CBS is expanding the “Wolfverse” with CIA, a brand-new spinoff within the FBI universe. First announced in early 2024, the project immediately generated buzz when Tom Ellis (Lucifer) was revealed as the lead. Now, with the official cast announcement, fans are even more stunned to learn that several familiar faces from the One Chicago franchise are joining the series.
CIA — CBS’s Ambitious New Spinoff
Unlike FBI: Most Wanted or FBI: International, which focus on specialized Bureau task forces, CIA will introduce audiences to the New York Station of the Central Intelligence Agency. The series will explore the uneasy partnership between a maverick CIA officer (Tom Ellis) and a by-the-book FBI agent. Forced to work together, they’ll navigate complex threats that blur the line between domestic and international security.
CBS’s decision to blend CIA and FBI storylines signals a bold attempt to refresh the brand and push beyond the boundaries of traditional procedural dramas. It’s also a litmus test to show just how flexible the Wolf Entertainment universe can be.
Chicago Stars Step Into the Spotlight
The casting news making the biggest waves involves three surprising additions:
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Nick Gehlfuss (Chicago Med): Known for nearly a decade as Dr. Will Halstead, Gehlfuss will now portray a rule-abiding FBI agent. The switch from compassionate physician to law enforcement hardliner is a dramatic shift — one that excites longtime fans who were sad to see him leave Chicago Med.
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Michael Michele (Dynasty, ER): The veteran actress joins as the head of the CIA’s New York Station. Her character is expected to serve as the commanding presence balancing the fiery personalities in the squad. Many are already calling her “the new Isobel” of the spinoff — but with a tougher edge.
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Natalee Linez (Mayans M.C., guest role on Chicago P.D.): Linez, upgraded to series regular, will play Gina Rojas, a sharp CIA analyst who serves as the team’s brain. For Chicago P.D. fans, it’s a proud moment to see a once-guest star evolve into a key player.
The crossover of One Chicago alums into the FBI world instantly fueled excitement, with audiences eager to see familiar actors in drastically new roles.
Fan Reactions: “Is Wolfverse Becoming TV’s MCU?”
The cast reveal exploded across social media:
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Many praised CBS’s “golden strategy” of pulling talent from One Chicago, ensuring brand loyalty while hinting at deeper franchise connections.
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Lucifer fans celebrated the idea of Tom Ellis clashing with Nick Gehlfuss — “rebellious charm” versus “iron discipline.”
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Speculation about future crossovers erupted, with some predicting FBI, CIA, and One Chicago might one day collide in a major event.
On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), users even joked that the Wolfverse is turning into a “procedural MCU.”
Mysteries Still Unanswered
Even with the cast confirmed, major questions remain:
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The title: Will the show air as CIA, FBI: CIA, or under a fresh name? CBS hasn’t confirmed.
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The schedule: The series is expected to debut midseason 2026, but no time slot has been revealed. Placement will be critical for ratings and renewal potential.
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Connections to FBI: Originally planned as a backdoor pilot, CIA is now set to launch as a standalone series. But will characters like Isobel or Jubal appear to smooth the transition?
Conclusion
With Tom Ellis leading the charge and the surprise addition of Nick Gehlfuss, Michael Michele, and Natalee Linez, CIA is shaping up to be one of CBS’s most intriguing new dramas of 2026. By blending spycraft, law enforcement, and franchise DNA, the series promises something both familiar and refreshingly different.
Some fans believe CIA could be the next big procedural hit, ushering in a new era for the FBI brand. Others remain cautious, pointing out that not every spinoff survives. But with a cast that mixes fan-favorite veterans and rising stars, and a premise that expands the Wolfverse in bold directions, CIA is already one of the most talked-about shows on CBS’s upcoming slate.
