CBS recently released their 2026 mid-season premiere schedule, sharing the dates viewers can expect their favorite shows back on the air and when they can see their newest offerings. CIA, which has been slotted for a mid-season premiere, was featured on the list despite the behind-the-scenes drama. FBI fans can watch CIA’s series premiere on Monday, February 23 at 10 p.m. ET.
While FBI has been able to find success throughout its time on CBS, its spinoffs haven’t had the same luxury. FBI’s first spinoff, FBI: Most Wanted, premiered in 2020 to similar fanfare to the original series. Despite some behind-the-scenes issues, FBI: Most Wanted remained somewhat more consistent than its fellow spinoff, FBI: International, which premiered a year later in 2021.
FBI: Most Wanted struggled with casting changes after the show’s third season, when lead Julian McMahon departed the series and saw his on-screen counterpart Jess LaCroix die after sustaining massive injuries. Replaced by Dylan McDermott as Remy Scott, the series ran for six seasons before being cancelled after a difficult 2024-2025 season. FBI: International was plagued with similar casting issues.
Despite knowing that CIA has been going through significant changes, enough to stall production while resolutions are found for missing cast and crew, CBS moving ahead with the show’s February premiere date is a good sign for the series. With both Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss still on board with the series, CIA should be able to comfortably move forward with production soon.
The premiere date, which is one of the latest on the mid-season schedule, allows CBS to guarantee viewers that the series is coming while allowing production to find its balance despite the missteps happening behind-the-scenes. While there’s pressure for CIA to perform, the series appears to be ready for its debut in 2026.
