Tom Ellis’s CIA Series Welcomes Necar Zadegan Amid Cast Changes

CBS’s upcoming drama CIA, a spinoff of the FBI franchise led by Tom Ellis, has announced a significant cast addition as production evolves. Actress Necar Zadegan, known for her role in NCIS: New Orleans, will join the series as a series regular, stepping into the role of Chief of Station, previously portrayed by Michael Michele before her departure earlier this month.

Zadegan’s casting marks her return to CBS, where she garnered attention during her three-season tenure on NCIS: New Orleans. Her involvement comes at a time of transition for CIA, which began production in September but recently entered a two-week hiatus following the exit of showrunner Warren Leight. Leight had replaced original showrunner David Hudgins in July but left shortly after the departures of Michele and director/executive producer Eriq La Salle.

Production Changes and New Leadership

In response to the recent upheaval, CBS has finalized a leadership change to stabilize the series. Mike Weiss, currently the showrunner of the flagship FBI series, has officially taken on the role of executive producer and showrunner for CIA. The production has yet to announce a restart date for filming, which was paused during these adjustments.

At its core, CIA explores the dynamic between two unlikely partners: a fast-talking, rule-breaking CIA case officer, played by Tom Ellis, and a disciplined, law-driven FBI agent, portrayed by Nick Gehlfuss. The pair is stationed at the CIA’s New York office, where they must navigate clashing personalities while addressing threats to U.S. security. Their contrasting approaches may ultimately prove crucial to their success.

Zadegan joins a growing ensemble that includes Ellis, Gehlfuss, and series regular Natalee Linez, who plays a CIA analyst. CBS has confirmed that CIA will premiere on February 23, 2024, airing Mondays at 10 p.m., directly following FBI. Both series are produced by Universal Television in collaboration with Wolf Entertainment and CBS Studios.

As the production team works to stabilize the show, audiences are keen to see how these changes will shape the narrative and character dynamics in this highly anticipated series.