CIA Shake‑Up: Necar Zadegan Cast as New Chief of Station in CBS’s ‘FBI’ Spinoff

Just when you thought the FBI universe couldn’t get any spicier, CBS is shaking things up. Necar Zadegan, fresh off her NCIS: New Orleans run, is stepping into the spotlight as a series regular on the network’s upcoming drama CIA, taking over the Chief of Station role that was originally set for Michael Michele, who recently exited the project. Yes, the spy world just got a new boss and we’re a bit nervous for the series, so we are keeping a close eye on it.

CIA, which started production in September, briefly hit the pause button after showrunner Warren Leight left the series. Leight, who had replaced original showrunner David Hudgins in July, departed shortly after Michele and the series’ director/executive producer Eriq La Salle bowed out. Enter Mike Weiss, showrunner of the original FBI, now officially taking over as executive producer and showrunner for the offshoot. Filming is still on hold as CBS sorts out the behind-the-scenes shuffle, but the network is keeping its eye on the prize: a February 23, 2026 premiere, slotted in the coveted Monday 10 PM spot right after FBI.

The series promises the classic “odd couple” dynamic fans love: Tom Ellis as a fast-talking, rule-breaking CIA case officer paired with Nick Gehlfuss’ by-the-book, seasoned FBI agent according to the official synopsis. Stationed in New York, these two will tackle domestic threats while navigating the inevitable clash of personalities because nothing says “entertaining procedural” like forced teamwork with a side of good looking dudes.

Joining Ellis, Gehlfuss, and Zadegan is Natalee Linez as a CIA analyst, rounding out the core cast. Zadegan brings plenty of TV cred, having starred on NCIS: New Orleans, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, Here and Now, Rake, Extant, and Mayor of Kingstown. She also recently filmed the Miramax spy thriller Inheritance, proving she knows her way around espionage both on and off the small screen.

With recasting drama, showrunner shake-ups, and a premise built for high-stakes fun, CIA is shaping up to be the procedural your Mondays didn’t know they needed, if it gets to air on time.