CBS Unveils Explosive First Look at ‘CIA’: Dick Wolf’s Thrilling New Spinoff Pairs Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss in High-Stakes Clash of Agencies

By Elena Vargas, TV Correspondent New York Times Entertainment Section December 17, 2025

CBS has released the highly anticipated first trailer for CIA, the latest addition to Dick Wolf’s expansive FBI universe, sending fans into a frenzy just days ahead of the holiday season. The procedural drama, set to premiere on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10/9c, promises an electrifying blend of espionage, domestic terrorism threats, and bureaucratic tension as it follows an unlikely partnership between a rogue CIA officer and a principled FBI agent.

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

In the newly dropped sneak peek, former Lucifer star Tom Ellis embodies Colin Glass, a fast-talking, rule-bending CIA case officer with a British accent and a penchant for operating in the shadows. Paired against him is Chicago Med alum Nick Gehlfuss as Bill Goodman, a by-the-book FBI special agent who staunchly upholds protocol. Their dynamic—highlighted by explosive action sequences, lie detector interrogations, and sharp banter—forms the core of the series, set against the backdrop of a clandestine task force combating terrorism in and around New York City.

“You guys work in the open, we work in the shadows,” Ellis’ character quips in the trailer, underscoring the cultural clash between the agencies. The footage teases high-octane chases, geopolitical intrigue, and moral dilemmas, all hallmarks of Wolf’s signature style that has dominated network television for decades.

cinemablend.com

Chicago Med’s Nick Gehlfuss And Lucifer’s Tom Ellis Are An Odd Couple (With Explosions) In CBS’ CIA First Look, And I’m On Board | Cinemablend

The road to CIA has been anything but smooth. Initially announced in January 2025 as a potential planted spinoff titled FBI: CIA, the project was envisioned as a backdoor pilot episode within the flagship FBI series. However, by March, plans shifted to a straight-to-series order, bypassing the embedded introduction due to production timelines and casting delays. CBS officially greenlit the show in April 2025 for the 2025-2026 season.

Development involved a powerhouse creative team: Wolf, alongside FBI: Most Wanted showrunner David Hudgins, Guardians of the Galaxy co-writer Nicole Perlman, and former CIA officer David Chasteen. Hudgins was originally slated to helm the series, but changes ensued over the summer. Warren Leight (Law & Order: SVU) stepped in briefly before departing, leading to production pauses in the fall. Reports indicate FBI showrunner Mike Weiss is in talks to take over, ensuring the show’s momentum.

Casting announcements added to the buzz—and the drama. Tom Ellis joined early as the charismatic CIA lead, marking his return to procedural drama with an American twist (his character is a dual citizen). Nick Gehlfuss came aboard in September as the FBI counterpart. Supporting roles include Necar Zadegan (NCIS: New Orleans) as the deputy chief of station (replacing Michael Michele, who exited), Natalee Linez as sharp CIA analyst Gina Rojas, and others rounding out the New York Station team.

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Law & Order’ Boss Dick Wolf on Building His TV Empire

Dick Wolf, the prolific producer behind the Law & Order and Chicago franchises, continues to expand his empire despite recent setbacks. In March 2025, CBS canceled FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International to streamline the lineup and make room for new ventures like CIA. The flagship FBI, starring Missy Peregrym as Special Agent Maggie Bell and Zeeko Zaki as Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, remains a ratings powerhouse and has been renewed through Season 9.

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Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki Talk Possible FBI Maggie and OA Romance | Us Weekly

CIA exists in the same universe, with Ellis teasing occasional crossovers: “We’re going to take what the FBI guys have set up in that world and visit it through the eyes of the CIA.” This shared continuity could allow guest appearances from the original cast, heightening stakes in stories involving inter-agency cooperation—or conflict.

The series delves into timely themes: domestic threats on U.S. soil, the gray areas of intelligence work, and the necessity of collaboration between the FBI’s transparent investigations and the CIA’s covert operations. With Perlman and Chasteen’s input, expect nuanced geopolitical elements alongside Wolf’s trademark ripped-from-the-headlines cases.

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Apocalypse-Proof

As CIA gears up for its midseason debut following FBI‘s Season 8 return, early reactions to the trailer are overwhelmingly positive. Fans praise the odd-couple chemistry between Ellis and Gehlfuss, with many calling it a fresh evolution for the franchise. Despite behind-the-scenes turbulence—including recasts and showrunner shifts—the project has emerged stronger, poised to deliver adrenaline-fueled drama.

In an era of streaming dominance, Wolf’s network procedurals continue to thrive on reliability and star power. CIA looks set to carry that torch, blending espionage thrills with heartfelt character dynamics. Mark your calendars—February can’t come soon enough.