CBS is expanding its successful FBI universe with a brand-new spinoff series titled CIA, and the network has tapped a familiar name behind the camera. Veteran actor, director, and producer Eriq La Salle has been confirmed to direct the premiere episode of the highly anticipated drama, which will star Tom Ellis (Lucifer, Miranda) in the leading role.

A Bold Expansion of the FBI Franchise

The new series, CIA, will build on the foundation of Dick Wolf’s ever-growing procedural universe. While the flagship FBI and its spinoffs (FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International) focus on federal investigations on American soil and abroad, CIA will shift the spotlight toward the world of espionage, covert operations, and the challenges agents face in the high-stakes world of international intelligence.

CBS executives believe that CIA represents the “next natural evolution” of the franchise. Instead of limiting stories to traditional federal cases, the spinoff will take viewers behind the curtain of U.S. intelligence, exploring how agents balance secrecy, national security, and personal sacrifice.

Tom Ellis Steps Into a New Role

At the heart of the series is Tom Ellis, widely beloved for his charismatic turn as Lucifer Morningstar on Netflix’s Lucifer. In CIA, Ellis will play a seasoned field officer whose expertise in undercover operations makes him both a valuable asset and a target. His character is expected to embody the blend of charm and gravitas that Ellis has become known for, offering audiences a fresh take on the spy-hero archetype.

For Ellis, the role marks a major return to network television and an opportunity to anchor another high-profile series after years of success in streaming. Fans of Lucifer are already buzzing online about the actor’s transition from the supernatural to the espionage world.

Eriq La Salle Behind the Camera

Directing the series opener will be Eriq La Salle, best known to audiences as Dr. Peter Benton on ER, but who has also built a strong career as a director and producer in recent years. La Salle has previously worked with Dick Wolf’s production company on episodes of Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Law & Order: Organized Crime. His steady hand and experience in crafting procedural drama made him a natural choice to launch CIA.

“Eriq has a proven eye for pacing, tension, and character-driven storytelling,” said one CBS executive in a statement. “We couldn’t be more excited to have him set the tone for CIA as we introduce this series to the world.”

The Future of the FBI Universe

The announcement of CIA comes at a time when CBS is doubling down on franchise-driven programming. The FBI shows continue to deliver strong ratings for the network, often dominating Tuesday nights and performing well in syndication and streaming. Adding a new series that broadens the scope beyond federal crime investigations to international intrigue could give CBS a competitive edge in the procedural genre.

For Dick Wolf, the move mirrors the strategy he pioneered with the Chicago franchise and Law & Order, proving once again that audiences have an appetite for interconnected worlds with familiar tones and themes.

What to Expect

While plot details are being kept under wraps, insiders suggest that CIA will mix serialized storylines with the case-of-the-week format, giving viewers both action-driven missions and ongoing character arcs. With Ellis in the lead and La Salle launching the show from behind the camera, CBS appears to be positioning CIA as both a standalone series and a worthy companion to the FBI brand.

Production is slated to begin later this year, with the pilot episode directed by La Salle serving as the official introduction. If the buzz surrounding Tom Ellis’s casting is any indication, CIA could quickly become one of CBS’s most talked-about debuts.