The Dick Wolf universe is expanding once again, and this time, it’s going global. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the television industry, CBS has officially greenlit the latest installment in the FBI franchise: ‘FBI: CIA’. Breaking away from the domestic focus of the New York Field Office and the mobile units of Most Wanted, this new series will delve into the shadowy, high-stakes world of international intelligence. However, the biggest headline isn’t just the change in agency—it’s the powerhouse cast that bridges two of television’s most successful franchises.
In a landmark “crossover” of talent, the lead roles for FBI: CIA will be filled by veteran stars from the One Chicago universe. This casting choice marks a significant moment for Dick Wolf Entertainment, effectively merging the DNA of Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. into the expanding FBI lore.
A New Leading Man: From the ER to Langley
Leading the charge is Nick Gehlfuss, who fans will instantly recognize as Dr. Will Halstead from Chicago Med. After eight seasons of navigating medical ethics and chaotic emergency rooms, Gehlfuss is trading his stethoscope for a top-secret clearance. In FBI: CIA, he is set to play Special Agent Marcus Thorne, a former military doctor turned CIA Case Officer.
Thorne is described as a man who operates in the “grey zones” of international law. Much like his character in Chicago, Gehlfuss’s Thorne is expected to be a rule-breaker with a strong moral compass. The transition from a medical drama to a spy thriller allows Gehlfuss to showcase a grit and physicality that viewers only caught glimpses of during his time at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. For fans who were devastated by Will Halstead’s departure from the Windy City, his return as a lead in the FBI universe is a massive win.
The Enforcement: Chicago P.D. Veteran Joins the Fray
The casting news only got better with the announcement that Tracy Spiridakos would be joining the series. Fresh off her long-running role as Detective Hailey Upton on Chicago P.D., Spiridakos is the perfect fit for the high-intensity world of the CIA. She will portray Elena Vance, a seasoned field operative specializing in deep-cover assignments.
In Chicago P.D., Spiridakos was praised for her ability to portray a character grappling with the moral complexities of law enforcement. In FBI: CIA, she will lean into that darkness. Elena Vance is a woman who has spent years “off the grid,” and her partnership with Gehlfuss’s Thorne is expected to be the central friction of the show. Seeing these two One Chicago giants share the screen in a completely different agency provides a “dream team” scenario that fans have been requesting for years.
Setting the Stakes: Why the CIA?
The decision to branch out into the CIA allows the franchise to escape the procedural constraints of the Department of Justice. While the original FBI series focuses on federal crimes within U.S. borders, FBI: CIA will tackle geopolitics, cyber-warfare, and counter-terrorism on a global scale.
Rumors suggest the first season will be set in a European hub—likely Prague or Berlin—giving the show a sleek, cinematic aesthetic similar to FBI: International, but with a more clandestine, “cloak and dagger” tone. By casting actors like Gehlfuss and Spiridakos, who are already accustomed to the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of Wolf Entertainment productions, CBS is ensuring that the spinoff hits the ground running.
The “Wolf-Universe” Expansion
The creation of FBI: CIA solidifies the FBI brand as a triple-threat on the CBS schedule. With FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International already dominating Tuesday nights, the addition of a CIA-focused narrative rounds out the trifecta of American security agencies.
Industry insiders suggest that while the show is a new branch, we can expect “inter-agency” crossovers. It is entirely possible that we will see SAC Isobel Castille (Alana de la Garza) or Jubal Valentine (Jeremy Sisto) coordinating with Thorne and Vance on cases that bridge domestic and international intelligence. This interconnected storytelling is what has made Dick Wolf the most successful producer in television history.
What Fans Can Expect
As production begins in the spring of 2026, the buzz around FBI: CIA is at an all-time high. The combination of established stars, a fresh international setting, and the trusted FBI formula makes it the most anticipated spinoff of the decade. Fans of One Chicago will tune in to see their favorites in new roles, while FBI loyalists will appreciate the expansion of the lore.
While a premiere date has yet to be finalized, sources point toward a Fall 2026 debut. One thing is certain: with Nick Gehlfuss and Tracy Spiridakos at the helm, the CIA has never looked more formidable.
