CBS’ upcoming FBI-universe expansion CIA is seeing more changes behind the scenes. Eriq La Salle has stepped away from the series as executive producer, following the exit of cast member Michael Michele the other day.
La Salle, who had been attached to direct and executive produce the opening episode, completed his directing duties on Episode 101 before departing. Production on CIA — which began in September — continues as planned, with the series still slated for a midseason premiere.
His exit marks the second high-profile shift for the drama. Over the summer, Law & Order: SVU alum Warren Leight took over as showrunner, replacing David Hudgins. Michele, who was set to play the head of the CIA’s New York Station, has also exited; the role may be recast.
Led by Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss, CIA follows two agents from opposite worlds — a free-spirited CIA case officer and a rule-bound FBI agent — forced to work together on domestic national-security threats. Natalee Linez also stars as a CIA analyst.
Originally targeted for a fall 2025 debut, the series shifted to midseason earlier this year.
La Salle has been a key creative voice within Wolf Entertainment for the past decade, helming episodes and producing across Chicago P.D., Law & Order, FBI and more. With his exit, he’ll now focus on writing, including his upcoming fourth and fifth books in his Martyr Maker thriller series, set for release with Sourcebooks.
As the FBI franchise continues to evolve — with FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International finishing runs in 2025 — CIA stands as CBS’ next big procedural swing under Dick Wolf’s umbrella.