CBS Unveils Explosive Trailer for ‘CIA’: Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss Team Up in High-Stakes FBI Spinoff

In a thrilling development for procedural drama fans, CBS has dropped the first trailer for its highly anticipated FBI offshoot, CIA, set to premiere on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10/9c. The series, which follows the Season 8 winter return of FBI, promises a blend of high-octane action, shadowy conspiracies, and sharp-witted banter, courtesy of an unlikely partnership between a rogue CIA operative and a steadfast FBI agent. With Tom Ellis, best known for his charismatic portrayal of the devil in Lucifer, stepping into the role of a rule-bending CIA case officer, and Nick Gehlfuss, formerly of Chicago Med, as the by-the-book FBI Special Agent Bill Goodman, the show is already generating buzz for its odd-couple dynamic.

The trailer, released on December 15, introduces viewers to this clandestine CIA/FBI task force operating out of New York City’s CIA station. Ellis’s character is depicted as a fast-talking loose cannon who thrives on bending rules and charming his way through polygraphs, while Gehlfuss’s Goodman embodies the epitome of law-abiding integrity, often clashing with his partner’s unorthodox methods. Together, they tackle domestic terrorist threats, from explosive plots in urban settings to intricate webs of espionage on U.S. soil. The footage teases intense action sequences, including car chases through Manhattan streets, rooftop pursuits, and high-stakes interrogations that highlight their contrasting styles—Ellis’s suave deception versus Gehlfuss’s methodical deduction.

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CIA’ Trailer: Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss Are a Fun Law Enforcement Duo

Produced by Dick Wolf, the mastermind behind the Law & Order and FBI franchises, CIA aims to expand the FBI universe by delving into the murky world of intelligence operations. According to CBS, the series explores how these two agents, forced into an uneasy alliance, discover that their differences might just be their greatest asset in thwarting threats that blur the lines between national security and personal vendettas. Wolf has teased that the show will incorporate real-world inspirations, drawing from declassified CIA operations and contemporary counterterrorism efforts, while maintaining the procedural format that keeps viewers hooked week after week.

Tom Ellis, fresh off his devilish antics in Lucifer, brings a magnetic presence to the role. In the trailer, his character effortlessly lies during a polygraph test, quipping, “The truth is overrated,” which echoes the charm that made Lucifer a fan favorite. Ellis has expressed excitement about the project in recent interviews, noting that playing a CIA officer allows him to explore moral ambiguities in a grounded, high-stakes environment. “It’s like Lucifer meets Jason Bourne,” he joked during a promotional event. This marks Ellis’s return to network television after his Netflix stint, and early reactions suggest his charisma will be a major draw.

Opposite him, Nick Gehlfuss steps away from the medical drama world of Chicago Med, where he played Dr. Will Halstead for eight seasons. As Agent Goodman, Gehlfuss portrays a seasoned investigator who believes staunchly in the rule of law, often rolling his eyes at Ellis’s antics. The trailer showcases their chemistry through humorous exchanges amid chaos, like when Goodman’s frustration boils over during a botched operation: “We have protocols for a reason!” Gehlfuss, in a statement, highlighted the appeal of the role: “It’s refreshing to play someone so principled in a world full of gray areas. The banter with Tom is electric.”

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CIA (CBS) Trailer HD – Tom Ellis drama series

The series premiere will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+, positioning it as a key player in the network’s Monday night lineup. Production faced minor delays earlier this year due to scheduling conflicts, but the wait seems worthwhile based on the trailer’s polished visuals and gripping narrative teases. Episodes will follow a case-of-the-week format intertwined with overarching storylines involving shadowy plots that threaten American security, including cyber threats, insider betrayals, and international intrigue spilling onto domestic grounds.

Critics and fans alike are drawing parallels to classic buddy-cop duos, with CIA poised to inject fresh energy into the genre. Social media is abuzz with reactions to the trailer, praising the explosive action and the stars’ undeniable rapport. One viewer tweeted, “Tom Ellis as a CIA agent? Sign me up— this looks like pure adrenaline!” The show’s tagline, “When opposites collide, threats get neutralized,” encapsulates the core appeal.

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CIA’ first look has Nick Gehlfuss, Tom Ellis in ‘FBI’ spinoff

As CIA gears up for its debut, it joins a robust slate of 2026 programming, including renewals for FBI and its siblings. With Wolf’s track record of long-running hits, expectations are high for CIA to become a staple. The trailer ends on a cliffhanger note, with the duo facing down a massive explosion, leaving audiences eager for more. Mark your calendars—February 23 can’t come soon enough.

In an era where espionage thrillers dominate streaming, CIA stands out by grounding its stories in procedural realism while leveraging star power. Whether it’s Ellis’s devilish grin or Gehlfuss’s steadfast glare, this duo is set to keep America safe—and viewers entertained. For more details, check out the full trailer on CBS’s official site.