New Stars Join the CIA Series

CBS’ new crime drama CIA is expanding its roster of leading actors. The series has now added two prominent stars with credits from some of television’s most popular hospital dramas — Chicago Med and ER — to star alongside Tom Ellis.

The show’s official logline describes CIA as a one-hour crime drama following “two unlikely partners — a fast-talking, rule-breaking loose-cannon CIA case officer (Ellis), and a by-the-book, seasoned FBI agent who believes in the rule of law.” Assigned to work together in CIA’s New York station, the duo must navigate their clashing styles to investigate threats on U.S. soil, discovering that their differences may be the key to solving high-stakes cases.

Legacy of the FBI Franchise

Created by legendary TV producer Dick Wolf, FBI debuted on CBS in 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite. The franchise expanded with FBI: Most Wanted in 2020 and FBI: International in 2021. Despite strong viewership, both spinoffs were canceled last year, concluding with the final episodes of their sixth and fourth seasons, respectively.

Derek Haas, co-creator of FBI: International, expressed his disappointment at the cancellation earlier this year, citing the loss of talented actors like Jesse Soffer from Chicago P.D., who brought a dynamic presence to Season 4.

A Promising Blend of Crime and Character Drama

With Tom Ellis at the helm and the addition of stars from acclaimed medical dramas, CIA is positioning itself as a hybrid of character-driven storytelling and high-stakes procedural drama. Fans can expect the familiar tension of “odd couple” dynamics, where Ellis’ rule-breaking CIA officer will clash — and eventually cooperate — with his law-abiding partner, promising both action and witty exchanges.

The casting of actors from Chicago Med and ER adds another layer of gravitas and familiarity for viewers, signaling CBS’ intention to build a compelling, ensemble-driven show that combines procedural elements with complex character relationships.

As production moves forward, audiences can anticipate seeing Tom Ellis’ character navigate a fast-paced world of espionage and domestic threats, now supported by a talented cast with proven dramatic chops.