The first CIA trailer is here, and it shows exactly why Tom Ellis and his FBI partner are a disaster waiting to happen

A still from the show (Image via youtube/@ Next Season)
A still from the show (Image via youtube/@ Next Season)

The CIA trailer dropped recently, and viewers are getting their first look at CBS's newest show in the FBI world. Tom Ellis takes on Colin Glass, who works for the CIA and doesn't worry much about following procedures. Nick Gehlfuss plays Bill Goodman, an FBI agent who looks stressed about this new partner, as these two couldn't be more different in their working styles.

Colin breaks whatever rules he thinks need breaking, and Bill follows every protocol. The CIA trailer shows why having them work together will be messy. Colin does his work behind the scenes, but Bill wants everything to be in the open. Right from the start, tension is building, which should make for interesting TV when the show begins on February 23, 2026, following the return of FBI.


The mismatched duo at the center of the show

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The CIA trailer begins with Colin taking a lie detector test, while Bill stands nearby, watching everything. Somebody asks Colin if he's ever lied, and Colin just laughs because the question seems ridiculous. The way he reacts reveals his perspective on his job as he mentions that lying is essentially part of what CIA agents do. Bill couldn't be more different.

He has been doing FBI work for years and thinks carefully about everything; he also takes the law seriously and believes in following it. Anyone watching can see how different these two are. Colin doesn't have problems working in gray areas where things aren't clearly right or wrong, and he'll bend rules when needed, but Bill wants everything done by the book with clear lines. From their first scenes, viewers can sense the tension running through the show.

The trailer highlights the stark differences between their two work worlds. FBI agents conduct investigations in public and follow established rules, while CIA operatives perform covert work that often differs from how regular police handle things. When these agencies try to work together through this partnership, issues arise. The CIA trailer includes back-and-forth moments between Colin and Bill. At one point, Colin sarcastically calls Bill "Felix," and Bill replies by calling Colin "Oscar," referencing that old show about mismatched roommates. Even though they don't get along, both are assigned to the same task force dealing with threats around New York.


A rocky start to their partnership

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The show has them working out of the CIA's New York Station, going after criminals who want to harm people in the United States. Things get tense immediately because Colin talks quickly and makes quick decisions, while Bill takes his time and prefers structure. The CIA trailer shows viewers several moments where their different perspectives are clear. Bill disapproves when Colin lies to people as part of his work, and Colin thinks Bill is being too rigid about following every rule.

One conversation really shows what's going on between them. Bill tells Colin he might not be helpful alive, but he's definitely useless dead. Colin acts surprised and says he didn't realize Bill cared. They're being sarcastic, but underneath, there seems to be real concern, so maybe their relationship will grow beyond just not getting in each other's way.

The CIA trailer showcases action sequences, including explosions and gunfights, as the characters navigate dangerous situations together. Even though they're different, these scenes suggest that the things separating them could turn into advantages once they figure out how to work together.


CBS's bold new entry in the FBI franchise

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This show takes the spot that FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International had, since CBS canceled both. Dick Wolf Productions collaborated with Universal Television and CBS Studios, featuring Necar Zadegan as the Chief of Station and Natalee Linez as a CIA analyst. Getting this show made had its bumps because, initially, they planned to introduce it in an FBI episode, but that changed during development. Even with those issues, the CIA trailer shows that things came together nicely.

The footage suggests CBS wants this show to feel grittier than usual crime procedurals. The CIA trailer includes spy drama elements that people expect, with national security at risk and unclear right choices. Ellis has that confident charm that suits his character, and Gehlfuss brings serious energy that balances things out. Together, they create a push-and-pull between chaos and control.


Why this partnership is heading for chaos for CIA trailer

Colin and Bill have entirely different ideas about their jobs. The CIA trailer makes it obvious these two will clash constantly. They don't approach work the same way, disagree on what's right, and barely trust each other. Colin doesn't mind questionable areas if it gets results, which makes Bill uncomfortable, and Bill's need for proper procedure frustrates Colin endlessly.

The trailer suggests that viewers will see constant arguing as the show progresses. They'll fight over case handling, second-guess each other's choices, and struggle to agree on anything. However, dangerous situations will force them to rely on each other, despite their differences.

Edited by Yesha Srivastava