CBS's New 'CIA' Spinoff Hits Major Production Snags: What's Going On Behind the Scenes?

The upcoming FBI universe expansion, 'CIA', is navigating a whirlwind of showrunner changes and cast exits, prompting a temporary pause in production as CBS works to stabilize the highly anticipated series.

TL;DR

• 'CIA', CBS's latest 'FBI' spinoff starring Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss, has seen three showrunners and two key cast exits before airing.
• Production is currently paused as Mike Weiss, current 'FBI' showrunner, is in talks to become the third showrunner for 'CIA'.
• Despite the behind-the-scenes hurdles, the network still expects the series to premiere as planned in Midseason 2026.

Imagine a brand-new series, fresh off a straight-to-series order, already on its third showrunner and navigating multiple significant cast departures before a single episode makes it to air. That's the wild ride 'CIA', CBS's latest 'FBI' spinoff, is currently experiencing. For fans eager to dive into another Dick Wolf-created crime drama, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster, leaving many wondering what's really happening behind the scenes.

The Revolving Door of Leadership: Three Showrunners and Counting

The journey for 'CIA' started with David Hudgins, known for his work on 'FBI: Most Wanted', initially helming the project as showrunner when it received its series order in April 2025. However, in July, Hudgins stepped down, leading to Warren Leight, a veteran of 'Law & Order: SVU', taking over the reins. This first change also saw the show's premiere pushed from Fall 2025 to Midseason 2026, granting a little more development time.

Fast forward to November 6, 2025, and news broke that Leight, too, was stepping back from his role. Now, Mike Weiss, the current showrunner for the flagship series 'FBI', is reportedly in talks to step in, potentially becoming 'CIA''s third showrunner. This rapid succession of leadership changes has naturally led to a temporary pause in production, as the network works to smooth out this crucial transition.

Significant Cast Changes Also Adding to the Behind-the-Scenes Drama

The showrunner shuffle isn't the only challenge 'CIA' has faced. Just days before Leight's exit, two other notable departures rocked the production. Actress Michael Michele, who was set to play the head of the CIA's New York Station, left the series on November 1, 2025. Her role is now being recast.

Then, on November 3, 2025, Eriq La Salle, who directed the series premiere and was an executive producer, also departed. While his pilot episode is still expected to air, his exit removes another experienced hand from the production team. La Salle’s departure appears to be voluntary, as he is shifting his focus toward writing the next installment of his 'Martyr Maker' book series, following a recent book deal. (Source: Collider, “Tom Ellis' FBI Offshoot 'CIA' Loses Executive Producer Eriq La Salle and Main Cast Member Michael Michele,” October 30, 2025 [latest available detail]).

A Familiar Formula with New Faces and an Intriguing Premise

Despite the behind-the-scenes churn, the core of 'CIA' remains exciting for fans of the 'FBI' universe. The series is set to star Tom Ellis (known for 'Lucifer') as Hart Hoxton, a fast-talking, rule-breaking loose cannon CIA case officer. He'll be paired with Nick Gehlfuss ('Chicago Med' alum) as Bill Goodman, a by-the-book, seasoned FBI agent. Natalee Linez is also on board as a CIA analyst, sometimes referred to as Gina Rojas in early reports. The show's official logline promises an "odd couple" dynamic: “When this odd couple are assigned to work out of CIA’s New York Station, they must learn to work together to investigate cases and criminals posing threats on U.S. soil, finding that their differences may actually be their strength.”

Tom Ellis shared his vision for the show earlier this year: “We’re going to take what the FBI guys have set up in that kind world. We’re going to then visit it through the eyes of the CIA. We might get a little bit of crossover with FBI from time to time, but ultimately, this is going to be about how the CIA goes about its business on homeland soil and why it’s important that these very different bureaus share information with each other and how for the greater good.”

— Tom Ellis (Source: Us Weekly, May 2025)

Nick Gehlfuss also chimed in on his character, Bill Goodman, noting he's "very much different than Will [Halstead from 'Chicago Med'] going by his own rules." He jokingly added, "And he is teamed up with essentially a Will Halsted of the CIA, played by Tom Ellis. And so it is a wonderful collision of the odd couple in a way." (Source: TV Insider, “'Chicago Med' Alum Nick Gehlfuss on His New Role in 'FBI' Spinoff 'CIA',” October 2025).

Why So Many Changes? The Unseen Challenges of Fast-Paced TV Production

The rapid turnover might seem alarming, but it’s not entirely uncommon in the high-pressure world of network television, especially for new series trying to find their footing. Developing a show from concept to screen involves countless creative decisions and logistical challenges. Early rumors suggested 'CIA' didn't even have a final pilot script when it received its series order (Source: Deadline, “‘CIA’: Warren Leight Exits As Showrunner, Mike Weiss To Succeed Him Amid Production Pause & Recasting On ‘FBI’ Offshoot,” November 6, 2025). This lack of a fully baked creative blueprint at the outset could contribute to early instability as different visions clash or evolve.

