CBS has officially released the first trailer for its latest crime drama, “CIA,” starring Tom Ellis as Hart Hoxton , a charismatic, rule-breaking CIA case officer stationed in New York. He’s partnered with Bill Goodman, played by Nick Gehlfuss, a meticulous and law-abiding FBI agent.
Their unlikely alliance kicks off with a lie detector test, instantly setting the tone for a relationship fraught with suspicion and tension.
The trailer wastes no time, plunging viewers into a whirlwind of snappy banter, explosive action sequences, and a series of threats that force the two to reluctantly cooperate for the sake of national security.
The show’s premise centers on a clandestine task force operating out of the CIA’s New York Station, charged with preventing and solving domestic terrorism. Hart’s unorthodox methods clash sharply with Bill’s adherence to protocol, but the trailer suggests that their differences could be the key to their success.
The dynamic is reminiscent of classic buddy-cop tropes, but with a modern twist: both agencies bring their own strengths and weaknesses, and the friction between them is played for both drama and humor.
Tom Ellis, best known for his role in “Lucifer,” brings a devilish charm to Hart, while Nick Gehlfuss, a veteran of “Chicago Med,” grounds the show with a sense of gravitas.
Supporting cast members include Necar Zadegan as the CIA’s Chief of Station and Natalee Linez as an analyst, rounding out a team that promises a mix of brains, brawn, and bureaucratic battles.
Behind the Scenes: Turbulence and Triumph
The road to bringing “CIA” to screens hasn’t been smooth. Initially planned as a backdoor pilot within the flagship “FBI” series, the project faced several setbacks, including changes in showrunners and cast departures.
The series was ultimately greenlit as a straight-to-series order, skipping the traditional pilot phase, a rare move that underscores CBS’s confidence in the concept and its star power.
The show’s creative team is stacked, with former ER star Eriq LaSalle directing and executive producing the premiere episode. LaSalle brings a wealth of experience from other Dick Wolf productions, including “Chicago P.D.” and “Law & Order,” adding credibility to the project’s ambitious goals.
Tom Ellis (Credit: BBC)
The writing team includes veterans of the FBI franchise, ensuring that “CIA” will fit seamlessly into the established universe while carving out its own identity.
The trailer’s release has been met with excitement from fans of both the FBI franchise and Tom Ellis. The action-packed preview highlights not only the show’s high-octane set pieces but also its focus on character development.
Scenes of explosions and gunfire are balanced with moments of introspection and humor, suggesting that “CIA” will be as much about the people as it is about the cases they solve.
What’s Next for the FBI Universe?
“CIA” is set to debut on CBS on February 23, 2026, following the return of “FBI” for its eighth season. The series will air in the coveted Monday night slot, a prime position that signals CBS’s high hopes for its success.
The show’s launch comes at a time when the FBI franchise is undergoing significant changes, with two other spinoffs recently canceled. “CIA” is poised to fill the void, offering fans a new entry point into the world of Dick Wolf’s crime dramas.
The series also promises crossover opportunities with other FBI shows, a move that could expand its appeal and deepen its connection to the broader franchise.
Tom Ellis has teased that the show will “ take what the FBI guys have set and build on it, ” suggesting that viewers can expect familiar faces and storylines to intersect with the new series.
With its blend of action, drama, and humor, “CIA” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated new shows of 2026.
The trailer has set the stage for a thrilling ride, and fans are eager to see how Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss will navigate the challenges of working together and whether their partnership will ultimately prove to be a match made in heaven or a recipe for disaster.
Happy’s Place Season 2 is making headlines for more than just its new episodes; it’s bringing back some of Reba McEntire’s most cherished co-stars.
The trailer released by NBC shows that Season 2 will feature appearances from Steve Howey, Christopher Rich, and JoAnna Garcia Swisher, all of whom played key roles in McEntire’s original WB sitcom Reba.
