Fans waiting for CBS’s newest FBI universe spinoff, CIA, just got a major update — and not all of it is smooth sailing. The series, which promises a thrilling mix of law enforcement tension and inter-agency drama, has hit a temporary roadblock after showrunner Warren Leight stepped down, prompting a pause in production. Still, CBS insiders hint that the midseason premiere date remains on track — at least for now.
A shake-up behind the scenes
According to Variety, CIA is searching for a new showrunner after Warren Leight decided to step back from the project. Leight, best known for his acclaimed work on Law & Order: SVU, was the second showrunner attached to the series following David Hudgins (FBI: Most Wanted).
Now, reports suggest that Mike Weiss, a key writer and producer on FBI, may take over the reins. While production has been temporarily paused, CBS and Wolf Entertainment appear confident that the series will still meet its planned 2026 premiere.
These changes follow other high-profile exits — including Michael Michele, who was set to play the head of the CIA’s New York Station, and Eriq La Salle, who directed the pilot and was serving as an executive producer. Both left the series in early November, marking a turbulent pre-launch period for one of CBS’s most anticipated new dramas.
When will CIA premiere on CBS?
CIA was originally slated for a fall 2025 debut, airing Mondays at 10/9c after FBI. However, CBS later shifted it to midseason 2026, with Watson Season 2 taking over its fall slot. Despite the behind-the-scenes delays, the network currently maintains the midseason timeline.
Given that production began in September 2025, there’s still optimism that filming will resume quickly once a new showrunner is locked in.
What is the new CBS series CIA about?
At its core, CIA pairs two unlikely partners from rival agencies:
- A rule-breaking CIA case officer known for fast talk and unconventional methods, played by Tom Ellis, and
- A by-the-book FBI agent named Bill Goodman, portrayed by Nick Gehlfuss (Chicago Med).
Together, they must navigate inter-agency rivalry and moral gray zones while investigating domestic threats to U.S. security from their joint base in New York. The series aims to explore how cooperation between two deeply different systems — the CIA and FBI — can either unravel chaos or uncover truth.
Cast lineup: Familiar faces and new dynamics
The confirmed cast includes:
- Tom Ellis as the rebellious CIA case officer.
- Nick Gehlfuss as the methodical FBI agent Bill Goodman.
- Natalee Linez as a CIA analyst working closely with the two leads.
Originally, Michael Michele was set to lead the CIA’s New York Station, but her exit leaves that role open for potential recasting. Meanwhile, Eriq La Salle, who directed the pilot episode, has also stepped away as an executive producer.
The show is produced by Dick Wolf, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, Anastasia Puglisi, and Peter Jankowski, in collaboration with Universal Television and CBS Studios.
Despite these hurdles, Wolf’s production team is known for steady recoveries — with several Law & Order and FBI universe entries overcoming creative shake-ups before launch.
What to expect from the story
CIA blends espionage intrigue with procedural drama, a balance that could expand the FBI universe into new territory. Early scripts suggest a faster, more character-driven tone, with Ellis and Gehlfuss playing ideological opposites forced to find common ground.
Ellis teased this dynamic in an interview with Collider:
“We haven’t done a pilot, which is a strange experience… but the script is in a great place. The team from Dick Wolf Productions has been incredibly supportive. We’re trying to make our mark as a show — one that stands on its own, even while connected to the FBI world.”
Production updates and filming status
‘FBI’ Spinoff ‘CIA’ Showrunner Warren Leight Exits, Production Paused (EXCLUSIVE)
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Filming began in September 2025, with Ellis confirming that CIA skipped the traditional pilot stage in favor of a straight-to-series order. However, following the showrunner and producer exits, the studio temporarily halted production to restructure creative leadership.
Still, all signs point to production resuming soon, keeping the show’s 2026 premiere window intact.
The expanding FBI universe
CIA joins the expanding ranks of the Dick Wolf universe on CBS. While FBI continues strong with Seasons 8 and 9 already greenlit, its spinoffs Most Wanted and International concluded earlier this year after their sixth and fourth seasons, respectively.
That leaves CIA positioned as the next major chapter for CBS’s procedural lineup — a fresh start with a global espionage edge.
Is there a CIA trailer yet?
Not yet. Since production is still in its early phase, a trailer or teaser is expected closer to early 2026. Once filming resumes, CBS will likely debut a first-look clip alongside its midseason schedule announcements.
Will any FBI characters appear in CIA?
So far, no crossover appearances have been confirmed. However, given Dick Wolf’s long-standing tradition of shared universes and interconnected episodes, it’s highly likely fans will eventually see FBI characters cameo in CIA once it’s established.
FAQs about the CBS series CIA
1. Why did Warren Leight step down as showrunner?
Leight reportedly chose to step back due to creative and scheduling conflicts, though CBS has yet to issue an official statement.
2. Has the CIA release date changed?
As of now, CBS still lists CIA as a midseason 2026 premiere.
3. Who’s likely replacing Leight?
Reports suggest Mike Weiss from FBI may take over as the new showrunner.
4. Will Michael Michele’s role be recast?
It’s unclear, but casting decisions are expected once production resumes.
5. Is this a direct spinoff of FBI?
Originally planned as a FBI spinoff, CIA evolved into a universe expansion, existing in the same world without being a direct offshoot.
The bottom line
Despite a few bumps behind the scenes, CIA remains one of CBS’s most anticipated projects for 2026. With Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss leading a dynamic duo and Dick Wolf’s signature storytelling driving the suspense, the show promises sharp writing and high-stakes investigations that extend beyond borders.
Keep your eyes on the midseason lineup — the wait for CIA might be worth every second.
Are you excited for Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss’s new partnership in CBS’s CIA? Share your thoughts in the comments on TrendingNewsBuzz.
