Why Has ‘FBI’ Spinoff ‘CIA’ Faced So Many Production Changes? Everything To Know About Showrunner and Cast Exits
Learn more about the casting and crew changes for ‘CIA’ and when the series is set to premiere
If you’ve been waiting for the FBI spinoff, CIA, for as long as we have, you might be wondering where the show is. After months of production delays and casting changes, the series is finally on its way for a 2026 midseason release.
The plot of CIA reads: “When by-the-book FBI Special Agent Bill Goodman (Nick Gehlfuss) is loaned out to a clandestine CIA/FBI task force, he finds himself teamed up with secretive and roguish CIA case officer Colin Glass (Tom Ellis). Together they will work on covert operations in New York, uncovering international plots, terrorist cells and geopolitical secrets. On CIA, Bill will learn the rules of this murky world on the fly as Colin leads him deeper into spy games where only one thing is clear–their work keeps America safe, even if no one will ever know what they did in the shadows.”
Learn more about the various changes in production, lead cast members and where the show stands now.
One of the leads dropped out
After many adjustments to the production lineup, CIA underwent a major casting change. Michael Michele, best known for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) and ER (1999-2002), was originally cast in the role of Chief of Station, but early in production—and just weeks before the show’s midseason premiere—she departed the series, preceding many other behind-the-scenes changes. Her reason for doing so is unclear at this point.
The actress was later replaced by Necar Zadegan, known for her roles in Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce (2014-2018), NCIS: New Orleans (2018-2021) and Mayor of Kingstown (2021-2025). Zadegan will take the role of Chief of Station and star alongside Nick Gehlfuss and Tom Ellis.
Two showrunners left the show
One of the other changes the series has faced was the loss of not one but two showrunners. The show was originally meant to be led by David Hudgins, who has worked on series whose credits include Everwood (2005-2006), Friday Night Lights (2006-2011), Parenthood (2010-2014) and FBI: Most Wanted (2020-2025). Hudgins stepped away from the role in July 2025.
Warren Leight, best known for his work on Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2002–2008) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2011–2022), stepped into the role next, but his tenure was also brief. The only explanation offered for his departure was the show’s tumultuous production, making him the second showrunner to exit before the series even aired.
Mike Weiss, who has worked on Chicago P.D. (2015-2017), FBI (2024-2025) and The Hunting Wives (2025), has come in as his replacement.
The loss of both Hudgins and Leight in such a short period of time led to a production shutdown, resulting in the show missing its original Fall 2025 premiere date. However, the series now seems to be on track for a February debut.
When does ‘CIA’ premiere?
Despite all of the changes in cast and crew, CIA is almost here. The series will premiere on CBS on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10 PM ET/PT, following the original FBI series, which airs at 9 PM ET/PT.
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