Major Changes Hit CBS’ CIA Crime Drama Ahead of Midseason Premiere

Los Angeles, CA — CBS‘ upcoming crime drama series CIA is undergoing significant changes behind the scenes. Eriq La Salle has exited as executive producer, according to Deadline. His departure follows the exit of Michael Michele, one of the show’s leads, earlier this week.

CIA, which stars Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss, started production in September and is slated for a midseason premiere. La Salle had initially been attached to direct and executive produce the series, directing the first episode before leaving. Despite these departures, filming is continuing as planned.

Warren Leight replaced David Hudgins as showrunner in July, marking a second major shift for the series. Both La Salle and Michele’s exits mark a restructuring period for the drama initially picked up in April with a straight-to-series order.

The series, set at CIA’s New York Station, follows the partnership of a rule-breaking CIA officer and a by-the-book FBI agent. The show explores how their differing approaches can either conflict or complement each other in tackling threats to U.S. national security.

Michele, who played the head of CIA’s New York Station, may be recast, but no official announcements have been made. La Salle will now focus on his writing career, having recently signed a two-book deal with Penguin Random House’s Sourcebooks for his thriller series, Martyr Maker, with the fourth book scheduled for release in September 2026.

Executive producers Dick Wolf and Warren Leight have brought extensive experience in procedural dramas to the project. La Salle has a long history with Wolf Entertainment, directing and producing for series such as Chicago P.D. and Law & Order. As CIA continues to evolve, it remains a key part of CBS’ lineup in the FBI franchise.