The expanding universe of Dick Wolf’s FBI franchise is about to go global from within its own borders. CBS has officially heightened the anticipation for its upcoming midseason entry by dropping the high-octane first trailer for CIA, a spin-off that shifts the focus from traditional domestic investigation to the shadowy world of clandestine operations. With a confirmed release date of Monday, February 23, 2026, the series is poised to become the network’s next major pillar, occupying the coveted 10:00 PM ET timeslot immediately following the flagship FBI.
The newly released trailer provides a visceral introduction to the show’s central hook: the uneasy and often explosive partnership between two very different brands of law enforcement. Unlike the more uniform structure of FBI: Most Wanted or FBI: International, CIA thrives on a fundamental clash of philosophies. The teaser opens with a high-stakes lie detector test, immediately establishing the tension between the Central Intelligence Agency’s penchant for deception and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s commitment to the rule of law.
The Odd Couple of Espionage
At the heart of this new elite force is an “odd couple” dynamic that the trailer leans into with sharp banter and rapid-fire action. Tom Ellis (best known for Lucifer) stars as Hart Hoxton (also referred to in early production as Colin Glass), a reckless, fast-talking CIA case officer who treats international espionage like a contact sport. Ellis brings a roguish smolder to the role, portraying Hoxton as a man who views rules as mere suggestions in the face of global threats.
Contrasting Ellis’s chaos is Nick Gehlfuss (of Chicago Med fame), who portrays Bill Goodman, a seasoned and strictly by-the-book FBI special agent. Goodman is the grounding force of the team, a man who believes that the integrity of the law is as important as the outcome of the case. The trailer highlights their friction through snarky comments and power struggles, but it concludes with a begrudging handshake, signaling that while they may not like each other, they are undeniably effective together.
A New York Station Under Pressure
Based in the CIA’s New York Station, the task force is charged with investigating domestic terrorism and criminals posing threats on U.S. soil. The trailer checks every box of a high-budget procedural: moody lighting, slick action sequences, and a darker, edgier tone than its FBI predecessors.
The supporting cast brings additional gravitas to the high-stakes environment. Necar Zadegan (NCIS: New Orleans) stars as the Chief of Station, a role she took over following a casting shuffle late in production. Zadegan’s character serves as the authority figure tasked with keeping Hoxton’s impulses in check and Goodman’s frustrations managed. Joining them is Natalee Linez as Gina Rojas, a sharp CIA analyst who provides the digital and intellectual backbone for the team’s field operations.
Expanding the Wolf Universe
The creation of CIA represents a strategic expansion for CBS and executive producer Dick Wolf. Originally planned as a “backdoor pilot” within a regular episode of FBI, the series eventually moved straight to a series order to allow for more expansive world-building. By pairing a CIA officer with an FBI agent, the show bridges the gap between domestic police work and international spy thrills, allowing for stories that involve foreign assets, black-ops secrets, and high-level government conspiracy.
The 2026 release strategy places the show in a prime position to benefit from the established viewership of the FBI “Tuesday” block, even as it airs on Monday nights. CBS clearly intends for CIA to feel more cinematic and gritty than a standard procedural, aiming for a “sexy and serious” vibe that differentiates it from the rest of the franchise.
As the February premiere approaches, the “Firefighter Nation” and the “FBI Fam” alike are marking their calendars. The trailer has set a high bar for chemistry and action, promising a show where the only thing more dangerous than the enemies they face is the partner they have to trust. In the world of CIA, the truth is always a casualty, but the mission remains absolute.
