CBS has officially locked in its lead cast for FBI: CIA, the newest spinoff in the ever-expanding FBI universe. The series, currently in production, will star Tom Ellis (Lucifer), Nick Gehlfuss (Chicago Med), and Michael Michele (ER, Dynasty), setting the stage for one of the most ambitious procedural launches in years.
A Franchise Ready for Expansion
Since its 2018 debut, Dick Wolf’s FBI has grown into one of CBS’s most bankable franchises, spawning FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. Together, these shows anchor a powerful primetime lineup, drawing millions of viewers weekly.
With FBI: CIA, CBS and Wolf Entertainment are signaling an evolution. While the core series deals with domestic threats and law enforcement operations, the new spinoff shifts focus to global espionage, tackling international crises, covert missions, and the blurred ethical lines of intelligence work. It’s an expansion that mirrors how Law & Order eventually moved beyond New York City, broadening scope while preserving its identity.
The New Lead Trio
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Tom Ellis – Known for his fan-favorite role as Lucifer Morningstar, Ellis brings star power and a blend of charm and intensity to the series. As a CIA operative with a reputation for unorthodox tactics, he’s expected to embody the “wild card” energy that keeps audiences on edge.
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Nick Gehlfuss – After years as Dr. Will Halstead on Chicago Med, Gehlfuss makes a dramatic genre shift. His character is rumored to be the moral compass of the team, a steadier presence who contrasts Ellis’s unpredictability. His casting gives longtime One Chicago fans a reason to follow him into this new universe.
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Michael Michele – A veteran of ER and Dynasty, Michele adds gravitas to the lineup. She plays a high-ranking intelligence officer tasked with managing operatives in the field. Her role is expected to blend authority with nuanced storytelling, highlighting the human cost of decision-making at the highest levels.
Why This Casting Matters
The choice of leads reflects CBS’s larger strategy: cross-pollinate fan bases from multiple TV genres. Ellis brings Netflix and genre audiences, Gehlfuss draws in medical drama loyalists, and Michele appeals to longtime network drama fans. Together, they represent three different corners of TV viewership — united under one brand.
This trio also hints at the creative direction of the show. Instead of building around a single “hero agent,” FBI: CIA seems designed to explore team dynamics, ideological clashes, and power struggles within the intelligence community. The tension between Ellis’s rule-bending instincts, Gehlfuss’s steady morality, and Michele’s authoritative oversight could drive much of the drama.
Raising the Stakes for CBS
For CBS, FBI: CIA arrives at a critical moment. The network is doubling down on “comfort TV” — shows with familiar structures and dependable viewership — but must also evolve to stay competitive with streaming rivals. By blending the reliability of the procedural format with the higher-stakes world of espionage, CBS hopes to capture both traditional viewers and younger audiences drawn to spy thrillers.
Industry analysts note that shifting into CIA territory also unlocks global storytelling opportunities. While FBI: International has already explored overseas settings, CIA allows for broader plots tied to geopolitical conflicts, covert operations, and international intrigue. It positions the show to feel timely and relevant while still fitting into CBS’s brand identity.
What Comes Next
Production is underway, with filming set to span multiple international locations to reflect the series’ expansive scope. FBI: CIA is slated to premiere during the 2025–2026 broadcast season, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
If successful, the series could mark a turning point for the franchise, proving that the FBI brand is flexible enough to support more ambitious storytelling while retaining the procedural DNA that fans love. With Ellis, Gehlfuss, and Michele at the forefront, CBS appears to be betting on star power, audience crossover, and high-stakes storytelling to ensure FBI: CIA makes a powerful debut.
