CIA (CBS): Tom Ellis’ New Crime Drama, Release Date, Cast & Why This Could Be CBS’s Next Big Hit

Tom Ellis is trading charm for chaos — and CBS is betting big on it.

CBS has officially unveiled CIA, a new one-hour crime drama starring Tom Ellis as a rule-breaking CIA case officer, and it already looks like one of the network’s most aggressive procedural launches in years. Created by Dick Wolf and David Hudgins, CIA blends espionage tension with classic police-procedural DNA — and plugs directly into the hugely successful FBI television universe.

With a February 23, 2026 premiere date locked in, CIA is positioned as a prime-time powerhouse built for long-term success.

What Is CIA on CBS?

CIA is an upcoming American crime drama / police procedural series centered on two completely opposite federal agents forced to work together out of the CIA’s New York Station.

The hook is simple — and effective:

• One agent breaks every rule

• The other lives by the book

• National security is on the line

The result? Constant friction, sharp dialogue, and cases that hit close to home.

CIA CBS Release Date & Where to Watch

• Series Premiere: February 23, 2026

• Network: CBS

• Episode Length: One hour

• Streaming: Expected next-day availability via Paramount+ (US)

As a broadcast procedural backed by Dick Wolf, CIA is clearly designed for weekly appointment viewing — not just binge culture.

CIA Plot: What Is the Series About?

At the center of CIA are two unlikely partners:

• Hart Hoxton — a fast-talking, impulsive CIA case officer who bends rules without hesitation

• Bill Goodman — a seasoned FBI agent who believes law and order exist for a reason

Assigned to work together in New York City, they investigate:

• Domestic terrorism threats

• Criminal networks operating on U.S. soil

• Intelligence failures with real-world consequences

Their philosophies clash constantly — but that conflict becomes their greatest weapon.

Tom Ellis as Hart Hoxton: A Career Pivot

Tom Ellis takes on his most grounded and dangerous role yet.

As Hart Hoxton, Ellis plays:

• A loose cannon

• A risk-taker

• Someone who gets results — even when he shouldn’t

This marks a major shift from his previous iconic roles and positions Ellis as a serious network-TV leading man with franchise potential.

CBS isn’t just casting a star — they’re building a character meant to last.

CIA Cast: Who Stars in the Series?

Main Cast

• Tom Ellis as Hart Hoxton, CIA case officer

• Nick Gehlfuss as Bill Goodman, FBI special agent

• Natalee Linez as Gina Rojas, CIA analyst

• Necar Zadegan as Chief of the CIA’s New York Station

The ensemble balances field action with intelligence analysis and leadership tension — a hallmark of Dick Wolf–produced series.

Is CIA Connected to the FBI TV Franchise?

Yes.

CIA is officially a spinoff of the FBI franchise, which includes:

• FBI

• FBI: Most Wanted

• FBI: International

While CIA stands on its own, crossover potential is built into its DNA — expanding the shared universe and keeping CBS’s crime lineup tightly connected.

Who’s Behind CIA?

The creative pedigree here is massive.

Key Creatives

• Creators: Dick Wolf, David Hudgins

• Executive Producers: Dick Wolf, Peter Jankowski, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen

• Production Companies: Wolf Entertainment, CBS Studios, Universal Television

Dick Wolf’s involvement alone signals longevity, structure, and high episode volume — the CBS formula that consistently wins.

Why CIA Could Be CBS’s Next Long-Running Series

Several factors strongly favor success:

1. The Dick Wolf Formula

Procedurals built by Wolf are durable, scalable, and audience-loyal.

2. A Clear Character Conflict

Rule-breaker vs rule-follower is a proven engine for drama.

3. National Security Stakes

Domestic threats keep the show timely and relevant.

4. Tom Ellis’ Star Power

Ellis brings both international recognition and new audience crossover.

5. Franchise Integration

Being part of the FBI universe guarantees built-in viewers.

Who Will Like CIA?

This show is tailor-made for viewers who enjoy:

• FBI-style procedurals

• Character-driven crime drama

• Federal law enforcement stories

• Weekly case-of-the-week formats

• High-stakes U.S.-based threats

If you already watch CBS crime dramas, CIA will feel instantly familiar — but with a sharper edge.

CIA Series Details at a Glance

• Title: CIA

• Genre: Crime Drama, Police Procedural

• Network: CBS

• Premiere Date: February 23, 2026

• Country: United States

• Language: English

• Related Series: FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International

Final Verdict: Is CIA Worth Watching?

Absolutely — especially for procedural fans.

CIA doesn’t try to reinvent the genre. Instead, it sharpens it — pairing ideological conflict with national security stakes and a charismatic lead performance.

If CBS is looking for its next dependable, long-running crime hit, CIA looks like a very safe bet.

And for Tom Ellis, this may be the role that locks him into American network television for years.