Chicago Med’s Nick Gehlfuss and Lucifer’s Tom Ellis team up in the first trailer for CIA, the high-stakes FBI spinoff. Discover the premiere date, cast changes, and character details for the 2026 CBS series.
Nick Gehlfuss Returns to Television in High-Octane FBI Spinoff CIA
The expansive universe created by the FBI spinoff franchise is growing once again, and fans of procedural dramas have a massive reason to celebrate. CBS has officially released the first trailer for its highly anticipated new series, CIA, featuring a powerhouse pairing that bridges two of the most dedicated fandoms in television. Nick Gehlfuss, beloved by audiences as Dr. Will Halstead on Chicago Med, steps back into a leading role, but this time he is trading the sterile hallways of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center for the gritty, high-stakes world of federal investigations.
Joining him is the charismatic Tom Ellis, who famously portrayed the titular devil in Lucifer. Together, they anchor a series that promises to blend the grounded, procedural intensity of the Dick Wolf franchise with a fresh, character-driven dynamic centered on the friction between two very different intelligence agencies. Ahead of its series premiere in February 2026, the debut footage offers a tantalizing look at how these two actors will navigate the complex relationship between the FBI and the CIA.
Who are the unlikely partners Bill Goodman and Colin Glass in CIA?
The narrative core of the CIA series rests on the shoulders of two vastly different men forced to work together. Nick Gehlfuss portrays Bill Goodman, a straight-laced, by-the-book FBI agent who values protocol and transparency. In stark contrast, Tom Ellis plays Colin Glass, a fast-talking, rule-breaking CIA agent who views lying as a fundamental part of his job description. The trailer immediately establishes this "odd couple" dynamic during a polygraph scene where Glass quips about the necessity of deception in his line of work.
This friction is more than just a personality clash; it highlights the fundamental differences in how their respective agencies operate. As the teaser shows, Bill Goodman and Colin Glass frequently debate their methods. Goodman represents the FBI’s preference for working "in the open," while Glass thrives in the "shadows." Despite their constant bickering over safe-house protocols and honesty with suspects, the trailer emphasizes a shared goal: both men are ultimately driven by the mission to keep their country safe, even if they can't agree on how to get there.
What can fans expect from the CIA cast and high-stakes action?
Beyond the central duo, CIA boasts an impressive supporting cast that has already seen some notable developments behind the scenes. Necar Zadegan, known for her work on NCIS: New Orleans, stars as the Chief of the CIA. Zadegan joined the production to replace Michael Michele, who exited the project shortly after filming began. The series also features Natalee Linez as Gina Rojas, a sharp CIA analyst who will likely serve as the technical backbone for the field team.
The trailer showcases a significant shift in tone compared to previous entries in the FBI spinoff world. While the stakes remain incredibly high—featuring sequence after sequence of shootouts, massive explosions, and high-speed car chases—there is a noticeable infusion of humor derived from the chemistry between Nick Gehlfuss and Tom Ellis. This balance of levity and peril suggests that CBS is looking to evolve the franchise's formula, providing the procedural comfort fans love while leaning into the star power and comedic timing of its leads.
When is the CIA series premiere on CBS?
For those eager to see the full extent of this new partnership, the wait is nearly over. CBS has confirmed that CIA will join its Monday night lineup with a special series premiere on February 23, 2026, at 10/9c. As the network prepares for the launch, more casting announcements and plot details are expected to surface, but the initial look has already succeeded in hooking viewers with its blend of action and star-driven drama. Will the rigid Bill Goodman eventually learn to embrace the shadows, or will Colin Glass be forced to play by the rules?
CIA: Quick Spinoff Facts & Premiere Details
Essential data on the upcoming CBS series starring Nick Gehlfuss and Tom Ellis.
Gehlfuss plays FBI Agent Bill Goodman, a straight-laced investigator who follows the rules.
He plays CIA Agent Colin Glass, described as a fast-talking "loose cannon" and an unlikely partner to Goodman.
Necar Zadegan portrays the Chief of the CIA, replacing Michael Michele who left shortly after filming began.
| Data Point | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Actors | Nick Gehlfuss / Tom Ellis | CBS Official Casting |
| Premiere Slot | Mondays at 10/9c | Network Schedule |
| Production Change | Zadegan replaces Michele | Industry Casting Report |
