Introduction: A Bold New Chapter in the ‘FBI’ Universe
The FBI franchise has officially leveled up. CBS is diving deeper into the world of high-stakes government operations with ‘CIA’, a brand-new offshoot that promises to merge the intensity of counterintelligence with the human drama fans love.
At the center of it all? Tom Ellis, best known for his devilishly charming role as Lucifer Morningstar in Lucifer. But this time, Ellis swaps out hellfire for high-tech espionage. And he’s not going it alone — alums from Chicago Med and ER have joined the cast, turning this new series into one of the most anticipated dramas of the upcoming TV season.
What Is ‘CIA’? The Concept Behind the ‘FBI’ Offshoot
CBS’s CIA expands the universe that began with FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International. But unlike its predecessors that focus on domestic or global law enforcement, CIA dives straight into the covert world of intelligence gathering, espionage, and global politics.
It’s a fresh angle — less about badges and arrests, more about secrets, manipulation, and national security on a knife’s edge. Imagine Jack Ryan meets Homeland, but with that procedural precision FBI fans love.
Tom Ellis: From Devil to Operative
Tom Ellis’s casting in CIA was met with instant buzz across social media. After captivating audiences as the charismatic Lucifer Morningstar, Ellis now portrays Ethan Ross, a brilliant yet conflicted CIA officer haunted by past missions gone wrong.
Ross isn’t your typical government agent — he’s a strategist, a rule-bender, and a man caught between loyalty and truth. His moral grayness and quick wit make him a perfect fit for Ellis’s signature charm. Fans are already calling him the “James Bond of the FBI Universe.”
Meet the New Recruits: Chicago Med & ER Stars Join the Team
Two big names from television’s most beloved medical dramas have officially joined the cast:
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Torrey DeVitto (Chicago Med) as Dr. Elena Price, a former trauma surgeon turned CIA medical operative.
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Goran Visnjic (ER) as Director Anton Kovac, a cunning European intelligence leader with shadowy motives.
Their inclusion adds a powerful emotional layer to the series. DeVitto brings empathy and resilience, while Visnjic brings gravitas and danger — creating a perfect balance against Ellis’s sharp energy.
A Dynamic Trio: Ellis, DeVitto & Visnjic Ignite the Screen
The chemistry among these three actors is reportedly electric. Insiders claim early table reads left producers “stunned by the tension and realism.”
Where Ellis’s Ethan Ross is the daring field agent, DeVitto’s Elena Price is the anchor — a moral compass in a murky world. Meanwhile, Visnjic’s Kovac stands as both an ally and an adversary, the kind of character you can’t quite trust but can’t look away from either.
Why the ‘FBI’ Franchise Needed ‘CIA’
After years of expanding the FBI world with regional and international spinoffs, the franchise needed a fresh narrative injection. CIA offers that — a deeper dive into intelligence work, exploring what happens before the FBI gets the call.
It shifts the spotlight from enforcement to prevention, from chasing criminals to stopping global threats before they happen. It’s the perfect expansion — smarter, riskier, and with much higher stakes.
Inside the Storyline: Global Espionage Meets Emotional Depth
The first season of CIA reportedly follows Ross and Price as they uncover a conspiracy within the agency — a betrayal that could ignite a global crisis.
Expect the usual car chases and shootouts, but with a more cerebral twist: hacking operations, undercover missions, and moral dilemmas that question what it truly means to serve one’s country.
Each episode promises a self-contained mission tied into a larger, season-long arc — a storytelling approach that keeps viewers hooked week after week.
A Star-Studded Production Team
Behind the camera, CIA is guided by Dick Wolf, the creative force behind FBI and Law & Order. The show’s executive producers include Rick Eid and Terry Miller, both veterans of procedural storytelling.
Wolf described CIA as “a story about the unseen heroes of global stability,” emphasizing the show’s focus on realistic intelligence operations grounded in emotion and authenticity.
Filming Locations: From Washington to Warsaw
Unlike FBI, which mainly films in New York, CIA will span multiple continents. Filming is reportedly taking place across Washington, D.C., London, Prague, and Warsaw.
