CBS is expanding its FBI universe with a new spin-off titled FBI: CIA, set to premiere in the 2025–2026 broadcast season. This series aims to bring a fresh dynamic to the franchise by pairing a dedicated FBI agent with a charismatic CIA officer, focusing on domestic terrorism cases in New York City.
Series Overview
FBI: CIA centers on a dedicated, strait-laced FBI agent and a street-smart CIA agent who are part of a new, clandestine task force charged with solving and preventing domestic terrorism in and around New York City. The series explores how their contrasting styles—one by-the-book and the other rule-breaking—become their greatest asset in tackling complex threats.
Cast and Production
The series stars Tom Ellis, known for his role in Lucifer, as the charismatic CIA officer. The FBI agent counterpart has yet to be cast. The show is produced by Universal Television and CBS Studios, with Dick Wolf serving as an executive producer alongside David Hudgins, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski.
Development and Airing
Unlike traditional spin-offs, FBI: CIA has been given a straight-to-series order by CBS, bypassing the usual pilot episode. This approach indicates the network’s confidence in the concept and its potential appeal to audiences. The series is set to air back-to-back with the original FBI series on Monday nights, aiming to create a compelling evening of crime dramas.
What to Expect
Viewers can anticipate a blend of intense action, intricate investigations, and character-driven storytelling. The partnership between the rule-abiding FBI agent and the unconventional CIA officer promises to bring fresh dynamics and engaging narratives to the FBI franchise.
FBI: CIA is shaping up to be a promising addition to CBS’s lineup, offering a new perspective on the challenges of domestic counterterrorism. Fans of the FBI series and newcomers alike can look forward to its debut in the upcoming season.