This reunion is not just a marketing ploy; it’s a heartfelt callback to the chemistry that made Reba a household name for years. Fans have been buzzing since the trailer dropped, with many sharing on social media how seeing these familiar faces together again feels like coming home.
Reba McEntire’s return to television comedy has been met with excitement, and her ability to bring old friends from the Reba cast back to the screen has amplified the anticipation.
The show’s creator, Kevin Abbott , previously worked on Reba and has said Happy’s Place was born out of the desire to continue the spirit of that show, even if it’s not a direct reboot. This connection is clear in the cast interactions, which reviewers and cast members describe as genuine and warm.
Melissa Peterman, who plays Bobbie’s friend Gabby, says the cast’s chemistry feels like a family, both on and off screen.
The reunion isn’t just limited to cameos. Steve Howey and Christopher Rich are set for multi-episode arcs, with storylines that weave into Bobbie’s present-day struggles and triumphs.
JoAnna Garcia Swisher’s return as Cheyenne, Reba’s daughter in the original series, is especially emotional, as she brings her own daughter into the Happy’s Place world, adding a new generational layer to the show’s family dynamic.
Cast interviews reveal that these reunions were filmed with a sense of joy and nostalgia, with McEntire and her former co-stars sharing laughs and memories between takes.
Romance, Secrets, and New Storylines
The Season 2 trailer promises more than just nostalgia. Bobbie (Reba McEntire) is stepping into new territory, both personally and professionally. Romance blossoms with Emmett, played by her real-life fiancé Rex Linn, as the two characters face the challenges of balancing love and work at the tavern.
The show also teases a long-buried secret that threatens to shake up relationships among the staff and owners of Happy’s Place. Cast interviews reveal that this season digs deeper into the characters’ vulnerabilities , with Bobbie and Isabella (Belissa Escobedo) learning to accept each other as family, despite their differences.
Guest stars add to the drama and fun. Christopher Lloyd and Carol Kane, known for their work on Taxi, play a quirky couple whose storylines intersect with the main cast. Cheri Oteri appears as a no-nonsense health inspector, bringing her trademark humor to the mix.
Happy’s Place Season 2 (Credit: NBC)
These additions not only diversify the cast but also introduce fresh dynamics and conflicts that keep viewers engaged. The show’s writing team has made a concerted effort to balance comedic moments with heartfelt drama, allowing each character to shine in their own way.
Season 2 also explores themes of forgiveness and second chances. Bobbie’s journey is about more than just running a tavern; it’s about finding closure, healing old wounds, and learning to trust again.
The introduction of new characters, like the health inspector and the quirky couple, brings new perspectives and challenges that force Bobbie and her team to confront their own flaws and biases. These storylines are designed to resonate with viewers who have faced similar struggles in their own lives.
Ratings and Fan Reactions: Why Happy’s Place Is a Hit
Happy’s Place isn’t just popular among fans of Reba McEntire; its ratings have been impressive . The show improved NBC’s Friday 8/7c timeslot by 54 percent in total viewers, with the pilot episode reaching 17.6 million viewers across all platforms.
This success is a testament to the show’s broad appeal, blending classic sitcom elements with modern storytelling. Critics note that while Happy’s Place may not be the funniest television show, the cast’s chemistry and heartfelt moments make it a standout among current comedy series.
Some viewers have even said the show feels like a warm hug, a sentiment echoed by the cast themselves. Belissa Escobedo, who plays Isabella, says that working with McEntire is a dream come true and that the environment on set is supportive and collaborative.
The show’s success is also reflected in its critical reception. Reviewers have highlighted the authenticity of the performances and the relatability of the storylines. Happy’s Place has earned praise for its ability to bring together a diverse cast and tell stories that are both funny and touching.
The show’s ratings have continued to climb, with each new episode drawing in more viewers and sparking lively discussions online.
Happy’s Place Season 2 premieres Friday, November 7, on NBC and streams the next day on Peacock . Whether you’re a longtime fan of Reba McEntire or new to her brand of comedy, the latest season promises laughs, tears, and a few surprises along the way.
