After CBS’ recent shakeup of its crime procedural lineup, fans of the FBI franchise have a brand-new show to look forward to — and it’s not just another bureau. “CIA,” the freshly greenlit one-hour drama starring Lucifer’s Tom Ellis, isn’t merely a continuation of the network’s law-enforcement empire. It’s a bold, character-driven espionage thriller that promises to inject a dose of rogue energy into the meticulously crafted world of Dick Wolf’s FBI Universe.

How the CIA Spinoff Emerged From the Ashes of FBI International and Most Wanted

With the cancellation of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International earlier this year, CBS left a void in its prime-time crime lineup. Both shows had extended the FBI brand across different operational fronts—one tracking high-stakes manhunts, the other brokering law enforcement across borders. Now, “CIA” steps in not only to fill that gap but to evolve the franchise in a new direction. Unlike Most Wanted, which originated from a backdoor pilot, and International, which went straight to series, “CIA” was initially planned to introduce its characters through a guest episode on FBI. But CBS scrapped that plan, opting for a straight-to-series order once Tom Ellis signed on. And that move might have saved the project from feeling too tethered to the original.

Tom Ellis Brings Luciferian Charm to a CIA Drama That Craves Personality

Ellis’ casting is more than just a TV stunt—it's a strategic masterstroke. Best known for his devilishly charismatic turn as Lucifer Morningstar, Ellis is perfectly suited to play a “fast-talking, rule-breaking loose cannon” CIA case officer. The kind of character who doesn’t just bend the rules but does so with a wink. Ellis isn’t new to playing complex, charming antiheroes, and “CIA” gives him the platform to reinvent that archetype within the world of espionage. Pair him with an as-yet-unnamed “by-the-book, seasoned and smart FBI agent,” and you’ve got a classic odd-couple setup that sounds familiar but feels freshly combustible.

Why the FBI Universe Is the New Marvel/DC of Network TV

What CBS has built with the FBI franchise is nothing short of network-television world-building genius. With multiple spinoffs branching from the original FBI show, the network is creating interconnected series in the same way Marvel and DC link their cinematic universes. “CIA” is the next evolution in this strategy. Executive producers Dick Wolf and David Hudgins (who’s also the showrunner) are leaning into this ecosystem with full force. Adding Nicole Perlman—known for her work on Guardians of the Galaxy—to the mix only underscores how CBS is blending franchise stability with creative flair.

The Logline That Promises More Than Just Another Procedural

The official synopsis teases what could easily become one of CBS’s most dynamic dramas: two agents from different worlds—one chaotic, one disciplined—are forced to team up in the CIA’s New York Station. Their mission? Hunt down threats on U.S. soil. Their challenge? Learn to trust each other. It’s a formula that’s been tried in shows from Castle to The Mentalist, but the intelligence layer and agency clash add a new dimension. Especially when you consider that one of the creators is David Chasteen, a former CIA officer. This isn’t just TV fantasy; it’s grounded in real tradecraft, with a twist of personality.

“CIA” Could Be the Most Emotionally Resonant and Action-Packed Entry Yet

What sets “CIA” apart from its procedural siblings is its focus on partnership and conflict—not just with criminals, but within the agencies themselves. The tension between the FBI’s rule-bound approach and the CIA’s more flexible, sometimes shadowy methods is fertile ground for storytelling. And with Ellis leading the charge, there’s every reason to believe this won’t be another cookie-cutter crime show. This is a chance for the FBI Universe to explore moral gray areas, personal loyalties, and high-stakes national security—all through the lens of two agents who might just redefine what it means to serve and protect.

Looking Forward: CBS Is Betting Big on Franchise Extensions, and “CIA” Is the Crown Jewel

Alongside spinoffs like Fire Country’s Sheriff Country and Blue Bloods’ Boston Blue, CBS is double-downing on what works: established brands with fresh angles. “CIA” isn’t just another extension; it’s the smartest, most daring gambit yet. And with Ellis’s star power, a top-tier creative team, and a concept that merges character clash with national intrigue, it’s the kind of show that could not only survive but thrive in the crowded network landscape.

For fans of FBI, Ellis, or just well-crafted procedural drama, “CIA” is the reset—and the upgrade—you didn’t know you needed. And who knows? Maybe this is the beginning of a CBS espionage universe that one day teams up with Wolf’s other creations for a crossover event worthy of the superhero genre.