Tom Ellis’s role in CBS’s upcoming series CIA seems to channel a somewhat nefarious charm.
New Team Dynamics in CBS’s “CIA”
The latest addition to the FBI franchise by CBS, which will be broadcast on Mondays at 10/9c starting this fall, revolves around an intriguing duo. Hart Hoxton, portrayed by Ellis, a former star of Lucifer, is a glib, rebellious CIA operative known for his disdain for protocol. His counterpart, a yet-to-be-selected FBI agent, is described as experienced, wise, and a staunch believer in following the law.
“The pair is stationed at the CIA’s New York office, where they must bridge their stark differences to tackle high-stakes cases that threaten national security,” according to the show’s official description. “Their contrasting approaches might just prove to be their greatest asset.”
Ellis Discusses the Show’s Premise
At a recent CBS Upfront event, Ellis shared insights with TVLine about how CIA draws inspiration from the established format of FBI and will delve into the complexities of inter-agency cooperation, which has historically been minimal despite the collaborative need highlighted by the 9/11 attacks.
Ellis explained that the mismatched partnership between the CIA and FBI agents leads to a dynamic that is both effective and fraught with challenges due to their differing methodologies in achieving objectives.
When viewers first encounter CIA agent Hart Hoxton, he is somewhat disenchanted with his less-thrilling domestic assignments in New York, according to Ellis. This new partnership could potentially inject more excitement into his routine.
Character Depth and Production Details
“Although he operates in the shadows using manipulation and lies, there is a significant element of moral ambiguity about him,” Ellis revealed, hinting at the complex nature of his character.
The show is helmed by executive producer and showrunner David Hudgins, with heavyweight producer Dick Wolf overseeing the project alongside Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski. The first episode will see Eriq La Salle not only directing but also serving as an executive producer.
While a specific launch date is yet to be announced, CIA is scheduled to air right after the flagship FBI series on Monday evenings.
Upcoming TV Schedule and Competitions
As part of the fall programming for 2025, viewers can anticipate a strategic placement of CIA in CBS’s schedule, potentially setting up interesting dynamics with concurrent shows across networks.
