Tom Ellis Reveals Why He Chose 'CIA' After 'Lucifer'

The actor discusses the appeal of his new character and the upcoming crossover between the 'FBI' and 'CIA' series.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Tom Ellis, known for his role in the hit series 'Lucifer', has taken on a new character in the upcoming CBS procedural 'CIA'. Ellis revealed that he was drawn to the role of CIA case officer Colin Glass, who has the ability to be whoever he needs to be and often deals in lies. The actor described the character as 'charming' and 'grumpy', with a lot of depth for him to explore. 'CIA' is a spinoff of the 'FBI' series, and the two shows will have a two-way crossover, with characters from each series appearing in the other.

Why it matters

Tom Ellis' transition from the supernatural drama of 'Lucifer' to the gritty world of the CIA represents an exciting career move for the actor, as he takes on a new challenge and explores a different type of character. The crossover between 'CIA' and 'FBI' also promises to create a more interconnected storytelling experience for fans of the 'FBI' universe, allowing them to see their favorite characters in new contexts.

The details

In 'CIA', Ellis will play the role of Colin Glass, a CIA case officer who often deals in lies and deception. The actor described the character as having a 'grumpy spy face' but also being 'charming' when he needs to be. The series, which is a spinoff of the 'FBI' franchise, will follow Glass and his partner as they investigate cases and criminals posing threats on U.S. soil. The show was initially planned as a backdoor pilot for the seventh season of 'FBI', but CBS later greenlit it as a standalone series.

  • In 2025, CBS ordered a spinoff of the 'FBI' series.
  • The anticipated 10-episode series was supposed to work as a backdoor pilot for season seven of 'FBI', but those plans changed.
  • CBS later greenlit 'CIA', with Tom Ellis in the co-lead role.
  • The announcement came following the cancellation of two 'FBI' spinoffs, 'FBI: Most Wanted' and 'FBI: International'.
  • The 'CIA' series is set to premiere on CBS on February 23, 2026.

The players

Tom Ellis

An actor known for his role in the hit series 'Lucifer', who has now taken on the lead role of CIA case officer Colin Glass in the new CBS series 'CIA'.

Colin Glass

The character played by Tom Ellis in the new CBS series 'CIA', described as a CIA case officer who often deals in lies and deception, but is also charming when he needs to be.

CBS

The television network that ordered the 'CIA' spinoff series and will be airing it starting in 2026.

FBI

The long-running CBS series that 'CIA' is a spinoff of, with the two shows set to have a two-way crossover.

Isobel Castille

The Special Agent in Charge character from the 'FBI' series who will be making an appearance in the 'CIA' series.

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What they’re saying

“What really attracted me to Colin was that you never really know what you're getting from him. You don't know whether you're getting the truth or not, because he predominantly deals in lies.”

— Tom Ellis, Actor (Deadline)

“There's a lot there for the character to be able to draw from.”

— Tom Ellis, Actor (Deadline)

What’s next

The episodes in which the crossover between 'FBI' and 'CIA' characters will happen have not been revealed yet, but fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to see their favorite characters from both shows interact.

The takeaway

Tom Ellis' transition to the role of a CIA case officer in the new 'CIA' series represents an exciting career move for the actor, as he explores a different type of character and the procedural drama genre. The crossover between 'CIA' and 'FBI' also promises to create a more interconnected storytelling experience for fans of the 'FBI' universe, allowing them to see their favorite characters in new contexts.