Showrunner Shake-Up Continues as Warren Leight Exits ‘CIA’; Mike Weiss Steps In Amid Production Pause, Recasting, and Script Turmoil

CBS’ newest straight-to-series drama CIA is facing another major behind-the-scenes upheaval, adding to what has become one of the most turbulent launches for a Dick Wolf–produced project in years. Just days after the exit of one of the series’ leads, Michael Michele, as well as director and executive producer Eriq La Salle, showrunner Warren Leight has also departed. Leight, Michele, and La Salle are all longtime members of the Wolf Entertainment orbit, making the rapid-fire departures particularly notable within the franchise’s usually steady creative environment.

CIA, a spinoff of CBS’ hit FBI franchise, stars Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss and was originally planned for a fall 2025 debut before being pushed to midseason amid production concerns. The series was ordered straight to series in April without a completed final pilot script, according to industry rumors, and has since experienced multiple structural changes. When the show received its initial greenlight, former FBI: Most Wanted showrunner David Hudgins was tapped to lead the writers’ room and shape the series. But in July, CBS replaced Hudgins with Leight, who previously ran Law & Order: SVU and is one of the most experienced showrunners in the Wolf universe.

Leight’s exit now marks the second showrunner change before cameras have meaningfully rolled, an unusual and worrying sign for a network show tied to a powerhouse production company known for prolific output and efficiency. CBS has moved quickly to name Mike Weiss, a veteran of Chicago P.D., as the new showrunner. Weiss, who has experience handling Wolf Entertainment’s procedural tone and large ensemble narrative style, is expected to stabilize the writers’ room as the series undergoes creative reevaluation.

The turmoil comes during a production pause triggered by both the creative shake-ups and recasting needs. Michael Michele, originally cast as one of the show’s central roles, exited earlier this week. Shortly after, Eriq La Salle, who had signed on as both director and executive producer for the early episodes, also departed. While neither CBS nor Wolf Entertainment have offered public explanations for the exits, sources pointed to “creative differences,” a phrase often used as shorthand for disagreements over tone, script direction, or character arcs.

The complications are further amplified by the show’s ambitious concept. CIA centers on two clashing operatives forced into partnership: a fast-talking, rule-breaking CIA case officer played by Tom Ellis, and a by-the-book, deeply principled FBI agent portrayed by Nick Gehlfuss. Set within the CIA’s New York Station, the series explores domestic national security threats and the uneasy balance between intelligence operations and legal boundaries. The odd-couple dynamic at the heart of the show aims to blend character-driven conflict and procedural casework, a familiar formula for Wolf Entertainment but one that requires tight scripting and consistent creative leadership.

Rumors that the project lacked a locked pilot script at its series order have fueled speculation that the writers’ room is now reworking character dynamics, story arcs, and perhaps the show’s broader tonal direction. With the departure of multiple senior creatives in rapid succession, industry insiders have questioned whether the early drafts failed to capture the balance CBS sought between network procedural accessibility and the higher-stakes espionage ambitions implied by the premise.

Mike Weiss’ arrival is widely seen as a move toward restoring order. Known for his work on Chicago P.D. and The Mentalist, Weiss has handled complex procedural structures and serialized emotional arcs, traits that may be in demand as CIA attempts to regain footing. Sources close to production suggest Weiss will be heavily involved in script revisions, and recasting for Michele’s vacated role is expected to begin once the new creative direction is fully established.

For a franchise known for its stability and durability, the early turbulence on CIA stands in stark contrast to the smooth rollouts typically associated with Wolf Entertainment properties. The FBI universe, launched in 2018, has expanded rapidly with FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, both of which became reliable performers for CBS. The hope had been that CIA would continue that momentum, offering a fresh angle within the connected procedural world.

Still, despite the disruptions, CBS remains committed to the project. The midseason shift gives the network and producers time to address the creative setbacks without the pressure of an imminent premiere window. Industry observers note that mid-production restructures, while never ideal, can sometimes yield stronger shows when new leadership aligns with network expectations.

Whether CIA emerges from its current instability stronger or faces further delays remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the path to launch has become far more dramatic than anticipated, and the behind-the-scenes story now rivals the high-stakes intelligence drama unfolding on-screen.