CBS Unveils Cast for ‘FBI: CIA’ Spinoff — And Fans Can’t Believe These Chicago Alums Joined!
The FBI franchise just got even bigger. CBS officially revealed the cast for its highly anticipated spinoff, CIA, and fans are buzzing about the lineup. With Lucifer star Tom Ellis leading the charge and two One Chicago alums joining the mix, this espionage drama is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about shows of the upcoming season.
But what makes this spinoff different from the rest of the FBI universe? And why are fans so excited about this cast? Let’s dive in.
The Growing FBI Universe on CBS
The FBI franchise has become one of CBS’ most reliable TV empires. With FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International already dominating primetime, the addition of CIA signals a bold move into the world of global espionage.
While the original shows focus on crime, fugitives, and international operations, CIA will expand the universe by digging into high-stakes intelligence missions, shadowy organizations, and global threats.
Meet the Star: Tom Ellis Takes the Lead
Yes, you read that right—Tom Ellis, best known for charming audiences as Lucifer Morningstar on Netflix’s Lucifer, will now step into a completely new world. Ellis plays a charismatic but complex CIA operative tasked with navigating dangerous missions while balancing loyalty, secrecy, and morality.
If you loved Ellis’ charm and quick wit on Lucifer, expect that same energy blended with a darker, espionage-driven narrative here.
Two ‘One Chicago’ Alums Make the Jump
Fans of NBC’s One Chicago universe are in for a treat. Two familiar faces—both beloved from Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.—are officially part of the CIA cast. Their addition brings credibility, intensity, and a built-in fan base eager to follow them into this new role.
Though their exact characters are under wraps, expect them to bring grit and realism to the high-stakes world of spycraft.
Why Casting Matters in a Spinoff
CBS isn’t just pulling random stars together. Casting Ellis alongside One Chicago favorites shows the network is serious about building an ensemble that resonates with viewers. This strategy mirrors what worked for FBI: Most Wanted when it launched with Dylan McDermott and Julian McMahon.
The right cast can make or break a spinoff—and judging by early fan reactions, CIA already feels like a hit.
What Makes ‘CIA’ Different From the Other FBI Shows?
Unlike FBI: International, which deals with global law enforcement, CIA will go even deeper into intelligence operations. Think covert missions, undercover agents, and storylines ripped from real-world headlines.
This spinoff won’t just chase criminals—it will tackle espionage, counterterrorism, and political intrigue. In short, CIA is poised to bring the grittiest, most high-stakes storytelling yet to the FBI franchise.
A Perfect Fit for CBS’ Primetime Strategy
CBS has long dominated Tuesday nights with back-to-back FBI shows. Adding CIA to the lineup ensures fans stick around for even more interconnected drama. It also gives CBS the flexibility to cross over storylines between FBI and CIA, a strategy that has proven successful for franchises like NCIS and Law & Order.
Tom Ellis’ Career Shift: From Devil to Spy
Going from playing the devil himself to a CIA agent is no small leap. But Ellis has the range and charisma to pull it off. His move into network television after years on a streaming hit like Lucifer signals his versatility and star power.
It’s also a win for CBS—casting a recognizable face like Ellis brings in fans who might not have tuned into the FBI franchise before.
The Importance of Familiar Faces from ‘One Chicago’
Why bring in One Chicago stars? Simple: audience loyalty. Viewers who followed these actors through firehouse rescues and police investigations will likely tune in to see them in new, high-octane roles.
This cross-franchise fan migration is a smart move by CBS, ensuring CIA launches with a built-in audience.
The Plot: What We Know So Far
While CBS is keeping details quiet, CIA promises to center on a team of elite operatives handling global crises. Expect undercover missions, complex moral dilemmas, and plenty of action sequences.
Rumors suggest the show will balance serialized storytelling (longer arcs about espionage threats) with procedural elements (missions of the week), giving it broad appeal.