This global approach not only raises the stakes but also lends cinematic realism — the kind of sweeping, international scale that modern TV audiences crave.
Tom Ellis’s Take on the Role
In an interview with Variety, Ellis shared his excitement:
“Ethan isn’t just a spy. He’s a man trying to balance the truth with loyalty. That moral complexity — that’s what drew me in.”
Fans familiar with Ellis’s nuanced acting know exactly why this role suits him. Expect the same charisma that made Lucifer iconic, now reimagined in a world of covert missions and double-crosses.
DeVitto’s Reinvention: From Medicine to Mission
Torrey DeVitto’s shift from Chicago Med to CIA marks a powerful career pivot. Her character, Dr. Elena Price, is more than just a medical expert — she’s the emotional heartbeat of the team.
In a recent statement, DeVitto said:
“Elena’s the one who reminds the others what they’re fighting for. She’s lost people, she’s seen war — but she still believes in the good.”
It’s a role that could redefine her career, merging intelligence, compassion, and quiet strength.
Visnjic as the Enigmatic Antagonist
Few actors can embody mystery and menace like Goran Visnjic. His portrayal of Anton Kovac brings a Shakespearean depth to espionage storytelling.
Producers hinted that Kovac might not stay a villain forever — a twist that suggests alliances will constantly shift. Expect his performance to be both haunting and magnetic.
How ‘CIA’ Expands the Wolf Universe
The FBI and Law & Order franchises thrive on crossover potential, and CIA is poised to follow suit. Early reports suggest an upcoming crossover event between CIA and FBI: International.
That means fans could see Ethan Ross trading intel with Scott Forrester (Luke Kleintank) in an epic, globe-trotting two-part episode.
This strategy solidifies CIA as part of the larger Wolf Entertainment empire, promising interconnected storytelling for years to come.
Early Fan Buzz and Social Media Reactions
Even before its premiere, CIA is trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. Fans are particularly excited about Tom Ellis’s casting — with hashtags like #TomEllisCIA and #FBISpinoff generating thousands of mentions.
Many are calling it “the most exciting thing CBS has done since FBI: International,” while others praise the casting blend of “brains, beauty, and brilliance.”
The Premiere Date and What to Expect
While CBS hasn’t announced an official release date, insiders suggest CIA will debut in mid-2025, following the FBI midseason break.
The pilot reportedly delivers a high-octane opening mission that ends with a shocking betrayal — setting the tone for a season full of intrigue, deception, and moral conflict.
Why ‘CIA’ Could Be CBS’s Next Big Hit
With a magnetic lead in Tom Ellis, powerhouse co-stars, and an ambitious premise, CIA could easily become the next flagship series in the FBI universe.
It combines thriller pacing with character-driven drama, appealing to both procedural fans and prestige TV viewers alike.
And in an age where audiences crave authenticity and complexity, CIA hits the perfect balance between action and intelligence.
Conclusion
CIA isn’t just another FBI spinoff — it’s a reinvention of what network drama can be. With Tom Ellis leading a stellar cast from Chicago Med and ER, the show promises adrenaline, emotion, and plenty of surprises.
If FBI showed us the hunt for justice, CIA reveals the price of keeping peace — one secret at a time.
FAQs
1. When will ‘CIA’ premiere on CBS?
The series is expected to launch in mid-2025, following the FBI midseason lineup.
2. Who are the main stars of ‘CIA’?
The show stars Tom Ellis, Torrey DeVitto, and Goran Visnjic in leading roles.
3. Is ‘CIA’ connected to the ‘FBI’ franchise?
Yes, it’s an official FBI offshoot from Dick Wolf’s production universe, sharing the same tone and storytelling style.
4. Will there be crossovers between ‘CIA’ and other FBI shows?
Producers have hinted at possible crossover episodes with FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted.
5. Where is ‘CIA’ being filmed?
Production spans multiple locations, including Washington D.C., London, Prague, and Warsaw, to enhance its international espionage realism.
