CBS Continues FBI Franchise's Winning Tradition On CIA Ahead Of Premiere

The new spinoff series follows a duo of CIA and FBI agents as they work together on cases.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The FBI franchise is expanding with the upcoming premiere of the new spinoff series CIA on CBS. The show, led by Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss, continues the franchise's winning formula by recasting actors from other Wolf Entertainment shows in more prominent roles. This approach of reusing actors across the interconnected FBI, Law & Order, and One Chicago universes has proven successful for the franchise.

Why it matters

The FBI franchise has faced some setbacks recently with the unexpected cancellations of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. However, the upcoming launch of CIA demonstrates the network's commitment to rebuilding and expanding the franchise. By continuing the practice of recasting actors in bigger roles, CIA is poised to maintain the winning formula that has made the FBI universe a hit with viewers.

The details

CIA was originally slated to debut last fall, but a series of behind-the-scenes changes led CBS to push back the premiere. The show follows the partnership between CIA agent Colin Glass, played by Tom Ellis, and FBI agent Bill Goodman, played by Nick Gehlfuss. Gehlfuss and actress Natalee Linez, who plays CIA analyst Gina Rojas, are both reprising larger roles after previously appearing in smaller parts on other Wolf Entertainment shows like Chicago Med and Chicago PD.

  • CIA was originally supposed to debut in fall 2025 but was pushed back to a 2026 premiere.
  • The show is set to debut on CBS in February 2026.

The players

Tom Ellis

British actor who plays the lead role of CIA agent Colin Glass in the new spinoff series.

Nick Gehlfuss

American actor who portrays FBI agent Bill Goodman, the partner of Ellis' character, and is reprising a larger role after previously appearing on Chicago Med.

Natalee Linez

Actress who plays CIA analyst Gina Rojas and is also reprising a more prominent part after a smaller role on Chicago PD.

Dick Wolf

Veteran television producer and the creative force behind the expansive FBI, Law & Order, and One Chicago franchises.

Chuck Lorre

Prolific television writer and producer known for his loyalty to actors, often recasting them in new roles across his shows.

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What’s next

The premiere of CIA on CBS in February 2026 will be a key moment for the FBI franchise as it looks to rebuild and expand its foothold on network television.

The takeaway

The FBI franchise's strategy of recasting actors in more prominent roles across its interconnected universe has proven successful, and the upcoming launch of CIA on CBS demonstrates the network's commitment to maintaining this winning formula as it rebuilds the franchise following the cancellations of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International.