"CIA" Spinoff Navigates a Rough Road to Premiere with Multiple Key Departures

Imagine trying to get a new show off the ground, only to see its leadership change hands three times and a key cast member depart—all before it even hits the air. That's the dramatic behind-the-scenes story currently unfolding for CBS's highly anticipated "FBI" spinoff, "CIA."

TL;DR

• CBS's new "FBI" spinoff, "CIA," has seen a significant shake-up with three different showrunners involved, a lead actor's departure, and an executive producer/director stepping down.
• Production on the series, starring Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss, has briefly paused to accommodate the latest showrunner transition.
• Despite the turmoil, "CIA" is still expected to premiere midseason 2026, promising a unique dynamic between a loose-cannon CIA officer and a by-the-book FBI agent.

A new Dick Wolf show is always big news, especially when it expands an already popular universe like "FBI." But for the upcoming "CIA" spinoff, the journey from greenlight to screen has been anything but smooth. Since its initial announcement, the series has become a revolving door for top talent, sparking questions about the stability of the project.

The latest twist in this ongoing saga arrived on November 6, 2025, with news that Warren Leight, a seasoned veteran of "Law & Order: SVU," is stepping down as showrunner. This marks the third change in leadership for "CIA" before its premiere, with Mike Weiss, the current showrunner of the flagship "FBI" series, reportedly in talks to take over. This rapid succession of changes has led to a temporary production pause, giving the team a moment to regroup.

The Creative Leadership Carousel: A Series of Unexpected Exits

The showrunner role for "CIA" has been a particularly hot seat. Originally, David Hudgins, known for his work on "FBI: Most Wanted," was at the helm. However, he was replaced by Warren Leight in July 2025. Now, just months later, Leight himself has exited the project. This kind of churn in creative leadership can be a significant challenge for any new series, as each showrunner typically brings their unique vision and direction to the storytelling.

For Mike Weiss, potentially stepping into this role means balancing the demands of two major network dramas. As showrunner for "FBI," he’s already responsible for overseeing a show that churns out 22 episodes a season on a tight nine-day filming schedule, as he once described his production team as "absolute ninjas" to CinemaBlend. Taking on another series of this scale, even if it’s an extension of the same universe, would be a monumental task, highlighting CBS's commitment to getting "CIA" on track. 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].

Key Cast and Crew Departures Raise Eyebrows

Beyond the showrunner changes, "CIA" has also seen significant shifts in front of and behind the camera. Earlier in November 2025, Michael Michele, who was cast to play the crucial role of the head of CIA's New York Station, unexpectedly exited the series. Her departure leaves a prominent role open for recasting, a process that can involve additional auditions and filming adjustments. Source: [Deadline, "‘CIA’: Michael Michele Exits CBS’ ‘FBI’ Offshoot", November 3, 2025].

Adding to the list of exits, Eriq La Salle, a seasoned director and executive producer with deep ties to the Wolf Entertainment universe (including "Chicago P.D." and various "Law & Order" shows), also departed. La Salle had directed the first episode, Episode 101, as planned. His decision to step back from the series is reportedly to focus on his burgeoning writing career, having recently signed a two-book deal for his thriller series "Martyr Maker." This shows a personal career shift rather than creative differences, but it still means losing an experienced hand early in the show's life. Source: [Deadline, "Eriq La Salle Exits CBS’ ‘FBI’ Offshoot ‘CIA’ As Executive Producer", November 3, 2025].

Tom Ellis on "CIA"'s vision:

"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, May 2025, Us Weekly

The Core Dynamic: Loose Cannon Meets By-the-Book

Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, the core premise and stars of "CIA" remain a compelling draw. The series is set to follow Tom Ellis as "a fast-talking, rule-breaking loose cannon CIA case officer," paired with "Chicago Med" alum Nick Gehlfuss, playing "a by-the-book, seasoned and smart FBI agent who believes in the rule of law." This "odd couple" dynamic is central to the show's appeal, promising plenty of friction and eventual synergy as they tackle threats on U.S. soil from the CIA's New York Station.

