CBS has officially released the first trailer for its latest crime drama, “CIA,” starring Tom Ellis as Hart Hoxton, a charismatic, rule-breaking CIA case officer stationed in New York. He’s partnered with Bill Goodman, played by Nick Gehlfuss, a meticulous and law-abiding FBI agent.
Their unlikely alliance kicks off with a lie detector test, instantly setting the tone for a relationship fraught with suspicion and tension.
The trailer wastes no time, plunging viewers into a whirlwind of snappy banter, explosive action sequences, and a series of threats that force the two to reluctantly cooperate for the sake of national security.
The show’s premise centers on a clandestine task force operating out of the CIA’s New York Station, charged with preventing and solving domestic terrorism. Hart’s unorthodox methods clash sharply with Bill’s adherence to protocol, but the trailer suggests that their differences could be the key to their success.
The dynamic is reminiscent of classic buddy-cop tropes, but with a modern twist: both agencies bring their own strengths and weaknesses, and the friction between them is played for both drama and humor.
Tom Ellis, best known for his role in “Lucifer,” brings a devilish charm to Hart, while Nick Gehlfuss, a veteran of “Chicago Med,” grounds the show with a sense of gravitas.
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Supporting cast members include Necar Zadegan as the CIA’s Chief of Station and Natalee Linez as an analyst, rounding out a team that promises a mix of brains, brawn, and bureaucratic battles.
Behind the Scenes: Turbulence and Triumph
The road to bringing “CIA” to screens hasn’t been smooth. Initially planned as a backdoor pilot within the flagship “FBI” series, the project faced several setbacks, including changes in showrunners and cast departures.
The series was ultimately greenlit as a straight-to-series order, skipping the traditional pilot phase, a rare move that underscores CBS’s confidence in the concept and its star power.
The show’s creative team is stacked, with former ER star Eriq LaSalle directing and executive producing the premiere episode. LaSalle brings a wealth of experience from other Dick Wolf productions, including “Chicago P.D.” and “Law & Order,” adding credibility to the project’s ambitious goals.
The writing team includes veterans of the FBI franchise, ensuring that “CIA” will fit seamlessly into the established universe while carving out its own identity.
The trailer’s release has been met with excitement from fans of both the FBI franchise and Tom Ellis. The action-packed preview highlights not only the show’s high-octane set pieces but also its focus on character development.
Scenes of explosions and gunfire are balanced with moments of introspection and humor, suggesting that “CIA” will be as much about the people as it is about the cases they solve.
What’s Next for the FBI Universe?
“CIA” is set to debut on CBS on February 23, 2026, following the return of “FBI” for its eighth season. The series will air in the coveted Monday night slot, a prime position that signals CBS’s high hopes for its success.
The show’s launch comes at a time when the FBI franchise is undergoing significant changes, with two other spinoffs recently canceled. “CIA” is poised to fill the void, offering fans a new entry point into the world of Dick Wolf’s crime dramas.
The series also promises crossover opportunities with other FBI shows, a move that could expand its appeal and deepen its connection to the broader franchise.
Tom Ellis has teased that the show will “take what the FBI guys have set and build on it,” suggesting that viewers can expect familiar faces and storylines to intersect with the new series.
With its blend of action, drama, and humor, “CIA” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated new shows of 2026.
The trailer has set the stage for a thrilling ride, and fans are eager to see how Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss will navigate the challenges of working together and whether their partnership will ultimately prove to be a match made in heaven or a recipe for disaster.
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