The enduring success of the FBI franchise, spearheaded by prolific producer Dick Wolf, has paved the way for yet another spinoff, tentatively titled FBI: CIA. This new series, set to premiere as a backdoor pilot within an episode of the original FBI series this spring, will delve into the collaborative efforts of an FBI agent and a CIA agent. These two contrasting personalities, one described as “strait-laced” and the other as “street-smart,” will form a covert task force dedicated to tackling domestic terrorism in and around New York City. Casting details remain undisclosed, adding an element of anticipation to the upcoming premiere. This latest expansion of the FBI universe further solidifies Dick Wolf’s dominance in the crime procedural genre, echoing the success of his iconic Law & Order franchise.
The FBI franchise, currently anchored by its flagship series, FBI, has already spawned two successful spinoffs, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. The original FBI, now in its ninth season, provides a compelling glimpse into the operations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York office. Its consistent performance in the Tuesday 8 p.m. ET slot has established it as a cornerstone of CBS’s primetime lineup. This success has naturally led to the creation of complementary series that explore different facets of federal law enforcement.
FBI: Most Wanted, the first spinoff, zeroes in on the high-stakes pursuits of the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force (FTF) in New York. Currently in its sixth season, the series follows the relentless efforts of these specialized agents as they track down dangerous criminals on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Airing at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesdays, it effectively bookends the FBI block, following FBI: International. The series’ focus on capturing notorious fugitives provides a distinct narrative thread while remaining within the established FBI universe.
FBI: International, the second spinoff and now in its fourth season, expands the franchise’s reach beyond domestic borders. The series centers on the “Fly Team” (IFT), an elite group of FBI agents based in Budapest. Their mission is to identify and neutralize threats to American interests across the globe, primarily within Europe. This international focus adds a new dimension to the franchise, showcasing the global reach and complexity of the FBI’s operations. The series’ diverse settings and international intrigue further differentiate it from its sister shows.
CBS has demonstrated its unwavering confidence in the FBI franchise by renewing the original series for three seasons, extending its run through the 2026-27 season. While FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International received one-season renewals, their strong performance and synergistic scheduling suggest likely renewals for the next season. The cohesive nature of the Tuesday night lineup, with all three shows complementing each other, creates a powerful programming block for CBS. However, the potential premiere date for FBI: CIA remains uncertain. Should it be picked up, it could join the fall schedule or be held for a midseason debut. Similarly, either of the existing spinoffs could also be slated for a later release in the season, depending on programming strategy.
The consistent success of the FBI franchise underscores the enduring appeal of crime procedurals and Dick Wolf’s mastery of the genre. The addition of FBI: CIA further diversifies the franchise, exploring the intersection of FBI and CIA operations. While the future scheduling of the new spinoff remains fluid, the overall strength of the franchise suggests a promising outlook. The interconnected nature of the series, their consistent performance, and the established brand recognition all contribute to the continued growth and evolution of the FBI universe on CBS.
