FBI Spinoff Series Announces Cast with Nick Gehlfuss and Michael Michele Joining as CIA Agents

‘CIA‘ Series Adds Nick Gehlfuss,Michael Michele to Cast Alongside Tom Ellis

New York,NY – September 4,2025 – CBS is bolstering the cast of its highly anticipated series,”CIA,” with the additions of Nick Gehlfuss and Michael Michele. The show, a spinoff of the popular drama “FBI,” is slated to debut mid-season.

Key Cast Members Announced

The network confirmed that Gehlfuss and Michele will join previously announced lead Tom Ellis in the new series.Gehlfuss will portray an FBI agent who partners with Ellis’ character, a unconventional CIA operative.

Michele is set to play a supervisory role within the Central Intelligence Agency, providing oversight and guidance to the team. The series focuses on the dynamic between a rule-following FBI agent and a more freewheeling CIA case officer, navigating complex investigations on U.S. soil.

A Return to the Dick Wolf Universe for Gehlfuss

This role marks a continued association for Gehlfuss with the prolific television producer Dick Wolf. He is best known for his portrayal of Dr. Will Halstead on “Chicago Med,” and made appearances across the “One Chicago” franchise on NBC.

Even though Gehlfuss departed “Chicago Med” in 2023, he is scheduled to reprise his role in a guest capacity in the upcoming eleventh season. His past credits also include roles in “shameless,” “The Newsroom,” “Power,” “Person of Interest,” and “Royal Pains.”

Michele’s extensive Background

Michael Michele brings a wealth of experience to the series,with a diverse filmography spanning both television and cinema. She has recently appeared in “Queen Sugar,” “The Equalizer,” “Dynasty,” and “Star.”

Her earlier work includes starring roles in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “ER,” and “New York Undercover,” another Dick Wolf production. In film, michele has appeared in “How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Dark Blue,” “Ali,” and “new Jack City.”

Development and Production Details

The “CIA” series initially began as a potential planted spinoff within “FBI,” but casting delays prompted CBS to officially order the show as a standalone series. Production faced further hurdles, including a change in showrunners, which led to a shift in the launch date from fall to mid-season.

The series is executive-produced by Dick Wolf, Warren Leight, Eriq LaSalle, Paul Cabbad, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski. Warren Leight will also serve as the showrunner. Worldwide Television is producing in association with Wolf Entertainment and CBS Studios.

Actor	Role	Previous Notable Roles
Nick Gehlfuss	FBI Agent	Dr. Will Halstead (“Chicago Med”)
Michael Michele	CIA Supervisor	“Homicide: Life on the Street”, “ER”
Tom Ellis	CIA Case Officer	Lucifer (“Lucifer”)

The Enduring Appeal of Procedural Dramas

Procedural dramas, like “CIA” and “FBI,” continue to dominate television ratings. Their episodic nature and focus on solving crimes or tackling national security threats offer a consistent viewing experience that resonates with a broad audience. Statista reports that procedural dramas remain among the most-watched genres in the United States.

Did You Know? The “FBI” franchise has become a cornerstone of CBS’s programming, demonstrating the network’s commitment to the genre.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for interconnected storylines between “CIA” and “FBI,” as spin-offs often feature crossovers to expand the universe.

Frequently Asked questions About the ‘CIA’ series

• what is the premise of the ‘CIA’ series? The series centers around an unconventional partnership between a by-the-book FBI agent and a rule-breaking CIA operative as they investigate threats to U.S. national security.
• Who are the lead actors in ‘CIA’? Tom Ellis,Nick Gehlfuss,and Michael Michele are the lead actors.
• Is ‘CIA’ connected to the ‘FBI’ series? Yes, ‘CIA’ is a spin-off of ‘FBI,’ though it will operate as a standalone show.
• When will ‘CIA’ premiere? The series is slated to launch mid-season on CBS.
• Who is producing the ‘CIA’ series? Dick Wolf and Warren Leight are among the executive producers.
• What previous roles is Nick Gehlfuss known for? Gehlfuss is well-known for his role as dr. will halstead in “Chicago Med.”
• What kind of roles has Michael Michele played previously? Michele has a diverse filmography, including roles in “Homicide: Life on the Street” and several films.

