Production on CBS’ upcoming FBI spinoff CIA has undergone another major change ahead of its debut. One of the show’s lead cast members has exited the project as development continues under new creative direction for its midseason premiere.
Michael Michele exits FBI spin-off CIA
Michael Michele has exited CBS’ upcoming FBI offshoot CIA, according to Deadline. The series, which stars Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss, began production in September ahead of its midseason premiere. Michele played the head of the CIA’s New York Station, but producers have not confirmed whether they will recast her role.
The show, created by Dick Wolf, follows two unlikely partners. Ellis portrays a fast-talking CIA officer, while Gehlfuss plays a by-the-book FBI agent. The pair work together in New York to tackle national security threats. CIA also features Natalee Linez as a CIA analyst. Production has undergone several changes behind the scenes, including a recent showrunner replacement.
CBS initially planned to debut CIA in 2025. The network later pushed the release to 2026 after Warren Leight, known for Law & Order: SVU, replaced FBI: Most Wanted showrunner David Hudgins. This shift marks the second major change for the spinoff after earlier production adjustments. CBS ordered the series straight to production in April. Universal Television produces the show in partnership with Wolf Entertainment and CBS Studios.
Michele’s departure follows her recent recurring role opposite Queen Latifah on The Equalizer and continues her longstanding collaboration with Wolf, dating back to her first major role in New York Undercover. Her exit comes as CBS continues to expand the FBI universe, which already includes FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International.
Executive producers include Dick Wolf, Warren Leight, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski. Despite the casting change, production on CIA continues as the network prepares for its midseason premiere with new updates and behind-the-scenes adjustments underway.
