🚨 FBI Spin-Off ‘CIA’ Trailer & First Look Just Dropped – It’s Explosive! 🔥🕵️‍♂️

Tom Ellis (Lucifer) as a rogue CIA hotshot clashes with straight-laced FBI agent Nick Gehlfuss in a high-stakes New York taskforce!

Lie detector tension, snarky banter, shadowy ops, and domestic terror threats that hit too close to home… This buddy-cop vibe with international intrigue looks ADDICTIVE!

Premiering February 23, 2026 on CBS right after FBI – will these opposites survive each other… or the bad guys? Watch the official trailer & first look NOW and spill: Team rogue CIA or by-the-book FBI? 👇

CBS has released the first official trailer and first-look images for CIA, the newest addition to Dick Wolf’s expanding FBI franchise. Set to premiere on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the series follows an unlikely duo—an unorthodox CIA case officer and a disciplined FBI special agent—tasked with preventing domestic terrorism threats from a clandestine New York outpost.

The FBI universe, which launched in 2018 and spawned spin-offs like FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, continues to grow under Wolf’s prolific production banner. CIA marks the franchise’s latest chapter, shifting focus to inter-agency collaboration between the FBI and CIA while maintaining the procedural format that has driven strong ratings for the network. The show was ordered to series in April 2025, with production facing some delays and adjustments before moving forward.

The trailer introduces viewers to the central partnership: Tom Ellis stars as Colin Hart, a fast-talking, rule-bending CIA operative known for bending protocols to get results. Hart’s roguish style contrasts sharply with his new partner, FBI Special Agent Bill Goodman, played by Nick Gehlfuss (Chicago Med). The footage opens with a tense lie detector scene where Goodman grills Hart, setting up the dynamic of clashing personalities forced to work together. Snappy dialogue flies as the two trade barbs, with Hart’s charm and Goodman’s by-the-book approach creating immediate friction.

Key moments in the trailer highlight high-stakes investigations: shadowy surveillance, rapid chases through New York streets, interrogations in dimly lit rooms, and urgent briefings on potential domestic threats. The series positions the New York CIA station as a hub for joint operations targeting homegrown extremism and foreign-influenced plots, blending procedural case-of-the-week elements with ongoing character tensions. The footage teases moral gray areas typical of intelligence work, where Hart’s willingness to push boundaries often puts him at odds with Goodman’s adherence to rules.

Tom Ellis, best known for his charismatic role as Lucifer Morningstar in the Netflix series Lucifer, brings a similar blend of wit and edge to Hart. In interviews surrounding the project’s rollout, Ellis has described the character as a “loose cannon with a conscience,” someone who operates in the shadows but ultimately fights for the greater good. His casting has generated buzz, drawing fans from his previous work while introducing him to the procedural drama audience.

Nick Gehlfuss anchors the FBI side as the more grounded counterpart. His portrayal of Goodman emphasizes reliability and principle, providing a counterbalance to Hart’s unpredictability. The trailer’s first-look stills show the pair in professional settings—suits, earpieces, and city backdrops—while hinting at personal stakes that may develop over the season. Supporting cast details remain limited in early promotions, but the focus stays firmly on the central duo and their evolving relationship amid pressing cases.

Production for CIA has been underway in New York, capturing the city’s urban energy to ground the stories in a realistic environment. The series was originally eyed for a fall 2025 launch but shifted to mid-season 2026 following production pauses and creative tweaks. CBS has positioned it as a direct follow-up to FBI episodes on Monday nights, aiming to retain viewers from the flagship series while expanding the franchise’s reach.

The trailer emphasizes action and interpersonal drama over overt spectacle. Quick cuts show tactical gear, encrypted communications, and moments of high tension during operations. It avoids deep spoilers, instead building intrigue around how Hart and Goodman will reconcile their differences to stop threats that could strike anywhere in the country. Themes of trust, loyalty, and the blurred lines between domestic law enforcement and foreign intelligence run through the preview.

Fan reactions have been positive since the trailer’s debut in mid-December 2025. Online discussions praise the casting choice of Ellis for bringing star power and charisma, while Gehlfuss’s established procedural credentials add credibility. Many viewers express excitement about seeing a CIA-focused angle in the FBI world, especially after the recent conclusions of Most Wanted and International. Social media clips and breakdowns highlight the banter, with some calling it a fresh take on the classic odd-couple formula.

Dick Wolf’s track record with interconnected procedurals—seen in the Chicago and Law & Order franchises—suggests CIA could feature crossovers with the main FBI series down the line. For now, the show stands alone as a new entry, focusing on New York-based joint task force operations. The mid-season premiere timing allows CBS to build momentum from FBI‘s established audience while introducing fresh faces.

As the FBI franchise evolves, CIA represents an effort to explore different facets of national security storytelling. It maintains the grounded, case-driven approach that has defined the brand, while adding layers of inter-agency tension and moral complexity. The trailer positions the series as both thrilling and character-focused, appealing to longtime fans and newcomers alike.

With premiere just weeks away in early 2026, CBS continues to promote the show through additional first-look materials and cast appearances. Whether Hart and Goodman can bridge their divides to protect the homeland will unfold episode by episode, but the early footage suggests a compelling mix of procedural intensity and personality-driven drama.

In a television landscape crowded with crime shows, CIA aims to stand out through its unique partnership dynamic and timely subject matter. Tom Ellis’s star turn, paired with strong supporting elements and Wolf’s reliable formula, positions the series for a solid launch. Viewers can expect the same high production values and fast pace that have kept the FBI franchise on the air for years.

As the trailer teases explosive cases and uneasy alliances, anticipation builds for February 23. The FBI universe keeps expanding—one partnership, one threat at a time.