What are your expectations for the new series? Will you be tuning in to watch this dynamic duo tackle national security threats? share your thoughts in the comments below!

What challenges might arise from portraying the collaborative dynamic between the FBI and CIA, given their historically complex relationship?

The expanding universe of the FBI franchise on CBS is gaining momentum with a brand new spinoff series, and the casting announcements are already generating notable buzz.This latest venture promises a unique dynamic, focusing on the often-complex relationship between the FBI and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Here’s a detailed look at the cast, the premise, and what fans can expect from this exciting new procedural drama.

Key Cast Members & Character Details

The series has officially welcomed two prominent actors: Nick Gehlfuss, known for his role in chicago Med, and Michael Michele, a veteran of television known for her work in ER and Dynasty. Both will be portraying key CIA operatives working alongside FBI agents.

Nick Gehlfuss: Gehlfuss will play a seasoned CIA field agent, specializing in covert operations and intelligence gathering.Details regarding his character’s specific skillset and backstory are currently under wraps, but sources indicate a complex personality with a troubled past. Expect a character driven by a strong moral compass, even when operating in morally gray areas. This role marks a significant departure from his long-running medical drama role, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Michael Michele: Michele is set to portray a high-ranking CIA analyst, responsible for providing strategic intelligence and support to field agents. Her character is described as sharp, analytical, and politically savvy, navigating the intricate world of international espionage.Michele’s experience in dramatic roles will undoubtedly bring depth and nuance to this pivotal character.

The Premise: FBI-CIA Collaboration & Conflict

The new FBI spinoff will center around a joint task force comprised of FBI agents and CIA operatives. This collaboration aims to tackle national security threats that require the unique expertise of both agencies.

Shared Jurisdiction: The series will explore cases that fall into a grey area between domestic law enforcement (FBI) and international intelligence (CIA). this creates inherent tension and challenges as agents grapple with differing protocols, priorities, and legal constraints.

Interagency Rivalry: Expect a healthy dose of interagency rivalry. The show will delve into the ancient and cultural differences between the FBI and the CIA, showcasing the friction that can arise when these two powerful organizations are forced to work together.

High-Stakes Investigations: The cases tackled by the joint task force will be high-stakes, involving counterterrorism, espionage, cyber warfare, and other critical national security concerns.

Production Details & Expected Release

While a specific title for the spinoff hasn’t been officially announced, production is already underway. The series is being developed by Wolf Entertainment, the production company behind the original FBI series and its successful spinoffs, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International.

Executive Producers: Dick Wolf,arthur Forney,and Peter Jankowski are serving as executive producers. Their track record of creating successful procedural dramas bodes well for the new series.

Filming Locations: initial filming is taking place in New York City, mirroring the location of the original FBI series. However, the show is expected to feature international locations as storylines demand.

Potential Airdate: While CBS has not confirmed a premiere date, industry insiders predict a mid-season launch in early 2026, likely following the winter hiatus of the existing FBI shows.

The Appeal of the FBI Franchise & Spinoff Strategy

The FBI franchise has proven to be a ratings powerhouse for CBS, consistently attracting a large and dedicated audience. The network’s strategy of expanding the franchise with spinoffs allows them to capitalize on the brand’s popularity and explore different facets of law enforcement and intelligence work.

Procedural Drama Popularity: Procedural dramas remain a popular genre among television viewers, offering a satisfying blend of suspense, action, and problem-solving.

franchise Loyalty: Fans of the FBI franchise are likely to tune in to the new spinoff,creating a built-in audience.

Cross-Promotion Opportunities: CBS can leverage cross-promotion opportunities across its existing FBI shows to generate awareness and excitement for the new series.

Exploring the Real-World Dynamics of FBI-CIA Relations

The series’ focus on FBI-CIA collaboration is particularly intriguing given the complex and often-secretive relationship between these two agencies in the real world.

Historical Context: The FBI and CIA have a long and sometimes fraught history, marked by both cooperation and competition. During the Cold War, both agencies were heavily involved in intelligence gathering and covert operations, often with overlapping jurisdictions and conflicting agendas.

* Post-9/11 Cooperation: Following the September 11th attacks,there was a significant push for greater cooperation between the FBI and CIA. The creation of the Terrorist Screening Database