CBS announces new FBI spinoff and the title is uh, interesting

FBI is thriving on CBS. The franchise has proven to be the latest Dick Wolf triumph, spawing two spinoffs and a host of different crossover events. FBI has even had the benefit of crossing over with other Dick Wolf franchises like One Chicago.

It should come as no surprise that CBS wants more FBI. The more shows in the rotation, the easier it becomes for the network to sustain and bolster the franchise's popularity. The network announced plans for a third spinoff on Wednesday, January 22, but the title has sort of stolen the spotlight. FBI: CIA is going to be the title of the franchise's latest entry. You read that right: FBI: CIA.

FBI: CIA is going to be the franchise's next title

“They Paid More” – When a bus full of American volunteers is hijacked in a dangerous section of Morocco, the Fly Team works to locate the missing aid workers and the people who kidnapped them, on FBI: INTERNATIONAL, Tuesday, Dec. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs). Pictured (L-R): Jesse Lee Soffer as

You are not alone in having questions. The FBI and the CIA are different organizations, famously, so the notion of combining them seems, on the surface, like a bad parody. CBS is dead serious, though. The network confirmed, via Variety, that the show will focus on an unlikely alliance between an FBI agent and a CIA agent. So yes, technically the title does actually make sense.

"A dedicated, strait-laced FBI agent and a street-smart CIA agent are part of a new, clandestine taskforce," the synopsis reads. "Charged with solving and preventing domestic terrorism in and around New York City."

You will have plenty of time to warm to the title. FBI: CIA is currently in the casting process, with the plan being to introduce characters via backdoor pilot on an already established FBI show. This was confirmed through TV Line.

The spinoff will focus on an FBI and CIA agent

“Keen as a Bean” – Wes’ former colleague, U.S.-based agent Tyler Booth (guest star Jay Hayden), enlists the Fly Team’s assistance in helping him capture an American on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” list by luring him out of Russia with the help of the perp’s conflicted ex-wife, on FBI: INTERNATIONAL, Tuesday, Dec. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential

The backdoor pilot will be an episode of the main FBI show, and if picked up, FBI: CIA will air at some point during the 2025-26 season. CBS recently picked up all three FBI shows for renewal, ensuring that it intends to make the franchise a pillar of its weekly lineup moving forward.

CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach gushed about the franchise in a renewal statement obtained by the Hollywood Reporter. "The all-FBI Tuesday is a powerful force to be reckoned with on our primetime schedule," she said. "Dick Wolf and the talent in front of and behind the camera on all three series continue to deliver top-notch storytelling, riveting action and intrigue that has captivated a dedicated fanbase steadily across multiple seasons.

Dick Wolf was equally excited about the future. He issued a statement claiming he was "thrilled" to continue his creative partnership with the network.