New York City is set to become the backdrop for another high-stakes procedural drama as CBS launches CIA, the latest spinoff in the popular FBI franchise. The series premieres on Monday, February 23, at 10 p.m. ET, introducing viewers to an unlikely partnership fraught with tension between a rule-breaking CIA case officer and a by-the-book FBI agent. Starring Tom Ellis as the fast-talking CIA operative Colin and Nick Gehlfuss as the principled FBI special agent Bill, the show promises to explore the shadowy intersections of intelligence and law enforcement on U.S. soil.
According to an exclusive clip from Us Weekly, the premiere episode kicks off with immediate conflict between the two leads. Bill, portrayed by Gehlfuss, is introduced cuffing a suspect to a radiator in a bathroom, declaring, “[The suspect is] cuffed to a radiator in the bathroom, I will read him his rights.” Colin, played by Ellis, quickly intervenes, pointing out that the man is “not” under arrest. “We don’t do this to people in America. The FBI follows the constitution — so do I,” Bill retorts, highlighting his commitment to legal protocols.
The exchange escalates as Colin accuses Bill of judging the CIA's methods. “There it is. You don’t like the way I work,” Colin says. Bill responds firmly, “I have a duty to uphold the law,” and challenges Colin by asking, “I took an oath, how about you?” Colin dismisses the appeal to patriotism, replying, “Don’t wave old glory at me. You surrendered your leverage when you screwed up.” This back-and-forth underscores the core dynamic of the series: the clash between the FBI's structured approach and the CIA's more covert operations.
Bill's frustration peaks when he uncovers Colin's hidden motives. “If you are not going to listen to a word I say then why even have me … you just need me and my shield to operate on U.S soil. I am just a tool to you?” he demands. Colin remains unapologetic, explaining his position: “I need you to work domestically. This is my operation and not your case. If you have a problem with that then there’s the door. But I read your file and I actually think I know your mind better than you know it yourself.” He further tempts Bill with the allure of CIA work, adding, “I can tell deep down that you are dying to do what I do. You have been living this black and white life that you know is bollocks. You know this is where the real problems get solved — in the gray.”
Colin concludes the tense confrontation with an ultimatum: “Either get onboard or don’t but make your mind up right now because I have a job to do. The FBI closes cases, we keep the world safe.” This dialogue not only sets up the interpersonal drama but also illustrates the philosophical divide between the agencies, with the FBI focusing on post-crime investigations and the CIA aiming to prevent threats proactively.
The official synopsis from CBS describes CIA as centering on “two unlikely partners — a fast-talking, rule-breaking loose cannon CIA case officer and a by-the-book, seasoned and smart FBI agent who believes in the rule of law.” Assigned to the CIA’s New York Station, the duo must collaborate to tackle criminals posing threats domestically, discovering that “their differences may actually be their strength.” This premise builds on the established FBI universe, which has proven successful for the network.
FBI itself debuted on CBS in 2019, chronicling the efforts of agents in the New York City field office. The franchise expanded with FBI: Most Wanted, which aired from 2020 to 2025 and followed the Fugitive Task Force. Another installment, FBI: International, ran for four seasons until its conclusion in 2025, focusing on the International Fly Team's global pursuits. These series have collectively drawn strong viewership, blending procedural elements with character-driven stories.
In April 2025, CBS issued a straight-to-series order for CIA, signaling confidence in the project's potential. The show enters a crowded field of law enforcement dramas, including those from producer Dick Wolf, whose universe encompasses hits like Law & Order: SVU and the Chicago franchise. CIA shares connective tissue with these, as Wolf's productions often feature crossovers and thematic overlaps in exploring justice and authority.
Tom Ellis, known for his charismatic turn as Lucifer Morningstar in the long-running series Lucifer, brings a familiar intensity to Colin. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Ellis elaborated on the distinctions between the agencies depicted in the show. “The FBI deals in crimes that have already happened predominantly and the CIA try to stop the crime from happening in the first place,” he said. He contrasted the FBI as “a very public present arm of the law enforcement. They’re the poster boy of U.S. law enforcement,” while portraying the CIA as operating “in the shadows — and doesn’t want to be on any poster. It doesn’t want people to see who they are and they operate in a very sort of voyeuristic manner.”
“The show is really going to be worth the wait because I think it’s for anyone that loves FBI, they’re going to love it. For anyone who loves the Dick Wolf world, they’re going to love it,” Ellis shared. “And for people that want a new show — that don’t watch either of those things — there’s something for those people as well. It’s got a lot of things, and it’s got humor in it as well, which is always a big selling point for me.”
Nick Gehlfuss, stepping into the role of Bill, has prior experience in medical and procedural genres from his time on Chicago Med. His character represents the steadfast guardian of constitutional principles, providing a counterpoint to Ellis's more enigmatic CIA officer. The pairing draws comparisons to classic odd-couple dynamics in television, where personal and professional friction drives the narrative.
The timing of CIA's launch aligns with a resurgence in interest for intelligence-themed stories, amid real-world discussions about national security and inter-agency cooperation. While the show is fictional, it taps into public fascination with how organizations like the FBI and CIA navigate jurisdictional boundaries, especially on domestic fronts. CBS executives have not yet commented on expected ratings, but the network's track record with the FBI spinoffs suggests optimism.
Viewers familiar with the broader Dick Wolf ecosystem will note thematic echoes, such as the emphasis on moral ambiguity in law enforcement. Related crossovers have appeared in Wolf's One Chicago series and Law & Order iterations, where characters occasionally reference federal agencies. CIA extends this by delving into preventive intelligence work, a less-explored angle in the franchise.
As the series unfolds from its New York base, it will likely address contemporary threats like cyber espionage and homegrown extremism, though specifics remain under wraps ahead of the premiere. Ellis's enthusiasm points to a blend of action, drama, and levity, potentially broadening its appeal beyond core procedural fans. “It’s got humor in it as well, which is always a big selling point for me,” he noted, hinting at lighter moments amid the tension.
With the FBI franchise having solidified CBS's Monday night lineup, CIA arrives as a fresh addition, poised to capitalize on established audiences while attracting newcomers. The onscreen chemistry between Ellis and Gehlfuss, evident even in the teaser clip, could prove pivotal to its success. As broadcast television competes with streaming giants, shows like this underscore the enduring draw of network procedurals rooted in American institutions.
Looking ahead, the premiere on February 23 marks the beginning of what could be another multi-season run for CBS. Whether the partners' differences truly become their strength remains to be seen, but early indicators suggest CIA will deliver the high-tension storytelling that has defined its predecessors.