The new FBI spinoff has just found a “devilish” leading man! It brings great news for the series on CBS.
FBI fans are still reeling from the news that both FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted are being canceled at the end of their current runs. That would leave the mothership FBI still continuing on its own for at least two more years.
It won’t be alone for long, however as CBS is ordering right to series a new spinoff. The plan was for an FBI episode to act as a backdoor pilot introducing the characters, much like FBI: Most Wanted, which was introduced in FBI’s first season in 2019.
However, CBS has instead decided to just go ahead and order this series right to the 2025-26 season. No doubt with the other two FBI spinoffs gone, a new show gets a better shot.
Now, TVLine has reported that the first major casting for this series is here, as Tom Ellis of Lucifer fame plays the lead agent. It also sounds like rather than FBI: CIA, the show is simply going to be called CIA.
What is CIA about?
As the title implies, this is about the Central Intelligence Agency (which CBS once featured in the 2001-03 series The Agency). Technically, the CIA isn’t supposed to operate on American soil. Thus, this new spinoff will feature the CIA and FBI operating a joint task force, per the synopsis.
“CIA focuses on two unlikely partners — a fast-talking, rule-breaking loose cannon CIA case officer, and a by-the-book, seasoned and smart FBI agent who believes in the rule of law. When this odd couple are assigned to work out of CIA’s New York Station, they must learn to work together to investigate cases and criminals posing threats on U.S. soil, finding that their differences may actually be their strength.”
Ellis will play the CIA agent with his FBI counterpart yet to be cast. It’s an intriguing spin on the FBI franchise that can work with its leading man.
Why Tom Ellis is perfect for this show
Born in England, Tom Ellis had roles in some BBC shows, such as the comedy Miranda. He came to fame in the title role of the supernatural crime dramedy Lucifer, which ran three seasons on Fox and three more on Netflix, while attaining a huge cult audience.
The character is tailor-made for Ellis as a smooth-talking guy who plays by his own rules. Ellis showed that in Lucifer alongside a wicked sense of humor. Obviously, he’ll potentially have to take on an American accent and tone down the sinister aspects, yet he should still make for a terrific lead. Not to mention, it’s likely he’ll be a ladies’ man to bring in female viewers.
The other role still needs to be cast, and it will likely be a female counterpart to balance out Ellis’ maverick style. We still need to know more, but casting Ellis is a good sign that this new FBI spinoff is set to continue the franchise’s great mix of characters and crime.
FBI season 7 airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.