Tom Ellis shares exciting update about CBS’s new FBI spinoff, CIA

🎬 A Devilish Star Takes on a New Role

When fans think of Tom Ellis, their minds instantly go to his unforgettable role as Lucifer Morningstar—the charming devil with a British accent and a killer sense of style. But Ellis is stepping away from hellfire and into the heart of espionage, as he reveals a thrilling new chapter in his career: CBS’s latest spinoff in the FBI universe, titled CIA.

That’s right. Tom Ellis is trading in the velvet suits and devilish charm for something sharper, darker, and even more mysterious—a federal badge and a whole new secret identity. And if the early buzz is anything to go by, CIA is shaping up to be one of CBS’s most ambitious projects yet.

🕵️ What We Know About CIA So Far

CIA isn’t just another acronym in the alphabet soup of crime dramas. It’s CBS’s boldest expansion of its hit FBI franchise, known for powerful narratives, fast-paced investigations, and a loyal fan base. But CIA aims to dig deeper, exploring the clandestine world of international espionage, cyber warfare, psychological manipulation—and the blurred lines between loyalty and betrayal.

According to early plot leaks and Ellis himself, the series will focus on a covert unit within the Central Intelligence Agency tasked with handling global black-ops missions too sensitive for traditional FBI involvement. This is where Ellis’s character comes in.

🧥 Tom Ellis as Agent Jack Maxwell: A Different Kind of Hero

Forget suits and cocktails. Ellis’s Agent Jack Maxwell is a deeply conflicted, ex-MI6 operative who is recruited by the CIA after a scandalous fallout in London. Think intelligence genius with a mysterious past, haunted by moral dilemmas, and struggling to adapt to a system riddled with secrecy and surveillance.

Ellis has hinted that Maxwell is “nothing like Lucifer,” but fans can still expect the same magnetic intensity that made his previous character so unforgettable.

“He’s layered, broken in some ways, but brilliant,” Ellis teased during an exclusive on-set interview. “Jack doesn’t just follow orders. He questions them.”

That’s a recipe for drama.

🎥 A Cinematic Experience on Primetime TV

CBS has reportedly spared no expense in crafting the pilot episode of CIA, which was shot across multiple international locations, including Berlin, Marrakesh, and Washington D.C. The series will be less episodic and more serialized, focusing on long-form arcs with cliffhangers and intricate character development—much like 24 or Homeland.

And yes, there will be gadgets, explosions, car chases, encrypted messages, double agents, and shady alliances. But there’s also a human story here: a man trying to make peace with his past while navigating a world where nothing is what it seems.

💬 Fan Frenzy and Social Media Buzz

The moment Ellis posted the cryptic teaser—just a silhouette in a trench coat with the caption “The world has a new secret…”—Twitter went into meltdown. Hashtags like #TomEllisCIA and #AgentMaxwell trended within minutes.

Fans are already creating theories, imagining crossovers with other FBI characters, and even speculating on potential love interests.

Some of the most viral tweets include:

“Lucifer running the CIA? Count me in. #TomEllisCIA”
“Tom Ellis in a spy thriller is the content we’ve all been waiting for.”
“British accent + secret missions + tailored suits = must-watch.”

If there was any doubt that Ellis still commands a massive fanbase post-Lucifer, this project has erased it entirely.

🔍 How CIA Differs from Traditional CBS Dramas

CBS is known for its procedural structure: case of the week, wrap-up in 42 minutes, rinse and repeat. But CIA represents a creative pivot. Think fewer formulas, more emotional stakes. According to showrunner Dana Malloy, the show will explore:

The psychology of espionage – how agents cope with double lives.
The gray morality – what it means to lie for your country.
Global dynamics – geopolitical conflicts and the cost of silence.

In essence, CIA is designed for a new generation of viewers who want complex stories with a pulse-pounding edge. And at the center of it all is Ellis—cool, calculating, charismatic.

🎭 Supporting Cast: A Powerhouse Ensemble

While Tom Ellis is the obvious headliner, CIA boasts a powerful supporting cast that includes:

Rosa Salazar as Maya Chen, a cyber warfare expert with her own motives.
Giancarlo Esposito as Director Cole, the no-nonsense CIA chief with a cold streak.
Samira Wiley as Elise Nash, Jack’s handler and potential ally—or enemy.
Fionn Whitehead as a rookie recruit who idolizes Jack but hides secrets.

The chemistry is said to be electric, with Ellis and Salazar delivering some of the show’s most intense scenes.

🔥 Why This Role Matters for Ellis

This isn’t just another role for Tom Ellis. It’s a rebrand, a reinvention, and a bold step into a more serious, high-stakes genre. After years of supernatural charm and comedic timing, CIA allows Ellis to flex his dramatic muscles, offering fans a grittier, more grounded performance.

Industry insiders believe this could be Ellis’s path into award territory. Think Golden Globe nods, Emmy buzz, and a whole new level of recognition. He’s no longer just the devil—you might soon know him as the most dangerous man in the CIA.

🧠 Brains Behind the Operation

CBS has assembled an elite team behind the scenes:

Dana Malloy, known for her work on The Americans and Bodyguard, as showrunner.
Greg Berlanti, as executive producer, bringing his knack for serialized storytelling.
Monica Beletsky (Fargo, Friday Night Lights) as script consultant.

In short, CIA isn’t just an experiment—it’s a carefully calibrated hit in the making.

📅 When and Where You Can Watch

While an exact premiere date hasn’t been announced, CBS has confirmed CIA will air during the fall 2025 primetime slot, likely on Tuesdays at 9 PM. It will also stream on Paramount+, making it available to a global audience immediately.

Ellis fans, mark your calendars—because Agent Maxwell is coming in hot.

🧭 Final Thoughts: A Spy Show for a New Era

In an age where streaming fatigue is real and franchises dominate the airwaves, CIA feels fresh, fearless, and intensely relevant. It’s about espionage, yes—but also about identity, loyalty, and how far one man will go to serve his country while saving his soul.

And with Tom Ellis at the helm, it’s impossible to look away.

So whether you’re a die-hard Lucifer fan, a crime drama junkie, or just someone looking for the next big binge—CIA is the series to watch.

This isn’t just another CBS show. It’s a mission. And we’re all invited.