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CIA (TV series)

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CIA
Genre
Created by
Developed by
ShowrunnerMike Weiss
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Ash Steele
  • Tom Ellis
CinematographyJonathan Beattie
EditorMegan D'Arco
Running time43 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseFebruary 23, 2026 (2026-02-23) –
present
Related

CIA is an American police procedural television series created by Dick Wolf, David Hudgins, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Warren Leight that premiered on CBS on February 23, 2026. The series is produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment and CBS Studios with Wolf, Perlman, Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski serving as executive producers. It follows the teaming of a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) case officer with an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the two are based in New York City and work together investigating domestic threats to the United States. It is a spin-off from the FBI television franchise. In March 2026, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on October 5, 2026.

Premise

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CIA case officer Colin Glass is a bit of a loose cannon with no regard for the rules, and FBI special agent Bill Goodman is strictly by-the-book. The two of them must team up and find a way to work together to protect the United States from domestic terrorism threats.

Cast

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Main

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  • Tom Ellis as Colin Glass (season 1–present), a CIA case officer
  • Nick Gehlfuss as William "Bill" Randall Goodman (season 1–present), an FBI special agent from the FBI New York field office
  • Natalee Linez as Gina Gosian (season 1–present), a CIA analyst
  • Necar Zadegan as Nikki Reynard (season 1–present), the Deputy Chief of the CIA's New York station

Recurring

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Crossover characters

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  • Jeremy Sisto as Jubal Valentine (season 1), Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) in the FBI New York field office
  • James Chen as Ian Lim (season 1), an FBI Technical Analyst in the FBI New York field office
  • Missy Peregrym as Maggie Bell (season 1), FBI Special Agent in the FBI New York field office
  • Alana de la Garza as Isobel Castille (season 1), Special Agent in Charge (SAC) in the FBI New York field office
  • John Boyd as Stuart Scola (season 2), FBI Special Agent in the FBI New York field office

Episodes

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Series overview

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SeasonEpisodesOriginally releasedRankViewers
(millions)
First releasedLast released
112February 23, 2026 (2026-02-23)May 18, 2026 (2026-05-18)248.10[1]
2TBAOctober 5, 2026 (2026-10-05)TBATBATBA

Season 1 (2026)

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No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateProd.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Directed Energy"Ken GirottiMike WeissFebruary 23, 2026 (2026-02-23)CIA106N/A

When a top-secret weapon is stolen from a defense contractor in broad daylight, CIA agent Colin Glass and FBI agent Bill Goodman investigate. After the case has been solved, Bill learns from the FBI's New York Field Office ASAC- Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine he's being assigned to a task force after telling him that FBI counterintelligence believes there's a mole operating in the CIA's New York operations and that it's Bill's job to expose the mole whoever he or she is.

  • Jeremy Sisto (Jubal Valentine) is credited as a Special Guest Star.
22"Fatal Defect"Jon CassarAlex BergerMarch 2, 2026 (2026-03-02)CIA107N/A
The appearance of a known smuggler sends Colin and Bill upstate to investigate things as they also enlist the help of a foreign intelligence officer.
33"Bridge of Lies"Peter StebbingsBrendan FeeneyMarch 9, 2026 (2026-03-09)CIA108N/A

When an officer in Hong Kong is detained, Nikki travels there to get him out but when she's arrested, the team frantically work to get her back to New York City before it's too late.

  • Jeremy Sisto (Jubal Valentine) is credited as a Special Guest Star.
44"Forced Labor"Norberto BarbaSiobhan Byrne O'ConnorMarch 16, 2026 (2026-03-16)CIA104N/A

The team investigate when a Belarus national who's wanted for various crimes poses as an expectant father as Colin, Bill and the team work to expose an illegal smuggling ring.

  • Hope Davis (Stephanie Harris) is credited as a Special Guest Star.
55"Deep Cover"Jon CassarRichard SwerenMarch 23, 2026 (2026-03-23)CIA102N/A
When a cyber engineer and her family are murdered, Bill, Colin and the team scramble to catch those responsible and prevent any future attacks.
66"Pledge of Allegiance"Jon CassarCéline C. RobinsonMarch 30, 2026 (2026-03-30)CIA109N/A

The team jump into action when Colin receives a tip concerning a terrorist plot, only to discover it concerns a young man who was kidnapped in Turkey nine years ago at the age of 15 and was subsequently declared dead as the team race to prevent the attack while Colin investigates someone close to Bill.

