In a move that’s as strategic as it is star-powered, CBS is expanding its FBI franchise once again — this time with a fresh, high-stakes twist that swaps G-men for espionage agents. The network’s latest procedural addition, CIA (working title), doesn’t just add another layer to the ever-growing FBI universe; it promises to inject character-driven flair and covert intensity into a genre that thrives on both.
And with Tom Ellis—yes, the Lucifer maestro himself—locked in as one of the two leads, CBS has clearly landed the kind of casting that could elevate CIA from network staple to must-watch sensation. Ellis’ involvement alone transforms the show’s trajectory, giving fans of the *FBI* franchise (and those who just love a bit of devilish charm) a new hero to root for in the procedural trenches.
Tom Ellis’ Role Turns Up the Energy in a Familiar Franchise
Originally pitched as FBI: CIA and slated to debut via a backdoor pilot on the parent FBI series, the spinoff took a detour—and a leap—when CBS ordered it straight to series for the 2025-26 season. The planned introduction through a mothership episode was scrapped due to casting delays, but the decision to bypass the pilot phase speaks volumes about the confidence Ellis’ casting has inspired.
Ellis will play a “fast-talking, rule-breaking loose cannon” CIA case officer—a description that practically begs for a mix of Lucifer-style wit and gritty realism. Opposite him stands a yet-to-be-cast FBI agent: seasoned, by-the-book, and sharp—a perfect foil for Ellis’ chaotic energy. It’s a classic odd-couple setup, but one that’s already got industry insiders buzzing about the chemistry and conflict that could drive the show beyond typical procedural plots.
As TVLine quoted FBI star Zeeko Zaki, who had early exposure to the scripts through a friend auditioning for the series, the writing is “really, really, really strong.” And the banter. Oh, the banter. It sounds like CIA is ready to play in the same league as Ellis’ best work—sharp, smart, and just rebellious enough to keep viewers hooked.
From FBI: Most Wanted to CIA—A Franchise Reinvention Through Character
The creation of CIA comes on the heels of some tough shakeups in the CBS lineup. Both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International were canceled earlier this year, leaving fans of those sub-series wondering about the future of the franchise’s ecosystem. Ironically, Most Wanted was the original spinoff that used a planted episode to launch its story—exactly the strategy now being abandoned in favor of a straight-to-series order for CIA.
While it's bittersweet to see Most Wanted off the air, the legacy of its creative leadership lives on. David Hudgins, the former showrunner of FBI: Most Wanted, is now helming CIA. His involvement ensures that the new series will likely carry over the intense, character-focused storytelling that made Most Wanted resonate with audiences. Pair that with Dick Wolf’s ever-watchful eye and Nicole Perlman’s (yes, *Captain Marvel*'s Perlman) creative input, and you’ve got a dream team steering this ship.
Unlocking the Superpower of CBS’ Procedural Universe
What’s truly exciting about CIA isn’t just its place within the FBI universe—it’s how it leverages that ecosystem to explore new kinds of storytelling. With a former CIA officer (and *Jack Ryan* consultant) David Chasteen on board, the show promises authenticity in its tradecraft, grounding Ellis’ flamboyant character in real-world espionage stakes. It’s a blend of grounded realism and character spectacle that mirrors what superhero franchises strive for—think *Marvel*’s balance between world-saving and wit, or *DC*’s blend of myth and personal drama.
Ellis’ character, who may or may not rock a British accent in the role (fans are already debating this), could very well have a secret karaoke hobby. Hey, we can dream. But the point is, CIA isn’t just about investigating threats—it’s about the human element behind those investigations. The friction, the alliances, the personal backstories that turn routine missions into emotional odysseys. That’s where this show could soar.
Why CIA Could Be the Procedural Game-Changer We Didn’t Know We Needed
Procedurals like FBI have long been the backbone of network TV, and CBS has masterfully built a franchise empire around them. But with CIA, they’re not just adding another layer—they’re changing the game. By bringing in a lead like Tom Ellis, who carries a fanbase eager for sharp writing and complex characters, CBS is bridging the gap between traditional network drama and genre storytelling.
This isn’t just another crime show. It’s a genre fusion—part espionage thriller, part character-driven drama, part superhero origin story (minus the cape, but maybe not the flair). And that’s what makes CIA stand out in a saturated market. It’s got the procedural structure that guarantees weekly tension, but with the layered character dynamics that give shows longevity and cult followings.
So, while we may be saying goodbye to FBI: Most Wanted, its spirit lives on in CIA. And with Tom Ellis leading the charge, we’re not just watching another agent at work—we’re watching a hero (of sorts) step back into the spotlight. Whether he’s breaking rules, cracking cases, or sneaking in a sarcastic remark, Ellis’ CIA operative is poised to become the next iconic figure in CBS’ procedural universe.
One thing’s for sure: FBI Most Wanted may be gone, but the most wanted spot in the *FBI* universe has just been taken—and it’s looking pretty devilish.