The stars of the new FBI spinoff are sharing just what makes CIA different from the rest of the franchise!
FBI fans are still a bit steamed at the cancellations of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. However, the gap is being filled by CIA, a new spinoff. It focuses on by-the-book FBI Special Agent Bill Goldman (Nick Gehlfuss), who joins a secret FBI/CIA task force and partners with roguish CIA operative Colin Glass (Tom Ellis).
Speaking to Deadline, the actors discussed how this show will differ from the other FBI shows, with Ellis hinting that Glass has many secrets to uncover.
“One of the things we’d like to do is try to keep the audience guessing a little bit. The way that we’ve shot the show, we’re trying to give people a sort of voyeuristic experience, because the CIA essentially is that. They’re a voyeuristic agency, and they’re watching from afar all the time. That’s what we’re trying to achieve with this.”
Gehlfuss added, “This is a new template of sorts. Wolf Entertainment are first responder, forward storytelling, so these types of genres have been around. But we really are forging new territory here with CIA, and it’s really exciting because it’s new and unique. And because of the world that Tom has been talking about, it’s really interesting to figure out how this differs from even the new FBI franchise.”
Both actors are TV veterans, with Gehlfuss known for playing Dr. Will Halstead on Chicago Med and Ellis in the title role of the supernatural crime series Lucifer. It looks like both will use those roles for their current show.
It’s already confirmed that Jeremy Sisto will appear in the CIA pilot as FBI’s Jubal Early. Also, Alana de la Garza and Missy Peregrym, who play Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille and FBI Special Agent Maggie Bell on FBI, respectively, will appear on CIA this season. Likewise, Necar Zadegan will appear on FBI as Deputy Chief of Station Nikki Reynard.
Fans of other Wolf Entertainment shows, such as One Chicago and Law & Order, know how common these shared-universe crossovers are. Gehlfuss (who’s been in quite a few crossovers via One Chicago) hints there may be more to come.
“As you know, we’re going to be there, and they’re trying to have some crossovers between CIA and FBI. And, we’ll see what happens if they add a third show and try to make it like a One Chicago thing as well.”
It’s unsure if CBS would be so eager to add another FBI show to the slate right after cancelling two others. However, if CIA takes off, it may pave the way for another wave of spin-offs as FBI fans will want to tune into a show that has plenty of connections to the mothership series!
CIA premieres Monday, February 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.