CBS is expanding its FBI universe with a new spin-off titled FBI: CIA, starring Tom Ellis, best known for his role as Lucifer Morningstar in the hit series Lucifer. The show is set to premiere during the 2025–2026 broadcast season and will feature Ellis as a charismatic, rule-breaking CIA case officer. He will be paired with a yet-to-be-cast FBI agent who strictly adheres to the rules. Together, the mismatched duo will operate from the CIA’s New York Station to investigate domestic threats.
🔍 Plot Overview
FBI: CIA centers on two unlikely partners: Ellis’ loose cannon CIA officer and a by-the-book, seasoned FBI agent who believes in the rule of law. When this odd couple is assigned to work out of the CIA’s New York Station, they must learn to work together to investigate cases and criminals posing threats on U.S. soil, finding that their differences may actually be their strength.
🎬 Production Team
The series is created by Dick Wolf, known for his work on Law & Order and the original FBI series. David Hudgins, who served as the showrunner for FBI: Most Wanted, will also be involved in this project. Nicole Perlman (known for Captain Marvel) and former CIA officer David Chasteen are also contributing to the writing. The show will be produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment and CBS Studios.
📺 Series Order and Title
Unlike previous spin-offs in the FBI franchise, CBS has opted to launch FBI: CIA as a straight-to-series project, bypassing the traditional pilot episode. This means the network will produce an entire season upfront. The series was initially planned to be introduced through a backdoor pilot in an episode of FBI, but casting challenges led to the decision to proceed directly with a full season. The title “FBI: CIA” is provisional and may change before the show’s premiere.
📅 Premiere Date
FBI: CIA is slated to debut during the 2025–2026 broadcast season. It will air on CBS and is expected to be part of the network’s Monday night lineup, following the original FBI series. This scheduling aims to create a cohesive evening of crime dramas for viewers.
