‘FBI’ Spinoff ‘CIA’ Showrunner Warren Leight Exits, Production Paused
Warren Leight has stepped down as showrunner of CBS’ new series CIA, a spinoff of FBI. The change marks another shift in the network’s lineup for the upcoming mid-season release.
Leadership Changes
Leight, known for his work on multiple seasons of Law & Order: SVU, took over the project in July from David Hudgins. According to Variety, discussions are underway for Mike Weiss, current showrunner of FBI, to assume leadership of CIA while continuing his duties on the main series.
Temporary Production Pause
Production on CIA will briefly pause during the transition. However, the network does not expect this shift to delay the show’s premiere, which remains slated for mid-season.
Cast and Storyline
The new hour-long drama stars Tom Ellis and Chicago Med alum Nick Gehlfuss. They portray two unlikely partners — a fast-talking CIA case officer and a disciplined FBI agent — who must learn to work together despite their differences.
When this odd couple are assigned to work out of CIA’s New York Station, they must learn to work together to investigate cases and criminals posing threats on U.S. soil, finding that their differences may actually be their strength.
Natalee Linez also features in the cast, while a new actor is being sought for the chief of station role previously played by Michael Michele, who recently departed the production.
Author’s Summary
Production of CBS’s CIA pauses as Warren Leight exits as showrunner, with Mike Weiss in talks to assume the role while maintaining his position on FBI.