How FBI’s Next Spinoff Is So Different From The Franchise’s Other Shows Explained By Showrunner

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FBI‘s upcoming spinoff is going to be a game-changer for the franchise.

Mike Weiss, the creator of the show CIA, says it will stand out from typical crime dramas. The series centers on Bill Goodman (Nick Gehlfuss), a by-the-book FBI agent, who joins a special task force with the CIA. He’s paired with Agent Colin Glass (Tom Ellis), who prefers to bend the rules, and together they investigate different cases each week.

Speaking with ScreenRant’s Brandon Zachary, CIA showrunner Meredith Weiss discussed how the new series differs from its parent show, FBI. She explained that while FBI deals with cases that are generally public and straightforward, CIA focuses on covert operations where actions are kept secret and won’t be subject to public scrutiny.

ScreenRant: What are the chances for a crossover between CIA and FBI?

As a movie fan, I’m really intrigued by the idea that Bill Goodman gets this almost unbelievable opportunity to move from the FBI to the CIA. It’s like walking through a secret door into a completely different world – one where things aren’t black and white, but full of shades of gray and hidden agendas. The writers are hoping to really play up the connections between the two shows, reminding us that Bill started his career at 26 Fed and has a history with the characters on FBI. He’s worked alongside them on cases for years! It’s cool that this ‘door’ isn’t open to everyone; it makes Bill’s journey feel special and sets up some interesting possibilities for how these two worlds will interact.

As a fan of both shows, one thing that really strikes me is how different the worlds feel. With FBI, it’s like everything has to be out in the open, done by the book, and completely verifiable. You need that sense of accountability. But CIA… that’s a whole different ballgame. It’s a world where access is restricted – you have to be invited in. And that’s intentional! The fun of CIA is that the work is done in the shadows. You can be a hero, save the day, but nobody will ever know about it, and there won’t be any official recognition. I think that contrast is key, and it’s something Bill, the character, is going to have to get used to. It’s that secrecy that really defines the show and sets it apart.

Weiss also mentioned the possibility of characters from different shows appearing together. Bill’s character, for example, will already know the people from FBI when he joins the series. But the main goal is to explore what makes CIA unique compared to other crime dramas. While the FBI often handles public cases, this new task force will operate in complete secrecy.

According to Weiss, the level of secrecy in this new installment is unprecedented for the series. The task force will probably face dangers that need to be kept hidden to prevent public unrest. It seems Bill will especially need to adjust to this heightened level of confidentiality.

A new series focusing on the CIA is set to premiere while the eighth season of FBI is still on the air. CBS has confirmed a ninth season of FBI and it’s currently the only show from the franchise that’s actively airing. Earlier spin-offs, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, were cancelled in 2025, and the new series about a joint task force will be the only other show continuing the story.

Fortunately, the two series appear to be different enough that they’ll each have a unique identity. Although the new show is a spin-off, the creators plan to make it feel independent. While it will likely acknowledge connections to the existing universe, it won’t be overshadowed by them.

CBS’s new show, CIA, is set to premiere soon, and viewers will quickly see what sets it apart. The show will also likely explore the evolving relationship between characters Bill and Colin, as they’ll need to find common ground and compromise to successfully complete their missions as a team.

CIA premieres Monday, February 23 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.

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2026-02-13 19:49