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The new series CIA arrives as a direct offshoot of Dick Wolf’s long-running FBI universe, promising a mix of international spycraft and domestic law enforcement. Set in New York City, the show pairs a brash CIA operator with a by-the-book FBI agent and leans into cross-agency tension. Early viewing of only the pilot suggests the series will play it safe, but it has room to broaden its scope and win over both loyal FBI fans and curious new viewers.
First episode snapshot: action, personalities and the central mystery
The pilot opens in modern-day Manhattan with a call that pulls CIA case officer Colin Glass into a violent scene. Colin is cocky and rule-averse. He bristles when the FBI is already involved. The bureau’s presence falls squarely on Bill Goodman, a straight-laced FBI special agent whose methodical style clashes with Colin’s improvisation.
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The initial investigation forces both sides to cooperate because the CIA cannot operate freely on U.S. soil without an official liaison. Senior figures step in to manage the uneasy partnership. Meetings and department politics complicate the fieldwork, and the agents’ chemistry drives much of the episode’s tension.
Key cast and character beats
- Tom Ellis as Colin Glass — A charismatic CIA case officer who flouts rules.
- Nick Gehlfuss as Bill Goodman — The by-the-book FBI agent tasked with keeping Colin in line.
- Necar Zadegan as Nikki Reynard — The CIA’s New York deputy chief overseeing operations.
- Alana de la Garza as Isobel Castille — FBI Special Agent in Charge who helps facilitate cooperation.
- Jeremy Sisto as Jubal Valentine — Assistant Special Agent in Charge and internal coordinator.
Production backstory: cast exit, showrunner shifts and a delayed launch
Getting CIA to the screen involved notable behind-the-scenes disruption. The series faced a series of creative changes that pushed its schedule back and reshaped leadership.
- Actress Michael Michele originally was cast in a key role but later departed the project.
- Longtime showrunner Warren Leight left the series after stepping in for a previous lead.
- FBI showrunner Mike Weiss ultimately assumed showrunner duties.
- Those changes contributed to a midseason premiere instead of the planned fall launch.
Critics were only shown the pilot episode prior to public release, an unusual move that limits early critical evaluation. How the production changes will affect the season’s storytelling remains to be seen.
Style, audience and what the series promises
CIA presents itself as a procedural grounded in New York’s urban landscape and in interagency rivalry. The format relies on case-of-the-week structure while leaving room for serialized geopolitical threads.
The show is not reinventing the genre, but it delivers dependable suspense and character friction. Viewers familiar with FBI may find comfort in the franchise’s rhythms. Newcomers get a straightforward entry point into a spy-forward police drama.
Who might enjoy the series
- Fans of Dick Wolf’s procedural universe seeking a spinoff with international stakes.
- Audiences who like character pairings built on clash and compromise.
- Viewers looking for a Monday-night network drama with serialized hints.
When and where to watch
CIA premieres Feb. 23 on CBS. New episodes will air weekly on Mondays. Early responses are based solely on the pilot, and the show’s trajectory will become clearer as more episodes roll out.
