The Spies Who Loved Us (And Each Other?): Everything We Know About CBS’s New Thriller 'CIA'

Move over, NCIS. There’s a new three-letter acronym taking over Monday nights, and it’s bringing a hell of a lot more leather jackets and questionable jurisdictional boundaries with it. CBS is finally pulling back the curtain on its latest procedural gamble, CIA, and we at The TV Cave have been doing some deep-cover surveillance to see if this show is actually worth your DVR space.

The Odd-Couple dynamic we didn’t know we needed

Set to premiere on Monday, Feb. 23 (10:00 PM, ET/PT), the series isn't just another generic spy romp. It’s an extension of the Dick Wolf FBI universe, which means the stakes are high and the dialogue is snappy. The premise? A top-secret weapon is snatched from a U.S. defense contractor, forcing the government to play matchmaker with two agents who would probably rather be anywhere else.

Enter Tom Ellis as Colin Glass, a CIA case officer who treats the rulebook like a suggestion list, and Nick Gehlfuss as Bill Goodman, an FBI agent who likely irons his socks. While Ellis trades in the devilish charm of Lucifer for CIA-grade swagger, Gehlfuss brings that Chicago Med sincerity to a partnership that starts with a literal bang. Their “rocky start” in the pilot episode, "Directed Energy," is procedural gold expect plenty of bickering while things explode in the background.

Per the official description, "When a top-secret weapon is stolen in broad daylight from a U.S. defense contractor, CIA agent Colin Glass is paired with FBI agent Bill Goodman to investigate. Their new partnership gets off to a rocky start, but they soon realize their opposing viewpoints may be their greatest asset."

A Shared Universe: The Jubal Valentine Factor

If you were wondering if this show exists on an island, think again. CBS is leaning hard into the crossover appeal. The premiere features a guest appearance by Jeremy Sisto, reprising his role as Jubal Valentine from the mothership FBI series. It’s a smart move to tether this new venture to an established fan base, ensuring that the transition from the NCIS block into this high-stakes task force feels seamless.

Why Monday Night Just Got More Interesting

Production-wise, CIA has already survived a few behind-the-scenes shakeups and a midseason delay, which usually signals a "re-tooling" for the better. With the backing of Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, the production value looks cinematic and the New York City backdrop remains the undisputed king of grit.

The series also rounds out its roster with Necar Zadegan as the CIA Chief of Station because someone has to keep Glass and Goodman from killing each other and Natalee Linez as a sharp-witted analyst.

The Verdict So Far

Will CIA become the new crown jewel of the CBS lineup, or just another acronym in the sea of procedurals? With the Ellis-Gehlfuss chemistry acting as the show's primary engine, the potential for a long-term hit is high. If you can’t catch it live, the episodes will be streaming on Paramount+, so there’s really no excuse to miss the debut.

Keep your eyes on The TV Cave for full recaps and deep dives into the premiere.

Are you team Glass or team Goodman? Head over to our comments and let us know if you’re ready for this new brand of domestic espionage.