CBS has announced changes to its upcoming fall TV schedule, including the delay of its new crime drama CIA, which was originally set to premiere this autumn. The series, a spinoff of the long-running FBI franchise, is now expected to launch in midseason following a major behind-the-scenes shakeup.
Showrunner Change for ‘CIA’
David Hudgins, initially appointed to lead the series and co-write its pilot with franchise creator Dick Wolf, has exited the project. He will be replaced by Warren Leight, a veteran of the Law & Order: SVU series. Leight is expected to bring his experience and creative direction to steer the project forward.
The show stars Tom Ellis as a fast-talking CIA officer, who is partnered with a rule-following FBI agent. However, with the show still early in development, it’s unclear if the premise will be revised under the new leadership.
Although the writers’ room is active, no additional cast members have been announced since the show’s initial pickup in April. Filming is now planned to begin in early fall.
‘Watson’ Takes Over Fall Slot
With CIA postponed, CBS has moved the drama Watson, starring Morris Chestnut, into the fall Monday 10 PM time slot. Originally set to return midseason, the series began production early, allowing it to take over the slot following the network’s flagship show, FBI.
This change gives Watson—which debuted earlier this year with a short 13-episode run—a chance to build a larger audience with a full season airing in a traditional fall schedule. It will now anchor CBS’s Monday night lineup alongside comedies The Neighborhood and the new series DMV.
Future of ‘CIA’
Despite delays, CBS remains committed to CIA, which is being produced by Universal Television in partnership with Wolf Entertainment and CBS Studios.
Executive producers include Dick Wolf, Warren Leight, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, and Peter Jankowski. Eriq La Salle remains on board to direct the pilot.
More details, including casting and revised premiere dates for CIA, are expected in the coming months.
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