  • Jeremy Sisto (Jubal Valentine) is credited as a Special Guest Star.
77"Elimination Game"Anna DokozaCéline C. RobinsonApril 13, 2026 (2026-04-13)CIA105N/A

While securing an international soccer match, Colin and Bill learn of a bomb threat connected to two missing players. With time of the essence, the team enlists the help of FBI SAC Isobel Castille and field agent Maggie Bell.

  • Missy Peregrym (Maggie Bell) and Alana de la Garza (Isobel Castille) are credited as Special Guest Stars.
88"Orbital"Ken GirottiBen DubashApril 20, 2026 (2026-04-20)CIA110N/A

Bill and Colin go undercover along with Gina to locate and retrieve a stolen crashed satellite component that's carrying extremely dangerous nuclear material.

  • Donal Logue (Jonah LeRoux) is credited as a Special Guest Star.
99"Blood Money"Ludovic LitteeFran KuperbergApril 27, 2026 (2026-04-27)CIA111N/A

Colin and Bill investigate a woman's intelligence concerning a terror leader that has them uncovering a family run terrorist network. They must recruit a new informant to help them dismantle the operation while Bill uncovers something startling.

  • Jeremy Sisto (Jubal Valentine) is credited as a Special Guest Star.
1010"Rare Earth"Jean de SegonzacBen DubashMay 4, 2026 (2026-05-04)CIA103N/A

The team investigate when a foreign diplomat who entered the US under unknown circumstances is murdered.

  • Jeremy Sisto (Jubal Valentine) is credited as a Special Guest Star.
1111"Forbidden Eye"Milena GovichAlex BergerMay 11, 2026 (2026-05-11)CIA112N/A
When Colin's CIA mentor disappers, he enlists Bill and the team to help him.
1212"Broken Glass"Ken GirottiMike WeissMay 18, 2026 (2026-05-18)CIA113N/A

Bill and Colin race to stop an intelligence company from concealing the fact intelligence was stolen while they track down a dangerous person from Colin's own past.

  • Jeremy Sisto (Jubal Valentine) is credited as a Special Guest Star.

Season 2 (2026)

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No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [2]Directed byWritten byOriginal release date [2]Prod.
code [2]		U.S. viewers
(millions)
131"The Deep"Ken GirottiMike WeissOctober 5, 2026 (2026-10-05)CIA201TBD
142"Dead Drop"[3]Ludo LitteeKen WoodruffOctober 12, 2026 (2026-10-12)CIA202TBD
153"Radio Active"[4]Milena GovichAlex BergerOctober 19, 2026 (2026-10-19)CIA203TBD

Production

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Development

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The series, a spin-off of the FBI television franchise and tentatively titled FBI: CIA, was in development at CBS in January 2025, originally intending to begin with a backdoor pilot airing as an FBI episode.[5] After the proposed backdoor pilot had been repeatedly pushed toward the end of the season, FBI was nearing the end of production for the season, while casting for CIA was still underway, so the series was instead being considered for a straight-to-series pick-up without the backdoor pilot launch and with a new script.[6] The series was created by Dick Wolf and David Hudgins, with Hudgins initially planning to be the showrunner.[7][8] While a procedural in nature, Hudgins said that it would be different from FBI because it would focus on the relationship dynamic between the two leads from different organizations and approaches.[9]

CBS made the straight-to-series order in April with Wolf and Hudgins executive producing along with former CIA officer David Chasteen, Nicole Perlman, and Peter Jankowski. Production companies for the series are Wolf Entertainment, CBS Studios, and Universal Television.[7] Eriq La Salle joined the series in July to direct the pilot and executive produce.[8] By July, Warren Leight took over as showrunner for Hudgins, and the series was delayed to adjust.[10] While in production, La Salle left the series,[11] followed by Leight, with both stepping down as executive producers, with Mike Weiss, FBI showrunner, expected to take over on CIA as well.[12] The premiere ended up being directed by Ken Girotti.[13] In March 2026, CBS renewed the series for a second season premiered on October 5, 2026.[14][15]

Casting

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Upon the series order announcement in April 2025, Tom Ellis was cast to star as the CIA case officer.[7] Ellis said he had been doing chemistry reads as part of casting for a partner on the show, and confirmed his character would be American.[16] However, Ellis later met with executive producer Dick Wolf, who had apparently changed Ellis's character at the last minute to be British - he would have a dual British-American citizenship, but speak with a received pronunciation accent.[17] The second lead opposite Ellis was not cast until September 2025 when Nick Gehlfuss was cast as the FBI special agent working with Ellis' CIA officer. Michael Michele was also cast as chief of the CIA's New York station,[18] and Natalee Linez joined the cast as a CIA analyst.[19] After production began, Michele left the series in November,[12] requiring her role to be recast and filled by Necar Zadegan.[20] Jeremy Sisto also features in the series, crossing over from the larger FBI franchise.[13]

