Lucifer star Tom Ellis transitions to CBS spinoff CIA while eyeing former Tell Me Lies castmates for roles

Tom Ellis moves from Tell Me Lies to lead the new CBS procedural CIA, bringing a darker, deceptive edge to the network's expanding law enforcement franchise.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 7:08 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Us Weekly

A New Direction for the Expanding FBI Television Universe

The procedural landscape on CBS is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of CIA, a straight to series spinoff starring Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss. Moving away from the traditional investigative structures of its predecessors, the new series focuses on the friction between a rule breaking intelligence officer and a disciplined FBI agent. Ellis, who recently completed a stint on the drama Tell Me Lies, noted that his previous role served as a functional rehearsal for the deceptive nature of his new character, Colin. The series aims to explore the internal trust issues that arise when law enforcement and intelligence operations collide under high pressure circumstances.

Refining the Art of On Screen Deception

For Ellis, the role of Colin represents a stark departure from his long running portrayal of a character defined by an inability to lie. In discussions regarding his craft, the actor revealed that his new protagonist deals almost exclusively in falsehoods, a trait that has likely warped the character’s perception of reality over time. This psychological depth is a central theme of the debut season, as Colin hand picks the information he shares with others as a means of self preservation. The narrative tension is built largely around whether his partner, played by Gehlfuss, can ever truly rely on a source who treats truth as a secondary concern.

Advocating for a Tell Me Lies Reunion

As he establishes himself within this new production, Ellis has been vocal about his desire to bring talent from his past projects into the CIA fold. He specifically highlighted the performance of Spencer House, noting that the actor's work as the character Wrigley has been particularly impressive during the current season. Ellis indicated that he would welcome House onto any set he works on, praising the depth the actor brings to his roles. This advocacy suggests a potential for crossover appeal or guest appearances that could bridge the gap between Ellis's streaming work and his new home on network television.