Fans of the new CBS drama CIA will not have to wait long for the next installment of the FBI spin-off. Episode 4 is officially set to air next week, and the network has released new details about the case that will bring agents Colin Glass and Bill Goodman deep into the world of international crime. With the show settling into its Monday night slot, viewers can mark their calendars for another high-stakes mission.
CIA Episode 4 Release Date and Time
CIA Episode 4 will air on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET on CBS . The episode, titled “Forced Labor,” will follow the usual broadcast pattern, airing immediately after a new episode of the flagship series FBI, which airs at 9 p.m. ET .
For viewers who prefer to stream, the episode will be available on Paramount+ starting the following day, Tuesday, March 17 . The streaming platform offers both ad-supported and premium tiers, with the premium option allowing subscribers to watch live as the episode airs on the East Coast feed .
What Happens in Episode 4: “Forced Labor”
The official logline for “Forced Labor” reveals a case that hits close to home for one of the agents. According to CBS, the episode follows Colin and Bill as they work to expose an “international illegal baby smuggling ring” . The investigation kicks off when a wanted Belarusian national is discovered posing as an expecting father, leading the team into a complex and emotional operation .
While the case drives the action, the episode also promises personal stakes. Bill worries about his father’s health back home, adding a layer of emotional depth to the procedural format . This subplot could offer viewers a chance to learn more about Bill’s background and what motivates the by-the-book FBI agent when he is not in the field .
The tension between Colin’s unorthodox CIA methods and Bill’s strict adherence to FBI rules remains a central theme. Working a case involving vulnerable victims is likely to highlight just how differently the two men view the rules of engagement.
Where to Watch CIA Every Week
CIA airs weekly on CBS on Monday nights at 10 p.m. ET . For those without cable, several live TV streaming services carry CBS in most markets. Options include Paramount+ with the Premium plan, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV.
If you miss the broadcast, Paramount+ is the primary streaming home for the series. New episodes land on the platform every Tuesday . The show is also expected to be available for purchase on digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu shortly after they air .
International viewers should check local listings. In Australia, for example, the series is available on Paramount+, with episodes releasing shortly after the US broadcast .
The Season So Far and What to Expect
CIA premiered on February 23, 2026, with a crossover event that connected directly to its parent series, FBI . The pilot, titled “Directed Energy,” introduced the core conflict of the series: CIA case officer Colin Glass (Tom Ellis), a man who thrives on guile and deception, is forced to partner with FBI Special Agent Bill Goodman (Nick Gehlfuss), an agent who believes in procedure and the rule of law .
The series operates out of the CIA’s New York station, overseen by Deputy Chief of Station Nikki Reynard (Necar Zadegan) and supported by analyst Gina Gosian (Natalee Linez) . Unlike traditional police procedurals, the show focuses on stopping international threats before they happen, often operating in the shadows where credit is never claimed and recognition never comes .
Episode 2, “Fatal Defect,” aired on March 2 and followed the team as they tracked a smuggler while dealing with a foreign intelligence officer seeking to defect . Episode 3, “Elimination Game,” aired on March 9, continuing the weekly case format .
With Episode 4 focusing on human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable families, the series continues to prove it is willing to tackle dark and timely subject matter. The personal angle involving Bill’s father suggests the show is also committed to developing its characters beyond their job titles.
The Cast Driving the Drama
The chemistry between the two leads remains the show’s biggest draw. Tom Ellis, known for his six-season run as the title character in Netflix’s Lucifer, brings charm and unpredictability to Colin Glass . Nick Gehlfuss, who spent eight seasons on Chicago Med, grounds the series with a more measured, principled performance as Bill Goodman .
The supporting cast adds depth to the intelligence world. Necar Zadegan brings authority to the role of Nikki Reynard, the woman who must manage the chaotic partnership between Colin and Bill while answering to higher powers in Washington . Natalee Linez plays Gina Gosian, the analyst whose research often points the team in the right direction .
The series also maintains ties to the larger FBI universe. Jeremy Sisto reprises his role as Jubal Valentine, serving as a bridge between the two agencies, while Missy Peregrym and Alana de la Garza have also appeared in crossover capacities.
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Behind the Scenes of the FBI Spin-Off
CIA comes from veteran producer Dick Wolf, the architect behind the Law & Order and FBI franchises . The series was developed by David Hudgins and is produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment and CBS Studios .
The road to the screen was not without obstacles. Originally planned as a backdoor pilot within an episode of FBI, the project was eventually ordered straight-to-series in April 2025 after casting delays and production issues . The show experienced changes behind the camera as well, with showrunner duties shifting before Mike Weiss, who also runs the original FBI, took over creative control .
Despite the behind-the-scenes turbulence, the finished product has found its footing. The show benefits from writers like David Chasteen, a former CIA officer who brings authenticity to the intelligence procedures depicted on screen .
CIA airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, with Episode 4 “Forced Labor” scheduled for March 16. Streaming is available the next day on Paramount+.
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