Filming

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The series began filming in September 2025 in New York City.[21][11] After the departures of Michele and La Salle, production was planned to continue,[11] but it was ultimately put on hold when Leight left as well.[12]

Reception

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On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 63% based on 8 reviews.[22] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, gave a score of 46 out of 100 based on 4 critics, indicating "mixed or average".[23]

References

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  1. ↑ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-final-top-25-2025-26-season-1236652486/
  2. 1 2 3 "Shows A-Z - CIA on CBS". The Futon Critic. Retrieved September 21, 2026.
  3. ↑ "(#CIA202) "Dead Drop"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved September 21, 2026.
  4. ↑ "(#CIA203) "Radio Active"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved October 5, 2026.
  5. ↑ Webb Mitovich, Matt (January 22, 2025). "FBI: CIA Spinoff Eyed at CBS, Backdoor Pilot to Air This Spring". TVLine. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on January 22, 2025. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
  6. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (March 17, 2025). "FBI's CIA Spinoff No Longer Getting Backdoor Pilot Episode, Eyes Straight-to-Series Order at CBS". Deadline Hollywood. United States: Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on November 19, 2025. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
  7. 1 2 3 Otterson, Joe (April 22, 2025). "CBS Orders New FBI Series CIA, Tom Ellis Set for Lead Role". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on July 23, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  8. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (April 30, 2025). "Eriq La Salle to Direct First Episode of CBS' FBI Offshoot Series CIA Starring Tom Ellis". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on November 16, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  9. ↑ Jacobs, Meredith (May 21, 2025). "CIA Boss Talks 'Odd Couple' Partners, Why New Show Is Different From Rest of FBI Universe (Exclusive)". TV Insider. NTVB Media. Archived from the original on December 11, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  10. ↑ Schneider, Michael (July 11, 2025). "CBS Reveals Fall Premiere Dates; CIA Moves to Midseason, Gets New Showrunner". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on November 13, 2025. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  11. 1 2 3 Andreeva, Nellie (November 3, 2025). "CIA: Eriq La Salle Departs FBI Offshoot as Executive Producer". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on December 31, 2025. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  12. 1 2 3 Longeretta, Emily (November 6, 2025). "FBI Spinoff CIA Showrunner Warren Leight Exits, Production Paused (Exclusive)". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on November 14, 2025. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  13. 1 2 Caruso, Nick (January 26, 2026). "CIA Exclusive: FBI's Jeremy Sisto to Guest-Star in Series Premiere". TVLine. Static Media. Archived from the original on January 27, 2026. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  14. ↑ Cordero, Rosy (March 23, 2026). "Tom Ellis & Nick Gehlfuss-Led CIA Renewed For Season 2 At CBS". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  15. ↑ Flook, Ray (July 14, 2026). "CBS Premiere Week Hits This Fall: Tracker, Marshals, Elsbeth & More". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
  16. ↑ Cohn, Paulette (June 30, 2025). "'Lucifer's Tom Ellis Reveals the Details of His Next Career Move (Exclusive)". Parade. The Arena Group. Archived from the original on July 7, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  17. ↑ Williams, M., and Radish, C. (2025) ‘CIA’ Star Tom Ellis Reveals Surprising Character Twist Ahead of ‘FBI’ Spin-Off Series [Exclusive]. [online] Collider. Available at: https://collider.com/cia-fbi-spin-off-series-update-tom-ellis-character-details/ (Accessed April 23rd 2026).
  18. ↑ Otterson, Joe (September 4, 2025). "FBI Offshoot CIA Casts Chicago Med Alum Nick Gehlfuss, Michael Michele Opposite Tom Ellis". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on January 26, 2026. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  19. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (September 16, 2025). "CIA: Natalee Linez Joins CBS' FBI Offshoot Series". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on October 13, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  20. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (November 21, 2025). "CIA: Necar Zadegan Joins CBS' FBI Offshoot as Series Regular in Recasting". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on December 30, 2025. Retrieved November 22, 2025.
  21. ↑ "Tom Ellis is seen on the set of "CIA" on September 17, 2025 in New..." Getty Images. September 17, 2025. Archived from the original on September 21, 2025. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  22. ↑ "CIA: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  23. ↑ "CIA: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
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