Nick Gehlfuss himself expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, telling CinemaBlend he was "on cloud nine" about returning to the Wolf Entertainment fold in a new role. He praised the production company and the opportunity to film in New York City, describing the experience as "electric." Gehlfuss also highlighted the contrast with his previous character, Dr. Will Halstead, noting his new FBI agent character is "very different than Will Halstead. Will was, if anything, nothing by the book." This commitment from the lead actors is a strong indicator of the show's potential, despite the early production challenges.

What These Changes Mean for the Show's Future

The flurry of exits and leadership changes might, understandably, make some viewers pause. A shifting creative team can sometimes lead to an inconsistent tone or vision. For instance, a showrunner defines the overall narrative arc, character development, and stylistic choices. Losing two and potentially bringing in a third during the early production stages means multiple creative voices have already influenced the initial setup, which could create a patchwork feel.

However, the network's decision to pause production briefly, rather than push through, suggests a commitment to getting the new leadership settled and ensuring a cohesive vision moving forward. The fact that the series is still slated for a midseason 2026 premiere, rather than being delayed indefinitely, also signals confidence from CBS. It indicates that the core elements—the compelling premise and the committed lead actors—are strong enough to weather these initial storms.

For example, imagine a fan named Maya, who loves the "FBI" universe, eagerly awaiting "CIA." She sees the constant headlines about showrunner changes and cast exits and worries if the show will even make it to air, or if it will be a mess. Then, she reads an interview with Nick Gehlfuss, sounding genuinely excited about his new character and filming in New York. This reassures her that the actors are still dedicated, and the show's core premise remains intact, giving her hope for a strong debut.

Ultimately, while these early production hiccups are noteworthy, the presence of veteran executive producer Dick Wolf and the network's continued investment suggest a determination to deliver a successful series. The "FBI" franchise has a proven track record, and "CIA" aims to expand on that with a fresh perspective on intelligence operations on home soil. The real test will be how the new creative team integrates its vision and if the lead actors' chemistry can overcome any initial bumps.

Practical Takeaways for Viewers

• Expect "CIA" in Midseason 2026: Despite recent production pauses and changes, the show is still on track for a midseason debut on CBS.
• Familiar Universe, Fresh Perspective: While part of the "FBI" world, "CIA" promises a distinct look at intelligence operations and a different type of partnership.
• New Leadership, Same Star Power: Mike Weiss, the current "FBI" showrunner, is in talks to lead "CIA," ensuring experienced hands are at the wheel with stars Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss remaining central to the show.
• Potential for Recasting: The role of the CIA's New York Station chief, previously held by Michael Michele, will likely be recast, which could introduce a new dynamic to the team.

FAQ

Q: When is "CIA" expected to premiere? A: "CIA" is currently expected to premiere midseason 2026 on CBS.

Q: Who are the main stars of "CIA"? A: The show stars Tom Ellis as a CIA case officer and Nick Gehlfuss as an FBI agent. Natalee Linez is also cast as a CIA analyst.

Q: What is the premise of the show? A: "CIA" follows two unlikely partners—a rule-breaking CIA officer and a by-the-book FBI agent—who must learn to work together out of the CIA's New York Station to investigate threats on U.S. soil.

Q: Will "CIA" have crossovers with other "FBI" shows? A: Tom Ellis has indicated there might be "a little bit of crossover with FBI from time to time," but the show will primarily focus on the CIA's operations on homeland soil.

Sources

• Variety, "Tom Ellis' FBI Spinoff CIA Loses Showrunner In Latest Exit, Pauses Production", November 6, 2025.
• Deadline, "Eriq La Salle Exits CBS’ ‘FBI’ Offshoot ‘CIA’ As Executive Producer", November 3, 2025.
• Deadline, "‘CIA’: Michael Michele Exits CBS’ ‘FBI’ Offshoot", November 3, 2025.
• Us Weekly, "FBI’s Spinoff CIA Has Now Paused Production Amid a Possible Recasting and Several Exits", November 6, 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", November 6, 2025.