The world of Dick Wolf’s crime dramas is getting a lot smaller. With the new series CIA set to arrive on February 23, 2026, the show is not just a simple spinoff set in the same city. It is now officially a shared universe where agents from both agencies will regularly walk into each other’s offices. Recent confirmations from CBS and showrunner Mike Weiss reveal that this is a two-way street. Characters from FBI will appear on CIA, and at least one CIA agent will return the visit.
This is not a one-time special event. These are ongoing crossovers designed to make both shows feel like they are operating on the same timeline in the same New York City.
FBI Regulars Alana De La Garza and Missy Peregrym Will Appear on CIA
Alana De La Garza, who plays FBI Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille, and Missy Peregrym, who plays FBI Special Agent Maggie Bell, are both confirmed to make appearances on CIA during its first season . This is a significant move because these are not minor characters; they are the core leadership and field operatives of the original show. Their presence on the spinoff signals to the audience that the FBI team is aware of and involved in the covert operations that CIA is running.
This also expands the roles for both actresses. Instead of just solving traditional crimes in the FBI bullpen, viewers will see Isobel and Maggie operating in the gray areas that define the new series.
Necar Zadegan’s CIA Deputy Chief Crosses Over to FBI
The crossover is not one-sided. Necar Zadegan, who plays CIA Deputy Chief of Station Nikki Reynard, will appear on FBI . This marks the first time a CIA character from the spinoff will step onto the parent show’s turf. It confirms that the relationship between the two agencies is a partnership, not just the FBI loaning out agents.
Zadegan’s character is a senior supervisor. Her visit to the FBI offices suggests high-level collaboration between the agencies, likely involving cases that start overseas or involve classified intelligence that the FBI cannot access without CIA approval.
Jeremy Sisto Opens the Door in the Series Premiere
Before any of the back-and-forth happens, Jeremy Sisto’s character, Jubal Valentine, will appear in the very first episode of CIA. The episode, titled “Directed Energy,” airs on February 23 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS .
According to showrunner Mike Weiss, Jubal’s role is crucial. When the CIA needs a reliable FBI agent to embed in a secret task force, they ask Jubal for a recommendation. He vouches for Bill Goodman (Nick Gehlfuss). This approval gives the new partnership legitimacy. Weiss also hinted that Jubal knows more about the assignment than he is telling, creating an immediate layer of mystery .
“Well, it was organic to the story. When Necar Zadegan, in the CIA pilot, needs a top-flight FBI agent to allow her team to operate in the U.S., she turns to her FBI counterpart for a recommendation. Of course, Jeremy is great throughout the pilot and is fantastic with Necar.”
— Mike Weiss, Executive Producer and Showrunner
This Is Not a Gimmick, It Is World-Building
The production team is very aware that audiences sometimes see crossovers as desperate ratings grabs. However, Mike Weiss argues that in the case of FBI and CIA, collaboration is realistic. In reality, domestic threats often require intelligence-sharing between the two agencies.
“Fans get to see their favorite characters flex their muscles in cases and in situations that can differ from their work in their ordinary worlds. And we get to expand the universe of BOTH shows – the CIA and FBI might be racing to keep people safe from various threats, but in crossing characters over, we get to show that both agencies are hard at work in the same city, on the same timeline, in the same shared reality. That’s fun! Isn’t it?”
— Mike Weiss
The goal is to make the crossovers feel like a normal part of the workweek for these agents, not a special holiday event.
What This Means for the Canceled FBI Spinoffs
FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International were canceled, but that does not mean those characters are erased from existence. Mike Weiss confirmed that the FBI universe is “a real universe.” If actors like Jesse Lee Soffer (Wes Mitchell) ever return to television, they would return as their original characters .
“The rules are that this is a real universe. So that, somewhere out there, Wes Mitchell is still hunting down bad guys and closing FBI cases. If an actor did come back, they’d be returning as their former FBI character. I think if they didn’t, we’d hear about it from the fans. They’re watching closely – and we love that they are.”
— Mike Weiss
This leaves the door open for surprise appearances down the line, though nothing is currently scheduled.
CIA Is an Alternate Version of FBI
For viewers wondering if CIA is just FBI with a different badge, the answer is no. Mike Weiss describes the new show as an “alternate version” . The key difference is timing.
- FBI operates “right of boom.” A crime happens, and the agents investigate, catch the suspect, and put them on trial.
- CIA operates “left of boom.” The goal is to stop the attack before it ever happens.
This means the CIA agents do not have to read suspects their Miranda rights. They do not have to wait for warrants. They operate in the shadows. This allows Tom Ellis’ character, Colin Glass, to be manipulative, secretive, and effective in ways that FBI agents are not allowed to be .
Nick Gehlfuss’ character, Bill Goodman, is the audience’s eyes. He is a rule-follower entering a world without rules. Watching him adapt to this morally complicated environment is the central story of season one.
CIA Release and Streaming Information
CIA premieres on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. ET / PT on CBS. It airs immediately after a new episode of FBI.
For viewers who prefer streaming, episodes will be available the next day on Paramount+. This applies to viewers in the United States.
Global Audience Viewing Options:
- Canada: Episodes are available for streaming on Paramount+ and air on the CBS cable feed.
- United Kingdom: CIA will be available on Sky Witness and the NOW streaming service. Specific airdates for the UK are usually a few weeks after the US premiere.
- Australia: The series airs on Network 10 and is available for catch-up on Paramount+ Australia.
- India: Viewers can watch the show on Voot or JioCinema, depending on current licensing agreements for CBS content in the region.
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The Cast and Their Roles
Tom Ellis plays Colin Glass, a CIA case officer who uses lies and deception as tools of the trade. Unlike his charming role in Lucifer, Ellis plays an American agent who is described as a “loose cannon” .
Nick Gehlfuss plays Bill Goodman, an FBI agent and Army veteran. He believes in the rule of law. Gehlfuss is familiar to Wolf Entertainment fans from his long run on Chicago Med .
Necar Zadegan is the new NY CIA Station Chief. She replaced Michael Michele, who exited the project during production .
Natalee Linez plays Gina Gosian, a CIA analyst who supports the field team with technical intelligence .
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