The newest addition to Dick Wolf’s popular FBI franchise is finally ready to make its debut. The spin-off series, simply titled CIA, brings together two familiar faces from beloved TV shows. Tom Ellis (Lucifer) and Nick Gehlfuss (Chicago Med) star as a pair of agents who must put their differences aside to protect the country. After facing multiple delays and behind-the-scenes changes, the show now has a firm release date and schedule. Here is everything you need to know about when each episode of CIA will be available.
The Premiere Date and Where to Watch
CIA officially launches on Monday, February 23, 2026. The series will air on CBS in the United States. It takes over the 10:00 PM Eastern Time slot, which follows the regular FBI episode that airs at 9:00 PM ET on the same night .
For viewers who prefer streaming, the episodes will be available on Paramount+. The streaming platform typically makes new episodes available the day after they air on CBS. This means if you miss the broadcast on Monday night, you can catch it on Paramount+ starting Tuesday, February 24 .
The show will also be available for purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, usually the day after the CBS broadcast.
Episode Release Schedule for Season 1
The first season of CIA will consist of 10 episodes . This is a standard order for a new drama series, especially one launching in the mid-season. The show will air weekly on Monday nights.
Here is the confirmed release schedule so far:
| Episode | Title | Original Air Date (CBS) | Streaming Date (Paramount+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | “Directed Energy” | Monday, February 23, 2026 | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 |
| Episode 2 | “Fatal Defect” | Monday, March 2, 2026 | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |
| Episodes 3-10 | (Titles Not Yet Released) | Mondays, weekly after March 2 | Tuesdays, weekly |
While titles for the remaining eight episodes have not been announced yet, viewers can expect a new episode every Monday night at 10:00 PM ET on CBS. The show will likely run without breaks, delivering a new story each week until the season finale in late April or early May 2026.
The Big Crossover Launch with FBI
The premiere of CIA is not just a standalone event. It is designed as a crossover night that connects the new show directly with its parent series. This gives fans a smooth introduction to the new characters and setting.
On February 23, 2026, viewers should tune in starting at 9:00 PM ET for a new episode of FBI (Season 8, Episode 11). That episode will feature Necar Zadegan, who plays Deputy Chief of Station Nikki Reynard from CIA. She will appear in the FBI episode, setting the stage for the new series .
Then, immediately after at 10:00 PM ET, the premiere episode of CIA titled “Directed Energy” will air. This episode will feature a familiar face from the mothership. Jeremy Sisto will guest star as his FBI character, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine. He will help bridge the gap between the two agencies and introduce the new team .
This two-way crossover is a strategic move by the network to encourage loyal FBI viewers to give the new spin-off a chance. It creates a seamless two-hour block of television.
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What to Expect in Season 1
The show follows a classic “odd couple” formula. Tom Ellis plays Colin Glass, a CIA case officer who is described as a loose cannon who does not play by the rules. Nick Gehlfuss plays Bill Goodman, an FBI special agent who is strict, by-the-book, and believes in the law .
When these two very different agents are forced to work together out of the CIA’s New York Station, their clashing styles create tension, but also results.
Together, they investigate international plots, terrorist cells, and geopolitical threats happening on U.S. soil .
The supporting cast rounds out the team. Natalee Linez plays Gina Gosian, a CIA analyst who supports the field agents. Necar Zadegan plays Nikki Reynard, the Deputy Chief of Station who oversees the New York office and answers to higher powers .
The show promises to keep the high-stakes action that the FBI franchise is known for, while adding a layer of inter-agency conflict. Since the CIA and FBI have different missions and methods, the drama often comes from deciding how to handle a threat, not just stopping it.
A Troubled Path to the Screen
It is worth noting that CIA had a difficult journey to get to this release date. The show was originally planned to launch with a “backdoor pilot,” which would have been an episode of FBI that introduced the new characters. However, casting delays and production issues led CBS to scrap that idea and order the series straight-to-series in April 2025 .
The production faced more hurdles. The show lost its original showrunner, then a replacement showrunner. There were also cast changes, with one of the original lead actresses leaving the project after filming had already begun. This led to Necar Zadegan being brought in to fill the role . Despite these setbacks, production stabilized with Mike Weiss, the showrunner of the original FBI, taking over creative control to ensure the new series fits perfectly within the established universe .
For global audiences, the international release schedule may vary. In the UK, Canada, and Australia, the show is expected to be available on local broadcasters or streaming services that hold the rights to the FBI franchise, often within a day or week of the U.S. broadcast.
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Thank you for reading this detailed guide on the release schedule for the new CIA series. Be sure to mark your calendars for February 23, and stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on your favorite shows, casting news, and franchise developments.