Another factor is the sheer speed at which these shows are produced. Mike Weiss, the potential new showrunner for 'CIA', once commented on the demanding schedule for the flagship 'FBI' series: "These episodes get filmed in nine days. They are absolute ninjas." (Source: CinemaBlend, “With CBS' FBI Boss Possibly Taking Over CIA, Here's What He Told Us About Working With 'Absolute Ninjas' On The Network TV Schedule,” November 6, 2025). While this specific quote refers to 'FBI', it highlights the intense pace of network TV. Managing such a production for one show is tough; taking on a second, brand-new series like 'CIA' would be a monumental task, requiring a strong, unified team to keep things on track.

Example: Imagine Sarah, a die-hard 'FBI' fan, seeing all these headlines. She might initially feel worried that her favorite franchise's new addition is doomed before it even starts. But then she remembers how many shows go through early hiccups, sometimes even benefiting from a fresh perspective to refine the creative direction. She might think, "Well, if Mike Weiss can make 'FBI' run like a well-oiled machine, maybe he's exactly what 'CIA' needs to find its rhythm." This kind of behind-the-scenes adjustment, while public, is often about finding the right creative fit to make the best show possible.

Midseason Premiere Still on Track (For Now)

Despite all these changes, the good news for eager viewers is that CBS remains committed to its Midseason 2026 premiere target. Midseason generally kicks off in January, meaning we could still see 'CIA' hit our screens early next year. While production is currently paused to facilitate the showrunner transition, insiders suggest the delay is brief and won't impact the overall release schedule (Source: Variety, “‘FBI’ Spinoff ‘CIA’ Showrunner Warren Leight Exits, Production Paused (EXCLUSIVE),” Emily Longeretta, November 6, 2025). The network has already shifted the show from a fall debut to midseason to allow for more development time, indicating a willingness to prioritize quality over an immediate release.

Practical Takeaways for 'CIA' Fans

• Stay Tuned for Midseason 2026: The 'CIA' series is still expected to premiere on CBS, likely in January, despite recent production pauses.
• Expect an "Odd Couple" Dynamic: Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss remain the lead stars, promising an engaging partnership between a rogue CIA operative and a by-the-book FBI agent.
• Behind-the-Scenes Changes Aren't Always Bad: While multiple changes can seem concerning, they often reflect a studio's commitment to finding the right creative direction for a new show.
• Prepare for a Fresh 'FBI' Universe Perspective: The show will explore CIA operations on U.S. soil, offering a unique angle within the established Dick Wolf crime universe.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'CIA' When will 'CIA' premiere? 'CIA' is currently scheduled to premiere in Midseason 2026 on CBS, typically starting in January. Who is in the main cast of 'CIA'? The main cast includes Tom Ellis as Hart Hoxton (CIA case officer), Nick Gehlfuss as Bill Goodman (FBI agent), and Natalee Linez as a CIA analyst. What is 'CIA' about? The series follows an unlikely partnership between a fast-talking CIA officer and a by-the-book FBI agent, working together out of the CIA's New York Station to investigate threats on U.S. soil. Will 'CIA' connect to the main 'FBI' show? While it's a universe expansion, lead actor Tom Ellis has suggested potential crossovers but emphasized that 'CIA' will focus on how the CIA operates on homeland soil and its collaboration with the FBI for the greater good. Sources

• Variety, "‘FBI’ Spinoff ‘CIA’ Showrunner Warren Leight Exits, Production Paused (EXCLUSIVE)", Emily Longeretta, November 6, 2025.
• Deadline, "‘CIA’: Warren Leight Exits As Showrunner, Mike Weiss To Succeed Him Amid Production Pause & Recasting On ‘FBI’ Offshoot", Nellie Andreeva, November 6, 2025.
• Collider, "Tom Ellis' FBI Offshoot 'CIA' Loses Executive Producer Eriq La Salle and Main Cast Member Michael Michele", October 30, 2025.
• Us Weekly, "Tom Ellis Teases ‘FBI’ Spinoff ‘CIA,’ Addresses Potential Crossover With Flagship Show", May 2025.
• CinemaBlend, "With CBS' FBI Boss Possibly Taking Over CIA, Here's What He Told Us About Working With 'Absolute Ninjas' On The Network TV Schedule", Laura Hurley, November 6, 2025.
• TV Insider, "‘Chicago Med’ Alum Nick Gehlfuss on His New Role in ‘FBI’ Spinoff ‘CIA’", October 2025.