CIA returning for season 2 as Tom Ellis drama is a ratings hit
Tom Ellis’s hit CBS crime drama CIA is officially returning for Season 2 on October 5, 2026, following a blockbuster debut that smashed viewership records.
Quick Highlights
US Premiere Date: Monday, October 5, 2026, on CBS/Paramount+.
UK Broadcast: Airing Thursdays at 9:00 PM on Sky Witness and streaming on NOW.
Rating Success: Season 1 premiere pulled in 8.4 million consolidated viewers after launching on February 23, 2026.
Behind the Scenes: Executive producer Dick Wolf personally insisted Tom Ellis keep his native British accent for the lead role of CIA agent Colin.
Tom Ellis Returns as CIA's Most Charming Agent in Season 2
Fans of high-stakes procedural drama won't have to wait long to see Lucifer alum Tom Ellis back in action. CBS has officially slated Season 2 of CIA to premiere on Monday, October 5, following a massively successful breakout season.
The high-octane series, created under the umbrella of legendary television titan Dick Wolf (Law & Order, One Chicago), follows central character Colin—a top-tier CIA operative whose suave demeanor is matched only by his tactical precision.
The decision to renew the procedural came as a no-brainer for network executives. CIA debuted on February 23, 2026, drawing nearly 3 million live viewers before ballooning to an impressive 8.4 million consolidated multiplatform viewers. The immediate rating splash secured a rapid Season 2 order, sending cast and crew straight back into production to minimize the hiatus for fans.
How Dick Wolf Changed Colin’s Origin Story
While viewers have come to love Colin’s distinct British charm, the character was originally written as an American. Speaking candidly about working alongside television royalty, Ellis revealed how a meeting with Dick Wolf completely altered the character's trajectory.
Ellis told Man About Town magazine:
"Dick Wolf was pretty hands-on in the early stages of shooting, which was pretty intimidating, as he basically is the most successful TV producer of all time. It was Dick who actually decided my character should be British after we first met. Colin was originally American, but Dick was convinced I should use my native accent because "It’s just so damn charming", so I asked him if they have British people in the CIA, and without missing a beat, he replied, "Doesn’t matter. It’s the perfect cover!" I wasn’t going to question Dick Wolf’s instincts, so Colin became British"
Where and When to Watch
For viewers in the UK catching up on the action, Season 1 made its regional debut on July 23, 2026.
UK TV Broadcast: Weekly on Thursday nights at 9:00 PM on Sky Witness.
UK On-Demand: Available to stream anytime on NOW.
US Broadcast: New episodes air Mondays on CBS starting October 5, 2026, with the UK release on Sky Witness and NOW to follow shortly after.
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