Introduction: A New CBS Spy Game, But With Missing Players?
CBS has always had a knack for turning procedural dramas into goldmines — NCIS, FBI, and now CIA. With the upcoming CIA series set to expand the FBI franchise, fans naturally assumed we’d see familiar faces from FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. But recent comments from the show’s executive producer hint otherwise. Should we be worried?
Let’s dive into why CBS’ CIA might not bring back characters from its sibling shows — and what that means for the shared FBI universe moving forward.
The FBI Franchise: A Quick Refresher
What’s the FBI Franchise All About?
CBS’ FBI universe includes three main shows:
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FBI – The original, focused on the New York field office.
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FBI: Most Wanted – A team tracking down America’s most dangerous fugitives.
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FBI: International – Set in Europe, following elite agents on global missions.
Together, they’ve built a web of characters and crossovers. So, naturally, fans expected CIA to continue that thread.
Meet CBS’ CIA: A Different Kind of Beast
What Makes CIA Different From FBI?
While FBI deals with domestic threats and field work, CIA promises a deeper dive into espionage, intelligence gathering, and covert operations. That means:
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Less tactical team drama.
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More spycraft, surveillance, and global manipulation.
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A darker, more psychological narrative.
This tonal shift could be why familiar FBI characters might not fit right in.
Executive Producer Drops the Bomb: No Guarantees
What Did the EP Actually Say?
In a recent interview, the show’s executive producer cautiously said:
“CIA is its own world. While it exists in the same universe, we’re not focused on character crossover right now.”
That’s a pretty careful way of saying: Don’t hold your breath.
Why CIA May Avoid Crossovers — For Now
1. Tonal Shift Could Ruin the Flow
The gritty realism of CIA might not mix well with the more action-heavy FBI counterparts. Imagine Most Wanted’s Jess LaCroix running into a cold-blooded CIA handler — the chemistry may just not work.
2. Fresh Cast, Fresh Direction
The creative team seems keen on building a new identity for CIA. Bringing back known characters might distract from developing new faces and storylines.
3. Scheduling and Logistics Are a Nightmare
Crossovers are complicated. Aligning production schedules across multiple series can slow things down and stretch budgets. With CIA being new, CBS may want to keep it lean and focused — at least in season one.
Why Fans Want the Crossovers Anyway
1. Interconnected Worlds Keep Viewers Hooked
Shared universes work. Just ask Marvel. Or the One Chicago universe. Seeing familiar faces pop in and out of different series boosts engagement and loyalty.
2. Unfinished Storylines from FBI: International & Most Wanted
Some characters left mid-arc, and fans hoped CIA would provide closure or expansion.
What a Crossover Could Actually Look Like
If CIA does eventually fold in characters from the FBI shows, it could happen in subtle ways:
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A brief cameo.
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A joint mission between agencies.
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An undercover FBI agent embedded in a CIA op.
That would allow continuity without forcing full episodes of crossover chaos.
The Franchise Model CBS Is Following
CBS has found a rhythm with shared universe shows like NCIS and FBI. But it’s clear they’re taking a Marvel-style slow-burn approach with CIA. Lay the groundwork first, then introduce the tie-ins.
Could CIA Still Exist Without FBI Links?
Absolutely. In fact, that might be its greatest strength. Free from franchise constraints, CIA could take bigger narrative risks — explore morally gray areas, delve into deep-cover missions, and show the emotional toll of espionage.
What Fans Are Saying Online
Reddit threads, Twitter debates, and fan forums are buzzing. Some support the standalone approach, while others feel betrayed. After all, many tuned into CIA expecting a continuation of what they loved from FBI.
How the FBI Universe Could Still Surprise Us
CBS may be playing coy. Remember when NCIS: Los Angeles surprised everyone with a sudden NCIS guest star? CIA could pull a similar stunt — perhaps in a mid-season cliffhanger or a season finale crossover event.
What Would Make the Perfect Crossover Episode?
Let’s dream a bit:
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A CIA asset goes rogue and ends up on FBI: Most Wanted’s radar.
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A major international operation needs both CIA and FBI: International forces.
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Maggie Bell from FBI gets assigned to a special task force, leading her straight to Langley.
CBS, if you’re reading — you’re welcome.
The Bottom Line: Should We Be Worried?
Yes and no. If you’re expecting a full-scale, character-loaded crossover in CIA‘s first season, you’ll probably be disappointed. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen eventually.
CBS has shown they know how to build slow and pay off later. CIA might just be planting the seeds now.
Conclusion: It’s Not the End — Just a Different Beginning
So, will CIA bring characters from FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International back?
Right now, the answer is probably not — at least not yet. But this could be a strategic move, not a rejection. By setting up a self-contained series first, CBS is creating a stronger foundation for crossovers down the line.
If you’re a fan of the franchise, keep watching. The characters you love may not show up right away — but in the world of television espionage, anything is possible.
FAQs
1. Is CBS’ CIA officially part of the FBI universe?
Yes. CBS has confirmed that CIA exists in the same universe as the FBI shows, even if it doesn’t focus on crossovers initially.
2. Will characters from FBI: Most Wanted appear in CIA season 1?
Unlikely. According to the executive producer, there are currently no plans for character crossover in the first season.
3. Why is CBS avoiding crossovers in CIA?
The network is likely focused on building a new identity for CIA and establishing its tone, which differs from the FBI shows.
4. Could there still be surprise guest appearances?
Yes. While not confirmed, it’s always possible for cameos or subtle references, especially if fan demand is strong.
5. Will there be any storyline connections between CIA and FBI: International?
Not immediately. But future seasons could explore shared missions, especially with the CIA’s global reach.
