CBS, seemingly unable to resist the siren call of more Dick Wolf procedurals, is developing “FBI: CIA,” a spinoff centered on, you guessed it, the CIA. This latest expansion of the “FBI” franchise will reportedly focus on a joint FBI-CIA task force combating domestic terrorism in the always-telegenic backdrop of New York City.
Viewers will get their first taste of this potential new series through a backdoor pilot episode within the current “FBI” season, airing this spring. This tried-and-true tactic allows the network to test the waters before committing to a full series order, and let’s be frank, given the “FBI” franchise’s track record, a full pickup feels inevitable.
The creative team assembles a familiar mix of Wolfian stalwarts, including “FBI: Most Wanted” showrunner David Hudgins, along with Nicole Perlman and former CIA officer David Chasteen.
While CBS has already granted a generous three-season renewal to the original “FBI” (running through the 2026-2027 season), the future of “FBI: Most Wanted” and “FBI: International” remains less certain, with their current renewals expiring in May. Should “FBI: CIA” receive a series order for the 2025-2026 season, CBS will have to perform some serious scheduling gymnastics. Even assuming a full “FBI” takeover isn’t in the cards, primetime only offers a paltry three hours of programming, after all. One has to wonder how many acronyms viewers can handle in a single night.
CBS’s current strategy appears to involve spinning off everything that isn’t nailed down. “The Equalizer” and “The Neighborhood” are reportedly also getting the spinoff treatment. It’s a curious approach, particularly given the uncertain fate of existing “FBI” offshoots. While the network clearly hopes to replicate the franchise’s success, the question remains whether viewers have an appetite for yet another helping of Wolf’s procedural formula.
“FBI: CIA” is a Universal Television and CBS Studios production. Executive Producers are Dick Wolf, David Hudgins, Nicole Perlman, and David Chasteen.