Tom Ellis returns to U.S. network TV in "CIA", a new procedural set in the Dick Wolf FBI universe. The series centers on the partnership between Ellis, who plays Colin Glass, a CIA case officer known for his charm and improvisation, and Nick Gehlfuss, who plays Bill Goodman, an FBI agent who lives by the rules, loves his paperwork, and wants every decision to stand up to scrutiny.
The show examines their push‑and‑pull dynamic as they’re assigned to the CIA’s New York Station, where they confront domestic threats that don’t always fit neatly within standard agency protocols.
If you like to watch week to week, CBS has you covered with a regular Monday night slot. If you prefer to stream on your own schedule, Paramount+ is the platform to go to. And if you’re traveling abroad, you can still keep up with the action from anywhere with a VPN.
"CIA" premieres Monday, February 23, 2026, airing weekly at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
• U.S. — CBS (live), Paramount+ (live on Premium, next-day on Essential)
• U.K. — likely (not confirmed) Sky Witness and NOW
• Canada — Global TV
• Australia — Paramount+
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk-free
Unlike earlier "FBI" spin-offs that simply expanded the Bureau’s reach, "CIA" builds its tension around a joint task force, a New York–based “fusion cell” that has to keep running even when the CIA and FBI don’t naturally play well together, a friction point that only intensified after 9/11.
Showrunner Mike Weiss has been upfront about how that changes the stories they can tell. FBI cases can wrap with arrests, courtrooms, and public closure, while CIA operations often have to remain in the dark, no cuffs, no press conferences, and no hint to the public that a domestic threat was ever stopped.
Getting "CIA" to air hasn’t been simple, either. Two showrunner changes and the departure of original cast member Michael Michele helped push the premiere from fall 2025 into mid-season 2026. CBS is also leaning into the crossover appeal from the start, with Jeremy Sisto guest-starring as Jubal Valentine to knit the universes together on screen.
Much of the early buzz, though, is about Tom Ellis ("Lucifer") returning as a network lead, and the show wisely leans into his disarming charm.
Here’s our guide to how you can watch "CIA" online from anywhere in the world.
How to watch ‘CIA’ in the U.S.
How to watch ‘CIA’ from anywhere
If you’re traveling and find that your usual streaming apps stop working outside your home region, a VPN (virtual private network) can help. It lets your device connect via a secure server back home, so you can use your existing subscriptions as normal.
Tom’s Guide has tested a wide range of services, and NordVPN is the one we most often recommend for streaming thanks to its fast speeds and broad device support. You can also try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Using a VPN is straightforward; follow these steps.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As noted, NordVPN is our preferred option.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select U.S. from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to Paramount+ and stream new episodes of "CIA" online.
How to watch ‘CIA’ in Canada
In Canada, "CIA" airs on Global TV, the series's primary home. Episodes and trailers are available via the Global TV app and website, typically from the day after broadcast and for a limited time.
You’ve also got a couple of alternatives. STACKTV is available as an add-on through Amazon Prime Video Channels, and you can watch it on Fubo as long as your package includes the required live channels/feeds.
Not in Canada right now? A VPN can help you access your usual Canadian streaming services when you’re overseas. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and ease of use.
How to watch ‘CIA’ in Australia
Australia gets "CIA" on a slight delay due to the U.S. broadcast schedule, with the premiere landing on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 (Australia time).
The series is expected to stream on Paramount+ Australia, and it’s worth checking local listings closer to launch in case it also airs on linear TV.
Not in Australia right now? Use one of the best VPN services to log into your usual streaming platforms from overseas. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and trusted security features.
How to watch ‘CIA’ in the U.K.
As of the time of writing, UK streaming and broadcast details for "CIA" haven’t been officially confirmed.
However, if you already watch other shows in the FBI franchise in the UK, Sky Witness and NOW are the platforms to watch. UK viewers should also expect the usual delay that often comes with U.S. network procedurals crossing the Atlantic.
Abroad? Don’t panic. You can use one of the best streaming VPN services to log into your regular UK streaming accounts from overseas. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and trusted security features.
How to watch 'CIA' online in New Zealand
Under an exclusive partnership between Sky NZ and Paramount, expanded in January 2026, Neon is the primary streaming home for new Paramount+ and CBS originals, including "CIA".
Not at home? No problem. You can use one of the best VPN services to log into your usual New Zealand streaming accounts from abroad. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and trusted security features.
'CIA' FAQs
'CIA' — Cast
- Tom Ellis as Colin Glass
- Nick Gehlfuss as Bill Goodman
- Necar Zadegan as Nikki Reynard
- Natalee Linez as Gina Gosian
'CIA' — confirmed episode list
Episode 1: “Directed Energy” (Feb 23, 2026)
Episode 2: “Fatal Defect” (Mar 2, 2026)
Episode 3: “Elimination Game” (Mar 9, 2026)
'CIA' — Trailer
How many episodes are in Season 1?
The first season runs for 10 episodes, with the finale expected to air in early May 2026.
Is this an 'FBI' spin-off?
Yes. "CIA" is a direct spin-off of the CBS FBI franchise created by Dick Wolf. The premiere even features Jeremy Sisto reprising his role as FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine.
What is the show about?
The series centers on an "odd couple" pairing: a rule‑breaking CIA officer and a by‑the‑book FBI agent working together on a joint task force at the CIA’s New York Station. To tackle domestic threats on U.S. soil, they have to find common ground between the CIA’s covert methods and the FBI’s strict legal protocols, even when those approaches clash.
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