CBS and Dick Wolf’s FBI franchise is getting even bigger — and its newest spinoff, CIA, has just revealed a star-studded cast that includes familiar faces from Chicago Med and Chicago P.D., sparking major excitement among procedural fans. Rather than simply adding new characters, the series is pulling talent from other beloved One Chicago shows, giving viewers even more reasons to tune in when the series premieres in 2026. Variety+1
Here’s everything you need to know about the cast that’s shaping up to lead this highly anticipated FBI universe expansion — including who’s joining, what roles they’ll play, and why this crossover casting has fans talking.
A Bold New Chapter for the FBI Franchise
CIA is the newest series in the expanding FBI television universe, developed under executive producer Dick Wolf (of Law & Order and FBI fame). Instead of focusing strictly on FBI fieldwork, this spinoff pairs federal investigations with intelligence operations handled by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). That means the show is expected to blend procedural crime elements with espionage and high-stakes national security drama. Wikipedia
With its premiere slated for midseason 2026, the show will air on CBS and bring fresh energy to the network’s lineup — even as other FBI spinoffs like FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International have recently concluded their runs. HELLO!
Tom Ellis Leads the Charge
Leading the cast is Tom Ellis, best known today for his role on Lucifer. In CIA, he portrays Hart Hoxton, a charismatic and unpredictable CIA case officer who plays by his own rules. This role positions Ellis as the centerpiece of the series, leading a team that investigates threats both at home and abroad. Wikipedia
His dynamic, rule-breaking character is set up as a perfect contrast to the straight-laced law-and-order approach of the FBI agents he partners with — an interplay that promises to fuel much of the show’s tension and drama.
Chicago Med Alum Nick Gehlfuss Joins as FBI Agent
Opposite Ellis is Nick Gehlfuss, best known for his role as Dr. Will Halstead on Chicago Med. On CIA, Gehlfuss plays Bill Goodman, a seasoned and by-the-book FBI special agent. His character is described as the foil to Ellis’s rogue CIA officer — a classic “odd couple” setup that will test both personnel’s patience, skills, and philosophies. Variety
Bringing Gehlfuss into the FBI universe not only adds a familiar face that longtime viewers already love, but also connects different corners of Dick Wolf’s televised world. Viewers of Chicago Med will likely recognize Gehlfuss, making his transition into CIA one of the series’ most talked-about casting moves. Variety
Natalee Linez Adds Chicago P.D. Talent to the Team
Another notable addition to the CIA cast is Natalee Linez, who previously appeared on Chicago P.D. Linez will portray Gina Rojas, a CIA analyst who becomes an integral part of the investigative team. TVLine
Linez’s casting unites yet another branch of the One Chicago universe with FBI’s newest extension. Her experience from Chicago P.D. adds depth to the ensemble, and viewers are already excited to see how a character with her background will interact with the procedural and intelligence action at the heart of CIA. TVLine
Michael Michele Originally Cast, Recast Adds More Buzz
Initially, Michael Michele was announced as a series regular portraying the head of the CIA’s New York Station — a key leadership role. However, in a turn that’s created its own buzz, Michele exited the cast during production. Her departure has led to Necar Zadegan joining the show in the same role, giving fans yet another reason to speculate on how the dynamics will play out once the series begins airing. HELLO!
Zadegan’s addition keeps the show’s leadership solid and is part of ongoing pre-premiere excitement as the cast lineup becomes clearer. Her role as chief of station will likely place her at the center of team strategy and internal conflict — especially given the contrasting personalities of the agents she oversees. HELLO!
What to Expect from the Cast Dynamic
The casting choices for CIA intentionally blend familiar procedural talent with fresh chemistry ripe for dramatic tension. From the unpredictable CIA operator (Ellis) to the principled FBI agent (Gehlfuss), and a cerebral analyst (Linez), the ensemble promises:
✔️ A classic tension pairing
Juxtaposing a step-outside-the-rules CIA agent with a by-the-book FBI counterpart creates an immediate spark — one that should drive both character conflict and collaboration.
✔️ Broader appeal
Viewers who follow Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. now have familiar talent drawing them into a new franchise, linking CBS and NBC procedural universes more deeply in fan consciousness.
✔️ Diverse skills in the field
With an analyst like Gina Rojas rounding out the team, the series appears to emphasize brains and brawn, mixing field action with analytical insight to tackle threats.
Why the Casting Matters
Casting stars from Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. isn’t just fan service — it reflects a broader strategy of interconnected casting and franchise blending that has proven successful in TV universes like those from Marvel or Law & Order. Each familiar face adds credibility and hooks already invested fanbases — making CIA feel like both a continuation of the FBI legacy and a fresh start. TVLine
This strategy also aligns with current viewer habits: audiences increasingly enjoy seeing familiar actors in new contexts, especially when those actors bring different genre experiences with them.
Looking Ahead to the Premiere
CIA is scheduled to premiere as part of CBS’s 2026 midseason lineup, with an official release date set for February 23, 2026. HELLO!
Fans have already begun speculating about how this cast will interact — particularly whether the Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. alumni will bring a new kind of procedural sophistication to the FBI franchise. With production still underway and leadership roles shifting, anticipation is building for what could be one of the most talked-about dramas of the year.
Final Thoughts
CBS’s latest FBI spinoff, CIA, has assembled a diverse and dynamic cast that blends veteran talent from procedural favorites like Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. with seasoned actors making fresh genre turns. By combining FBI’s crime-busting appeal with new international intrigue and espionage angles, the show aims to expand the franchise’s reach while maintaining the tension, character depth, and sharp storytelling that audiences love.
Whether you’re drawn by the crossover casting or the promise of CIA-level thrills, CIA looks set to be one of the spring 2026 season’s must-watch series.
