The new FBI spin-off CIA is now officially on air, and viewers who tuned in for the big crossover premiere are already looking ahead to what comes next. The series, which brings Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss together as an unlikely team of federal agents, launched on Monday, February 23, 2026, with a special episode that connected directly to the mothership show. For those wondering when the second episode will arrive, the schedule is already locked in. Here is everything you need to know about the CIA Episode 2 release date, time, streaming platforms, and what to expect as the season continues.
CIA Episode 2 Release Date and Time on CBS
CIA Episode 2 is scheduled to air on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10:00 PM Eastern Time on CBS . This follows the pattern established by the premiere, keeping the show in its regular Monday night time slot. The episode will air immediately after a new installment of the original FBI series, which continues to air at 9:00 PM ET.
For viewers in different time zones across the United States, the broadcast schedule adjusts accordingly:
- Central Time: 9:00 PM
- Mountain Time: 8:00 PM
- Pacific Time: 7:00 PM
The show airs weekly, so fans can mark their calendars for every Monday night to catch the latest developments in this high-stakes espionage drama.
When Does CIA Episode 2 Release on Streaming?
For cord-cutters and streaming fans, CIA Episode 2 will become available on Paramount+ starting Tuesday, March 3, 2026 . The streaming platform typically adds new episodes the day after their CBS broadcast, making it easy for viewers to watch on their own schedule.
Paramount+ is the exclusive streaming home for CIA in the United States . Subscribers to the streaming service can access the episode through:
- The Paramount+ app on smart TVs
- Mobile devices via the Paramount+ app
- Web browsers at the Paramount+ website
- Connected TV platforms like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV
The episode will also be available for live streaming through various live TV streaming services that carry CBS. These include DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV . Some of these platforms offer free trials for new subscribers who want to catch up on the series.
Global Release Information for CIA Episode 2
International viewers are also eager to know when they can watch CIA Episode 2. The availability varies by region:
In Canada, the series is expected to be available on the Paramount+ Amazon Channel starting from March 2, 2026 . This aligns closely with the US release schedule.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, an official broadcaster has not yet been confirmed . Based on how previous FBI spin-offs have been handled, the show will likely appear on Sky or NOW in the near future. UK fans may need to wait a few weeks after the US premiere before the series becomes available locally.
In Australia and other international markets, the distribution details are still being finalized. Viewers in these regions should keep an eye on local broadcasters that typically carry CBS content or check Paramount+ availability in their country.
What Happened in the Premiere Before Episode 2
The series premiered with a two-part crossover event designed to introduce audiences to the new characters and setting. The first episode of FBI Season 8, titled Episode 11, aired at 9:00 PM on February 23 and featured Necar Zadegan as Deputy Chief of Station Nikki Reynard from CIA . Her appearance in the parent show set up the events that followed.
Immediately after, the CIA premiere episode titled “Directed Energy” aired at 10:00 PM. This debut episode featured a guest appearance from Jeremy Sisto, who reprised his role as FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine . His character helped bridge the gap between the two agencies and provided a familiar face for longtime FBI viewers.
The premiere established the core dynamic of the series: Tom Ellis plays Colin Glass, a CIA case officer described as a loose cannon who operates outside the rules. Nick Gehlfuss plays Bill Goodman, an FBI special agent who follows procedures strictly and believes in doing things by the book . Their clashing approaches create tension but also lead to effective results when they work together.
What to Expect in CIA Episode 2
The second episode of the series is titled “Fatal Defect” . While specific plot details for this episode have not been released, the title suggests the team will be dealing with a case involving some form of critical failure or vulnerability, possibly in technology, security, or a human asset.
Viewers can expect the partnership between Glass and Goodman to continue developing as they navigate their differences while tackling international threats on US soil. The series promises to explore the tension between the CIA’s focus on intelligence gathering and the FBI’s law enforcement approach.
The supporting cast will also play a larger role as the season progresses. Natalee Linez appears as Gina Gosian, a CIA analyst who supports the field agents from the office. Necar Zadegan portrays Nikki Reynard, the Deputy Chief of Station who oversees the New York office and answers to higher powers in the agency .
The Full Episode Release Schedule for CIA Season 1
CIA Season 1 consists of 10 episodes total . Following the premiere on February 23 and the second episode on March 2, new episodes will continue to air weekly on Monday nights at 10:00 PM ET on CBS. The streaming releases will follow each Tuesday on Paramount+.
The season will likely run without significant breaks, delivering a new story each week until the finale in late April or early May 2026 . Episode titles for episodes 3 through 10 have not been announced yet, but viewers can expect consistent weekly installments.
How to Watch CIA If You Missed the Premiere
For viewers who missed the premiere or want to catch up before Episode 2 arrives, the first episode is available for streaming. CIA Episode 1 can be streamed on Paramount+ for subscribers. It may also be available for purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, typically the day after the CBS broadcast .
For those using live TV streaming services, many offer cloud DVR functionality that allows subscribers to record episodes as they air and watch them later.
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The Journey of CIA to Television
The path to the screen for CIA was not always smooth. The show faced multiple delays and behind-the-scenes changes before finally arriving on CBS . Originally planned to launch with a backdoor pilot inside an FBI episode, the production shifted to a straight-to-series order in April 2025 after casting delays and production issues.
The series also experienced showrunner changes and cast adjustments during production. One original lead actress left the project after filming had already begun, leading to Necar Zadegan being brought in to fill the role . Despite these challenges, production stabilized with Mike Weiss, the showrunner of the original FBI, taking creative control to ensure the new series fits properly within the established universe.
The show is produced by Dick Wolf, the veteran executive behind the entire FBI franchise as well as the Law & Order and One Chicago universes. His involvement guarantees the procedural quality and high-stakes storytelling that fans have come to expect.
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