CIA Showrunner Exits, Production Paused for New CBS FBI Spinoff

CBS’s upcoming new series, CIA, has hit a significant production snag. Showrunner Warren Leight has stepped down from his role, forcing a temporary pause in filming. The series is a new entry in the popular FBI television universe.

This development introduces uncertainty for one of the network’s most anticipated midseason dramas. Despite the setback, CBS maintains the planned 2026 premiere date remains unchanged for now.

A Turbulent Start for the New Series

According to a report from Variety, Warren Leight has exited the project. Leight is a veteran showrunner known for his acclaimed work on Law & Order: SVU. He was the second creative lead to depart after David Hudgins.

Production has been temporarily halted as the studio searches for a replacement. Insiders suggest Mike Weiss, a key writer and producer from the mothership FBI series, is a top contender to take over. The network and Wolf Entertainment are confident the schedule can be recovered.

This leadership change follows other high-profile exits. Actor Michael Michele, set to play the head of the CIA’s New York Station, left the project. Eriq La Salle, who directed the pilot, also stepped away from his executive producer role.

What This Means for the CIA Premiere Date

The series was originally slated for a Fall 2025 debut. It was scheduled to air on Mondays at 10/9c following the flagship FBI program. CBS later shifted it to a midseason 2026 premiere window.

The network has not officially altered this new timeline. With filming having begun in September 2025, there is still a buffer to resume production. A swift resolution to the showrunner search is critical to meeting the midseason target.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the dynamic between the two leads. Tom Ellis plays a rule-breaking CIA officer, while Nick Gehlfuss portrays a by-the-book FBI agent. Their partnership is the core of the series.

Thought you’d like to know-

Why did the CIA showrunner step down?

Warren Leight exited due to creative and scheduling differences. The production company is now seeking a new leader to steer the series forward and maintain its vision.

Has the CIA CBS release date changed?

As of now, CBS still lists the show for a midseason 2026 premiere. The network is optimistic the production pause will not cause a significant delay to the launch schedule.

Who is in the cast of the new CIA show?

The confirmed lead cast includes Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss. Natalee Linez is also set to star as a CIA analyst. The role originally intended for Michael Michele may be recast.

Is this show a direct spinoff of FBI?

It is an expansion of the FBI universe, not a direct spinoff. The series will exist in the same world but focus on the collaboration and friction between the CIA and FBI.

Will any characters from FBI appear in CIA?

No crossovers have been officially confirmed. However, given Dick Wolf’s history of interconnected shows, character cameos in future seasons are a strong possibility.

Is there a trailer for the CIA TV series?

No trailer has been released yet. Marketing materials are expected to debut in late 2025 or early 2026, once production is firmly back on track.

Trusted Sources

Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, CBS Press Express, Collider.