CBS Series CIA and FBI are Teaming Up for Exciting Crossovers with Alana De La Garza, Missy Peregrym, and Necar Zadegan
EXCLUSIVE: The FBI Universe is set to expand with increased cross-office collaborations, highlighted by Jeremy Sisto’s upcoming appearance in the CIA premiere on February 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, following a new episode of FBI.
Alana De La Garza and Missy Peregrym, portraying Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille and FBI Special Agent Maggie Bell on FBI, will also make appearances on CIA this season. Meanwhile, Necar Zadegan’s character, Deputy Chief of Station Nikki Reynard from CIA, will engage with her FBI counterparts.
In the new CBS series CIA, FBI Special Agent Bill Goodman, played by Nick Gehlfuss, finds himself working with CIA Agent Colin Glass, portrayed by Tom Ellis, on a clandestine task force. The duo will tackle covert missions in New York, addressing international plots and terrorist threats while navigating the complexities of their agencies’ worlds.
As the storyline unfolds, Bill will adapt to the intricacies of this shadowy environment, with Colin thrusting him into the world of espionage, ultimately serving the critical mission of national security.
The show will also feature Natalee Linez as CIA Analyst Gina Gosian.
CIA “Elimination Game”
Pictured (L-R): Nick Gehlfuss as Special Agent Bill Goodman, Tom Ellis as CIA Case Officer Colin Glass, and Alana De La Garza as Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille.
Mark Schafer/CBS
In an interview, Mike Weiss, the executive producer, discussed the logistical challenges of orchestrating multiple crossovers. “We have amazing line producers who keep the trains on the tracks,” he explained, crediting collaborators like Amanda Slater, producer of FBI, and Paul Cabbad, producer of CIA, for their roles in the process.
Weiss also noted that fans benefit from these crossovers by seeing their favorite characters in new situations. “In crossing characters over, we get to show that both agencies are hard at work in the same city,” he said, emphasizing the shared realities of the CIA and FBI’s missions.
Regarding character distribution, Weiss expressed a flexible approach. “Ultimately, we’re trying to tell the best story possible,” he stated, highlighting the creative challenge of character overlap within the narrative.
CIA “Elimination Game”
Pictured (L-R): Missy Peregrym as Special Agent Maggie Bell, Nick Gehlfuss as Special Agent Bill Goodman, and Tom Ellis as CIA Case Officer Colin Glass
Mark Schafer/CBS
Weiss acknowledged the potential for future crossovers but emphasized that decision-making lies in storytelling. “The best part of the job is getting to work with amazing people on both shows,” he remarked, expressing enthusiasm for collaboration.
In light of the new show’s introduction, Weiss addressed audience concerns about early crossovers feeling gimmicky. “It’s good, clean fun,” he countered, citing the real-life inter-agency collaborations that inspired the narrative.
The decision to include Jeremy Sisto in CIA’s premiere stems from organic storytelling needs, Weiss explained. Sisto, known for his role as Jubal, plays a pivotal role in the pilot by recommending Goodman as a vital FBI agent.
As speculation grows around additional crossovers this season, Weiss reiterated that storytelling drives the decisions. He hinted at the potential for CIA characters to appear at significant FBI events.
CIA “Directed Energy”
Pictured: Necar Zadegan as Deputy Chief of Station Nikki Reynard
Zach Dilgard/CBS
Weiss also addressed potential character returns from past FBI shows, highlighting that any returning characters would reappear as they were originally portrayed. “They’re watching closely – and we love that they are,” he remarked about the franchise’s dedicated fanbase.
Key figures in the production of CIA include Dick Wolf, Mike Weiss, Ken Girotti, Paul Cabbad, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, Anastasia Puglisi, and Peter Jankowski. The series is produced by Universal Television in collaboration with Wolf Entertainment and CBS Studios.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
