CBS’ popular FBI show is set to grow with its forthcoming spin-off, CIA, though the latter has been undergoing a number of cast changes and a potential replacement.
FBI made its debut on CBS in 2018, focusing on Federal Bureau of Investigation agents in New York City. The network then created FBI: Most Wanted, which aired from 2020 to 2025, centering around the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fugitive Task Force. There was also the FBI: International offshoot, following the International Fly Team, that was on air for four seasons before its conclusion in 2025.
In April 2025, CBS ordered a full series of CIA with Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss in the leading roles. According to the show’s synopsis, CIA is about “two contrasting partners — a witty, rule-breaking, free-wheeling CIA case officer and a by-the-book, skilled FBI agent who follows the rules.”
The synopsis added, “When this unlikely pairing are assigned to CIA’s New York Station, they must learn how to collaborate to solve cases and take down criminals that pose a threat on U.S. soil, as they come to see that their differences could be their greatest asset.”
After the cast was finalized, CIA initially had a showrunner change, followed by the exit of one of its main characters. Keep reading for a look at the onscreen — and offscreen — changes prior to CIA‘s debut on CBS:
The Key Players
Premiering in 2018, FBI is focused on the inner operations of the New York City field office criminal division of the FBI, where agents strive to protect New York City and its residents.
The police-centered series currently features Zeeko Zaki, Missy Peregrym, Jeremy Sisto, John Boyd, and Alana De La Garza. Following its success on CBS, FBI branched out with FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, both of which have since ended.
The Gist
Zeeko Zaki and Missy Peregrym on ‘FBI.’ Bennett Raglin/CBS
CBS revealed in April that CIA, which is set in the same world as Dick Wolf’s FBI, received the green light for the 2025-2026 broadcast season.
Originally slated to premiere in the fall of 2025, CIA was moved to midseason after Warren Leight took over as showrunner for FBI: Most Wanted‘s David Hudgins. The changes kept happening when Michael Michele, who was among the show’s stars, departed in November 2025. Days later, Eriq La Salle also left the series as executive producer. He had been involved with CIA from the start and directed the pilot prior to his departure.
What Has Been Said
Though the shakeups haven’t been addressed by anyone, Ellis hinted at what FBI enthusiasts can expect from the show.
“We’re going to build on what the FBI team has developed in that world,” Ellis exclusively shared with Us Weekly in May 2025. “Then we will look at it from the CIA’s perspective.”
He added, “We may have some crossovers with FBI occasionally, but ultimately, this is about how the CIA operates on domestic soil and why it’s essential for these vastly different agencies to exchange information for the greater good.”
What’s Next
Zeeko Zaki and Comfort Clinton on ‘FBI.’ Bennett Raglin/CBS
In addition to Ellis, CIA also features Gehlfuss and Natalee Linez. The show started filming in September 2025, and production is ongoing, having not been affected by the departures. CIA is still on track to premiere midseason on CBS.
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