Cia Cast: Tom Ellis Headlines Dick Wolf FBI Spinoff — Episode 1 Out and Free Options Explained
The cia cast is fronted by Tom Ellis in a new Dick Wolf procedural set inside the larger FBI universe, and Episode 1 is already available to watch — free in Canada — with U. S. and U. K. viewers able to tune in as the series begins its weekly run. This piece summarizes who is involved, how to watch, and what the show will mean for the familiar franchise framework.
Cia Cast: Who's Who and Returning Faces
Tom Ellis stars as Colin Glass, a CIA case officer described as charming and improvisational. He is paired with Nick Gehlfuss as Bill Goodman, an FBI agent who lives by the rules, loves his paperwork, and wants every decision to stand up to scrutiny. The pairing is central to the show's dynamic.
The lead actor received a set visit from former co-star Aimee Garcia, who shared behind-the-scenes photos on social media showing Ellis in suit, his character's desk, and hair and makeup. Garcia's on-set appearance emphasized the reunion element for viewers familiar with Ellis's previous series work.
Ellis previously starred on a series beginning in 2016 as a character named Lucifer Morningstar alongside Lauren German, Kevin Alejandro, D. B. Woodside, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Rachael Harris, and Aimee Garcia. That earlier show centered on an alternate DC Comics character who leaves hell to live on Earth, runs a nightclub, and becomes a consultant for law enforcement after meeting Detective Chloe Decker, played by Lauren German. Garcia portrayed Ella Lopez, an LAPD forensic scientist.
Premiere, Episode Availability and How to Watch
CIA premiered Monday, February 23, 2026, and will air weekly at 10 p. m. ET/PT on the U. S. network. Episode 1 is available to watch now for free in Canada. Fans in the U. S. and U. K. needn't miss out, and viewers abroad were offered guidance on watching online and for free using a VPN. Promotional messaging for wide availability also included a specific VPN product suggestion labeled 100% risk-free.
Territorial notes presented alongside the launch listed a free option for Canada, a U. S. network and a U. S. streaming option, a U. K. broadcaster to be confirmed, and availability on a streaming service in Australia — schedule and platform details remain subject to regional rules and confirmation.
Tone and Storytelling: A Different Kind of Spinoff
Unlike earlier FBI spinoffs that expanded the Bureau’s reach, this series centers tension around a joint task force: a New York–based fusion cell that must keep running even when the CIA and FBI don’t naturally play well together. The context notes that that friction only intensified after 9/11, which informs the show’s narrative stakes.
Showrunner Mike Weiss has been candid about how that structural difference alters the stories the writers can tell. The distinction is framed this way: FBI cases can close with arrests, courtrooms and public closure; CIA operations often must remain in the dark, with no cuffs, no press conferences and no public hint that a domestic threat was ever stopped.
Fan Reaction, Early Reviews and Creative Positioning
Episode 1, released on February 23, drew enthusiastic responses from viewers. The creative synopsis for the series describes covert operations in New York that uncover international plots, terrorist cells and geopolitical secrets; it positions Bill Goodman as learning the murky rules on the fly under Colin Glass’s leadership, with the core idea that their work keeps America safe even if the public never knows.
Ellis has characterized the new program as complementary to his earlier series rather than a direct spinoff and said he intentionally kept his knowledge about the FBI to a minimum while preparing for the role.
Membership, Newsletters and Viewing Tips
Promotional copy tied to the launch encouraged readers to join a membership club for quick access, requesting an email address to send confirmation and sign-ups for a newsletter. The sign-up terms stated that submitting information confirms the registrant is aged 16 or over, has read the Privacy Policy and agrees to the Terms & Conditions, and noted that geographical rules apply.
Additional membership promises included the ability to unlock and manage exclusive member rewards, instant access to exclusive features, a weekly newsletter covering streaming recommendations and AI news with editorial analysis, and access to premium articles. Launch messaging also disclosed that purchases made through site links may generate an affiliate commission for the publisher.
Viewing tips reiterated that Episode 1 is live for Canadian audiences at no cost, that the series will continue weekly at 10 p. m. ET/PT on the U. S. network, and that international viewers can consider VPN options when regional access is restricted; platform availability in some markets remains to be confirmed.
