBS shared early details about the plot, cast, and when fans can expect the show to premiere.
A New Direction for the Franchise
While the original FBI follows the New York field office and its domestic cases, and spinoffs FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International focus on fugitive tracking and global operations respectively, FBI: CIA will dive into the intelligence side of law enforcement.
According to CBS, the series will explore the blurred lines between duty, morality, and global security as CIA agents tackle threats that operate in the gray areas of geopolitics. Expect stories about double agents, covert operations, and missions where the truth is never what it seems.
Network executives describe the spinoff as “a natural next step” for the franchise, bringing together the pulse-pounding action fans expect from Dick Wolf dramas with the intrigue of spy thrillers.
The Creative Team Behind the Series
FBI: CIA will be executive produced by Dick Wolf and Derek Haas, with showrunner Alexi Hawley (The Rookie) joining as co-creator. The combination of Wolf’s procedural expertise and Hawley’s knack for balancing character-driven drama with adrenaline-pumping action is already fueling excitement.
“We’ve built an FBI universe that has explored law enforcement across multiple fronts. With FBI: CIA, we’re raising the stakes and going deeper into the clandestine world of intelligence operations,” Wolf said in a statement.
Cast: Familiar Faces and Newcomers
CBS has confirmed that Tom Ellis (best known for Lucifer) will lead the cast as a former field agent turned CIA operative navigating both personal demons and dangerous missions. He will be joined by Eve Harlow (Next), who plays a rising star in the agency known for her unconventional tactics.
Rumors are swirling that characters from the main FBI series could make crossover appearances, particularly in the pilot. Producers are keeping quiet, but fans should expect the occasional familiar face to help connect the spinoff to the larger universe.
Release Date and Premiere Expectations
While a specific release date hasn’t been announced, FBI: CIA is slated to debut during the 2025–2026 CBS television season. Insiders suggest a fall premiere is likely, allowing the spinoff to launch alongside its sister shows for maximum crossover potential.
Filming is expected to begin later this year, with production taking place in both New York and international locations to reflect the global scope of the CIA’s work.
What This Means for the FBI Franchise
With the addition of FBI: CIA, the franchise now consists of four shows, rivaling the scale of Dick Wolf’s Law & Order universe on NBC. CBS executives are banking on the expansion to strengthen the brand and keep audiences invested across multiple interconnected storylines.
Industry analysts believe FBI: CIA could attract a slightly different audience by blending procedural crime-solving with espionage drama, potentially appealing to fans of shows like Homeland and Alias.
Fans Already Hyped
Even before the official confirmation, speculation about an “intelligence-focused spinoff” had circulated online for months. Now that CBS has made it official, fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.
One fan wrote: “Tom Ellis as a CIA agent? Say no more. I’m already hooked.” Another added: “This could be the most exciting FBI show yet. I love that they’re exploring the CIA side of things.”
Looking Ahead
As production ramps up, more details about the supporting cast and crossover plans are expected in the coming months. If CBS plays its cards right, FBI: CIA could become the boldest and most ambitious entry in the franchise yet.
For now, fans can mark their calendars for the 2025–26 season and prepare to enter the world of espionage, where every secret has a price — and the truth can be the most dangerous weapon of all.
