CIA Is CBS’s Newest Crime Drama — Here’s Why the Network Is Betting Big on It
CIA Is CBS’s Newest Crime Drama — Here’s Why the Network Is Betting Big on It

CBS has built its modern identity on one thing: procedural dramas that viewers can trust. In February 2026, the network expands that legacy with CIA, a high-profile new series that blends intelligence work with the familiar structure of network crime television.

Premiering in a prime midseason slot, CIA is designed to appeal to fans of the FBI franchise while also pulling in viewers who want something slightly edgier, faster, and more character-driven. Below is a complete, easy-to-follow guide to the series — what it’s about, who stars in it, when it airs, and how to watch or stream it in the U.S.

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What Is CIA on CBS?

CIA is a one-hour crime drama set within the established FBI television universe. The series centers on a joint task force operating out of the CIA’s New York station, where intelligence officers and federal agents work side by side to stop domestic threats before they escalate.

Unlike traditional spy shows focused overseas, CIA keeps its stories grounded in U.S.-based investigations, blending counterintelligence, organized crime, and national security threats with procedural storytelling.

At its core, the show is built around contrast:

  • Intelligence vs. law enforcement

  • Instinct vs. protocol

  • Speed vs. rules

That tension drives both the cases and the characters.

The Story: An “Odd Couple” With National Stakes

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The series pairs two very different leads:

  • A rule-breaking CIA case officer, comfortable operating in gray areas

  • A by-the-book FBI agent, deeply committed to procedure and legality

Forced to work together, the two must navigate both external threats and their own philosophical differences. Each episode typically presents a self-contained case, while larger story arcs explore trust, accountability, and the cost of intelligence work.

This structure makes CIA easy to jump into while still rewarding regular viewers.

Cast and Characters

CBS anchors CIA with recognizable faces and strong procedural pedigree.

  • Tom Ellis stars as Colin Glass, the charismatic but unpredictable CIA officer at the center of the series. Known for his confident screen presence, Ellis brings charm and volatility to the role.

  • Nick Gehlfuss plays Bill Goodman, an experienced FBI agent whose commitment to rules often puts him at odds with his CIA counterpart.

  • Natalee Linez appears as Gina Rojas, a CIA analyst whose intelligence expertise is critical to the task force’s success.

  • Necar Zadegan portrays the head of the CIA’s New York station, balancing agency politics with field realities.

The ensemble approach allows the show to rotate perspectives, giving episodes different tones without losing cohesion.

Who’s Behind the Series?

CIA comes from Wolf Entertainment, the powerhouse behind FBI, Law & Order, and Chicago franchises. That pedigree matters.

It means:

  • Clear procedural structure

  • Strong episodic pacing

  • A focus on character over gimmicks

While CIA introduces intelligence-agency elements, it’s firmly rooted in the reliable CBS drama formula.

Date and Broadcast Schedule

  • Premiere date: Monday, February 23, 2026

  • Time: 10:00 p.m. ET/PT

  • Network: CBS

CBS places CIA in a strategic post–Super Bowl, post–Olympics window, when viewers are returning to scripted television and looking for new shows to sample. Mondays at 10 p.m. have traditionally been strong for procedural dramas, and CIA is positioned to benefit from that history.

New episodes are expected to air weekly through spring 2026.

How to Watch CIA Live on TV

The simplest way to watch CIA is live on CBS:

  • Tune in Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT

  • Available via:

    • Cable or satellite TV

    • Over-the-air antenna (in most U.S. markets)

    • Live TV streaming services that carry CBS

Watching live is ideal if you want to keep up with weekly discussions and avoid spoilers.

Where to Stream CIA (U.S.)

For viewers who prefer streaming, CBS offers multiple options.

Paramount+

Episodes of CIA are expected to stream on Paramount+.

Here’s how it typically works:

  • New episodes become available after their live CBS broadcast

  • Streaming access requires a Paramount+ subscription

  • Select plans include live CBS streaming as well

This makes Paramount+ the best choice for cord-cutters who still want current episodes.

On-Demand Options

Episodes may also be available:

  • Through CBS’s digital platforms

  • Via TV provider on-demand menus

Availability can vary by provider, but CBS usually supports multiple viewing windows.

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How Many Episodes Are in Season 1?

While CBS has not publicly finalized the count, CIA is expected to have approximately 10 episodes in its first season. This shorter midseason order allows the network to:

  • Gauge audience response

  • Maintain tighter storytelling

  • Adjust future seasons if renewed

If ratings are strong, a longer second season is likely.

How CIA Fits Into the FBI Franchise

Fans of FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International will feel at home here. CIA shares:

  • Tone and pacing

  • Episodic case structure

  • Cross-agency storytelling

At the same time, the intelligence angle gives the show its own identity. It’s less about arrests and more about preventing threats before they explode.

Why CBS Is Betting on CIA

CBS understands its audience. Viewers want:

  • Familiar storytelling

  • Charismatic leads

  • Clear stakes

CIA delivers all three while offering a slightly fresher lens. It’s not trying to reinvent the procedural — it’s refining it.

That’s why the network chose a midseason launch rather than burying the show in summer or testing it quietly.

Who Will Enjoy CIA the Most?

This series is ideal for:

  • Fans of CBS crime dramas

  • Viewers who like procedural shows with character tension

  • Audiences who want intelligence themes without dense spy mythology

If you enjoy shows that are easy to follow but still feel relevant, CIA fits neatly into your watchlist.

Final Takeaway

CIA is CBS doing what it does best — introducing a new franchise without alienating its core audience. With a strong cast, a clear premise, and flexible viewing options, the series is positioned to become a dependable part of Monday-night television.

Whether you watch live on CBS or stream on Paramount+, CIA offers a straightforward entry point into the next phase of the FBI universe — one case at a time.