‘CIA’: Nick Gehlfuss & Michael Michele Join Tom Ellis As Leads Of ‘FBI’ Offshoot md01

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CIA: Nick Gehlfuss & Michael Michele Join Tom Ellis As Leads Of FBI Offshoot

The FBI universe just got a whole lot bigger. CBS has officially announced a brand-new spinoff titled CIA, with Lucifer star Tom Ellis already attached as the series’ central lead. Now, in a move that has fans buzzing, Nick Gehlfuss (best known for Chicago Med) and Michael Michele (ER, Dynasty) have joined the high-stakes drama as fellow leads.

But what exactly is this new series about, and how does it fit into the larger FBI franchise? Let’s dive deep into everything we know about CIA—from its cast and storyline to why this show could easily become CBS’s next hit crime drama.

The Birth of CIA: An FBI Offshoot

CBS has spent years building its FBI brand into one of the strongest franchises on television, with FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International. Now, they’re going even deeper into the world of government intelligence with CIA, a spinoff designed to tackle espionage, global threats, and international intrigue.

Think of it this way: if FBI focuses on domestic terrorism and crime, CIA promises to pull back the curtain on the shadowy, secretive world of intelligence officers working across borders.

Tom Ellis Takes Center Stage

When news first broke that Tom Ellis—beloved for his devilishly charming role in Lucifer—was cast as the lead of CIA, the internet exploded. Known for his suave charisma and ability to balance drama with sharp wit, Ellis seems tailor-made for a role that requires both grit and charm.

Fans are eager to see how Ellis reinvents himself in a spy thriller. After all, moving from playing the Devil to a CIA operative feels like the ultimate career pivot.

Nick Gehlfuss Joins the Team

Nick Gehlfuss’s addition to the cast is another power move by CBS. Best recognized as Dr. Will Halstead on Chicago Med, Gehlfuss proved he could bring both intensity and heart to a role.

His character in CIA hasn’t been fully revealed yet, but speculation suggests he may play a fellow operative working alongside Ellis’s character. With his history of playing morally complex professionals, Gehlfuss could easily embody the type of agent who struggles with the ethical gray zones of espionage.

Michael Michele’s Commanding Presence

Michael Michele, who has had memorable roles on ER and Dynasty, brings another layer of star power and credibility to CIA. Known for her commanding screen presence, Michele is expected to portray a high-ranking CIA official, possibly tasked with keeping Ellis’s and Gehlfuss’s characters in check.

Her casting balances the series with a strong, authoritative female lead—something fans have been asking for in the FBI universe.

Why CIA Could Be the Boldest FBI Spinoff Yet

While FBI, Most Wanted, and International have all found loyal fanbases, CIA may just be the most ambitious project yet. Here’s why:

  • Higher stakes: Instead of just domestic crimes, the show will dive into global threats.

  • Fresh dynamics: Adding Ellis, Gehlfuss, and Michele creates a brand-new chemistry different from the other FBI shows.

  • Spy thriller vibes: Fans who love shows like Homeland or Alias may find CIA scratching a similar itch.

Comparisons to Other FBI Series

To understand what makes CIA unique, let’s compare it to its sister shows:

  • FBI → Grounded in New York City, focusing on cases threatening American security.

  • FBI: Most Wanted → A task force hunting fugitives across the country.

  • FBI: International → A specialized unit tackling threats overseas.

  • CIA → A global espionage thriller diving into covert operations, political betrayals, and shadow wars.

Clearly, CIA is set to stand apart by pushing deeper into international intrigue.

Tom Ellis as the Face of CIA

Why did CBS choose Tom Ellis as the centerpiece? Simply put, he brings built-in star power and a global fanbase. With Lucifer streaming success worldwide, Ellis’s casting ensures that CIA will capture not only U.S. audiences but international viewers as well.

Think of him as the perfect gateway into the world of spies—a mix of James Bond sophistication and Jason Bourne intensity.

Nick Gehlfuss: From Medicine to Espionage

Fans of Chicago Med might be surprised to see Gehlfuss step away from scrubs and into the shadowy world of intelligence. But his range as an actor makes him a strong fit for this shift. In many ways, leaving a hospital setting for spy missions mirrors the way characters often evolve in the FBI franchise: from solving local crimes to facing global crises.

Michael Michele: A Veteran Powerhouse

Michele’s experience in medical dramas and primetime soaps proves she can handle layered storytelling. In CIA, she might play the “anchor” character—the one who balances the impulsive tendencies of field operatives with a pragmatic approach to intelligence work.

She adds depth, authority, and star appeal—making CIA a more balanced and dynamic drama.

The Expanding FBI Universe

CBS has struck gold with Dick Wolf’s FBI brand. Each spinoff has carved out its own niche, and CIA continues that legacy. With the rise of interconnected TV universes (NCIS, Law & Order, and One Chicago), fans can likely expect crossover episodes between CIA and its FBI counterparts.

Imagine Ellis’s CIA operative crossing paths with Missy Peregrym’s Maggie Bell from FBI. The possibilities are endless.

What Fans Can Expect in the First Season

Though CBS has kept the plot under wraps, fans can expect:

  • Intense undercover operations

  • Double-crosses and betrayals

  • Global hotspots ranging from Europe to the Middle East

  • The moral gray areas of intelligence work

  • High-octane action sequences

It’s a formula designed to hook both fans of procedural dramas and spy thrillers.

Why Casting Matters So Much

The trio of Ellis, Gehlfuss, and Michele is no accident. CBS knows that casting familiar, beloved actors helps bring audiences into a new world. It’s a tried-and-true formula that has worked for NCIS, FBI, and Law & Order.

These actors already have proven track records of carrying shows. Together, they form a cast that feels both fresh and reliable.

The Future of FBI Spinoffs

With CIA on the way, fans are asking: how far can CBS stretch the FBI universe? Will we see future shows like FBI: Cyber Unit or FBI: Deep Cover? While nothing is official, CBS’s strategy suggests they’re committed to building an empire around this brand.

Final Thoughts: Why CIA Deserves Your Attention

With a killer cast, global scope, and the weight of CBS’s biggest franchise behind it, CIA is shaping up to be more than just another spinoff. It’s a bold expansion into espionage storytelling that blends the best of FBI with the high-stakes tension of international thrillers.

If you loved Lucifer, Chicago Med, or Dynasty, this show has something for you. And with Ellis, Gehlfuss, and Michele at the helm, expect CIA to dominate primetime conversations when it premieres.

FAQs

1. When will CIA premiere on CBS?
CBS has not yet announced an official premiere date, but fans can expect it to launch during the upcoming television season.

2. Is CIA connected to the other FBI shows?
Yes. While it’s its own series, it remains part of the larger FBI franchise, which means potential crossovers are highly likely.

3. What role will Tom Ellis play in CIA?
Ellis is set to play the lead operative, though CBS has kept details of his character closely guarded.

4. Will Nick Gehlfuss’s character be a field agent?
While CBS hasn’t confirmed his exact role, speculation suggests he will play a fellow operative or analyst working alongside Ellis.

5. Could CIA cross over with NCIS or Law & Order?
While there are no official plans, CBS and Dick Wolf have a history of crossovers, so fans shouldn’t rule out the possibility.

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