While the 2026 schedule has been dominated by talk of cancellations, the most anticipated arrival in the “Dick Wolf” universe is officially taking shape. The FBI: CIA spinoff (tentatively titled FBI: Confidential) has moved from a quiet development phase into a high-octane production, promising to bridge the gap between domestic law enforcement and international espionage.
The Trailer: A New Kind of Tension
The first teaser trailer, which debuted during the 2025 holiday season, sets a significantly darker tone than the flagship series. Narrated by lead star Tom Ellis, the trailer opens with the line: “The FBI finds the truth; the CIA buries it.”
The footage showcases a high-stakes world where agents operate in “gray zones,” focusing on:
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Cyber-Warfare: Intense sequences involving high-level data breaches.
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Deep Cover: Unlike the “vest-and-badge” approach of the original FBI, this series emphasizes long-term undercover assets.
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Global Reach: Visually, the trailer jumps from the streets of Washington D.C. to tactical operations in Istanbul and Berlin, highlighting the show’s expanded scope.
Release Date and Premiere Window
CBS has officially locked in the premiere date as part of its mid-season “Winter Resurrection” event:
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Premiere Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
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Timeslot: It will occupy the 10:00 PM ET/PT slot, immediately following the flagship FBI at 8:00 PM and the new NCIS: Origins at 9:00 PM.
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Streaming: Episodes will be available for next-day streaming on Paramount+, with a special “Global Premiere” for Paramount+ With Showtime subscribers a day early.
Cast and Creative Team
The spinoff is designed to be a prestige entry into the procedural genre, led by a powerhouse cast:
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Tom Ellis: Playing a former FBI agent recruited by the CIA for a “deniable” task force.
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Morena Baccarin: While she is busy leading Sheriff Country, rumors persist of a multi-episode crossover event where her character provides tactical support to the CIA team.
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Executive Producers: Dick Wolf and Peter Jankowski, ensuring the series maintains the fast-paced, “ripped from the headlines” feel of the existing franchise.
Why It Matters
For fans mourning the loss of FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted, this series is the replacement intended to justify the “2026 Bloodbath.” By combining the procedural reliability of the FBI brand with the high-stakes mystery of the CIA, CBS is betting that this show will become the new “anchor” for their Tuesday night ratings.
