The 2026 television season has officially ushered in a new era of high-stakes espionage with the arrival of the most ambitious expansion of the Dick Wolf universe to date. On February 23, 2026, CBS premiered “CIA” (frequently referred to by fans and critics as FBI: CIA due to its franchise roots), a series that bridges the gap between domestic law enforcement and the shadowy world of international intelligence. Debuting in the prestigious 10 p.m. slot on Monday nights, the show serves as the anchor of the newly minted “Dick Wolf Mondays,” following the flagship FBI series. This strategic expansion comes at a pivotal time for the network, marking a bold pivot toward “prestige-procedural” storytelling after the 2025–2026 schedule revamp that saw the sunsetting of other veteran spinoffs.
The Odd-Couple Partnership: Ellis and Gehlfuss
At the heart of CIA is a dynamic partnership that has already set social media ablaze. The series stars Tom Ellis (Lucifer) as Colin Glass, a roguish, rule-breaking CIA case officer whose methods are as unconventional as they are effective. Known for his charm and ability to operate in the “gray areas” of global security, Glass is a stark contrast to his new partner, Nick Gehlfuss (Chicago Med), who portrays FBI Special Agent Bill Goodman.
Goodman is the quintessential “by-the-book” federal agent—disciplined, smart, and a firm believer in the rule of law. Forced to collaborate out of the CIA’s New York Station, this “odd couple” must navigate their institutional differences to investigate domestic threats and international plots on U.S. soil. The chemistry between Ellis and Gehlfuss provides a fresh, character-driven energy to the franchise, blending the tactical intensity of a traditional procedural with the wit and psychological depth of a spy thriller.
A Star-Studded Supporting Intelligence Team
While the central duo drives the action, the show is supported by a powerhouse ensemble that solidifies its place within the expanded FBI universe. Necar Zadegan (NCIS: New Orleans) delivers a commanding performance as Nikki Reynard, the Deputy Chief of the CIA’s New York station, tasked with balancing the political demands of Langley with the operational chaos on the ground. Joining her is Natalee Linez as Gina Gosian, an ambitious and brilliant CIA analyst whose intelligence insights often serve as the catalyst for the team’s most dangerous missions.
The series further cements its franchise ties through frequent “universe crossovers.” In a move that delighted longtime viewers, the premiere featured a guest appearance by Jeremy Sisto as Jubal Valentine, bridging the gap between the JOC and the CIA’s clandestine office. These appearances from flagship characters like Maggie Bell and Isobel Castille ensure that CIA feels like a cohesive part of the “One FBI” world while maintaining its own distinct, sharper espionage edge.
The 2026 “Dick Wolf Monday” Strategy
The launch of CIA is the centerpiece of a major programming shift at CBS. In 2026, the network moved away from its traditional “FBI Tuesday” block in favor of a unified Monday night lineup. The evening begins with the new comedy DMV at 8:30 p.m., followed by the flagship FBI at 9 p.m., which then leads directly into the high-octane world of CIA at 10 p.m. This scheduling ensures that the audience stays locked in for two consecutive hours of Bureau-related drama, creating a “power block” that dominates the Monday night ratings.
By placing CIA after the original series, CBS is capitalizing on the massive lead-in audience while offering a “tonal evolution.” While the 9 p.m. hour focuses on the classic FBI investigation style, the 10 p.m. hour dives deeper into global stakes, covert operations, and the friction between two agencies that—while on the same side—rarely speak the same language.
Why “CIA” is a Game-Changer
What sets this spinoff apart is its willingness to explore the “messy” side of national security. The premiere episode, “Directed Energy,” set a high bar by tackling the theft of top-secret defense technology, a case that required Glass to use his guile and Hoxton to use his tactical expertise. The show doesn’t shy away from the legal and ethical dilemmas that arise when the CIA’s “whatever it takes” mentality clashes with the FBI’s “within the law” mandate.
As Season 1 unfolds throughout early 2026, the series is poised to become the new flagship for the franchise. It represents a more mature, globalized version of the FBI brand, one that is perfectly suited for the complex geopolitical realities of the current year. The sirens are still there, but the shadows are deeper, and the stakes have never been higher.
