Originally slated to debut this fall after new episodes of FBI on Monday nights, CIA was set to follow an unlikely partnership between Ellis’s maverick CIA agent and a by-the-book FBI agent. That premise may now be subject to change as the new leadership gets to work.
Complicating the rollout further, CIA still hasn’t locked in its cast.
Aside from Ellis, no other actors are attached to the project. A planned backdoor pilot intended to air during the most recent season of FBI was scrapped when casting delays slowed down production.
Despite the push, casting is expected to ramp up soon, with CBS eyeing a fall start for production. The hope is that the extra time and leadership change will give the series a stronger foundation before it premieres.
To fill the gap, CBS is bringing back Watson earlier than planned. The Morris Chestnut-led medical drama will now return for season 2 this fall, premiering Oct. 13 in the same Monday night slot originally held for CIA.
For FBI fans, the absence of a second series this fall may feel like a letdown. But with Tom Ellis still on board and a new showrunner with a strong procedural pedigree, CIA may benefit from the delay and show up stronger when it finally premieres in 2026.
