Tom Ellis's 'CIA' Crime Drama Finally Gets UK Release Date on Sky Witness

Tom Ellis Returns to TV in 'CIA' – But This Time He's Playing a Rule-Breaking Spy

The Devil is officially trading hellfire for intelligence work. Tom Ellis, best known for his charismatic portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar in Netflix's hit series Lucifer, is heading to UK screens in a brand new crime drama. CIA, the latest spin-off from CBS's massively popular FBI franchise, finally has a UK release date – and it's landing on Sky Witness and NOW on Thursday, 23 July at 9pm.

For fans desperate for more Ellis after his six-season run as the charming Devil, this show promises a very different kind of antihero. Ellis stars as Colin Glass, a CIA case officer described as a “rule-breaker” and a “loose cannon.” According to the show's synopsis, Glass is paired with William “Bill” Randall Goodman, a by-the-book FBI special agent played by Nick Gehlfuss (best known for his long stint on Chicago Med). Together, this odd couple must work out of CIA’s New York Station, investigating cases and criminals that threaten U.S. soil – and discovering that their differences might actually be their greatest strength.

What Makes 'CIA' Different?

The show dives straight into the inherent tension between the CIA and the FBI, two agencies with famously different approaches. While Goodman plays it safe, Glass thrives on chaos. That push-and-pull is exactly what the series' creators hope will hook viewers. One early review from Fangirlish.com, referenced in the source text of Screenshot (550).png, praised the foundation: “CIA already has a good foundation to make us really, really invested. But the best procedurals, the ones that last, do a good job of making us care about the characters… this new procedural does just that.”

Ellis is joined by a strong supporting cast. Necar Zadegan (NCIS: New Orleans) and Natalee Linez (who previously worked with Ellis on Hulu's Tell Me Lies) co-star. With such talent, the drama is set to deliver both high-stakes action and emotional depth.

Early Buzz: Mixed Reviews but a Quick Renewal

Though CIA only debuted in the US earlier this year, CBS saw enough potential to hand it an early season 2 renewal while season 1 was still airing. That kind of network confidence is rare, especially for a spin-off. Yet critical reception has been a mixed bag. The show currently holds a 63% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with some critics applauding its potential and others panning its lack of originality.

The Wrap noted that the pilot “hints at some possibly fun spy drama and a hunt for a mole,” but warned: “Don’t expect too many shocks, that’d be beside the point.” Meanwhile, RogerEbert.com was far less kind, writing: “If you’re not going to make something new, you do at least need to make something quality… CIA does none of that.”

Still, for fans of Tom Ellis, the draw is less about critical acclaim and more about watching a beloved star sink his teeth into a fresh, morally ambiguous role. Much like his time on Lucifer, Ellis brings a magnetic, slightly dangerous energy to every scene – and in CIA, that energy is precisely what the character demands.

Why This Role Fits Tom Ellis Perfectly

Ellis spent years charming audiences as Lucifer, a Devil who craved redemption. Colin Glass is no Devil, but he shares that same rebellious streak and a built-in disdain for authority. Ellis has always excelled at playing characters who operate on the edge – whether it's the charismatic ruler of hell or a detective in the LAPD. Now, trading the supernatural for the world of espionage feels like a natural evolution. He reportedly told press that the role allowed him to explore “the grey areas of patriotism and morality,” a theme that resonates deeply in today's geopolitical climate.

The show also taps into the enduring popularity of the FBI franchise, which has spawned multiple spin-offs and remains a ratings powerhouse on CBS. CIA extends that universe into intelligence operations, offering a fresh perspective on crime-fighting while retaining the procedural structure fans love.

When and Where to Watch 'CIA' in the UK

UK audiences won't have to wait long. CIA premieres on Sky Witness and NOW on Thursday 23 July at 9pm. New episodes will drop weekly, allowing viewers to digest each twist and turn. Given the early renewal, this is a show that CBS clearly believes in – and that means multiple seasons of high-stakes drama are on the horizon.

• Premiere date: Thursday 23 July at 9pm
• Channel: Sky Witness and streaming on NOW
• Cast: Tom Ellis, Nick Gehlfuss, Necar Zadegan, Natalee Linez
• Genre: Crime drama, espionage, procedural
• Rating: 63% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes (mixed reviews)

Whether you're a die-hard Lucifer fan or just love a good spy story, CIA promises to deliver exactly what the genre demands: tension, chemistry, and a touch of moral ambiguity. The odd-couple dynamic between Ellis and Gehlfuss alone is worth the watch – and if the show lives up to its early buzz, it could become the next big binge-worthy hit on UK television.

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