Tom Ellis is back on US network television — and the CIA TV series is picking up serious momentum. After a gripping Episode 4 that raised the emotional stakes for both Colin and Bill, Episode 5 is locked and loaded. Here’s everything you need before Monday night.
Table of Contents
CIA Season 1 — Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Show | CIA (CBS / Paramount+) |
| Episode 5 Title | “Persian Knights” |
| Episode 5 Air Date | March 23, 2026 |
| Air Time | 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT (CBS) |
| Streaming | Paramount+ (next day for Essential; live for Premium) |
| Lead Cast | Tom Ellis (Colin Glass), Nick Gehlfuss (Bill Goodman) |
| Created By | Dick Wolf, Warren Leight, David Hudgins |
| Total Episodes | 10 (Season 1) |
| Season Finale | Early May 2026 |
| Network | CBS (Mondays, 10 PM ET) |
What Happened in Episode 4?
Episode 4 “Forced Labor” aired March 16, 2026, and saw Colin and Bill work to expose an international illegal baby smuggling ring after a wanted Belarusian national was discovered posing as an expecting father. Meanwhile, Bill found himself worried about his father’s health back home Rotten Tomatoes — adding a personal emotional layer to the otherwise relentless case work. It was the episode that finally made audiences genuinely care about both characters.
What Is CIA Episode 5 “Persian Knights” About?
Episode 5, titled “Persian Knights,” airs March 23, 2026, and centers on a new threat investigation at CIA’s New York Station, where Colin and Bill must work together to take on criminals posing threats on US soil. Rotten Tomatoes
The title hints at a case with Middle Eastern intelligence ties — which plays directly into Colin Glass’s CIA expertise and global network. Expect international intrigue with the show’s trademark odd-couple tension.
What Makes CIA Worth Watching?
CIA season 1 launches a 10-episode run airing weekly on Mondays, with the pilot “Directed Energy” pairing CIA case officer Colin Glass and FBI Special Agent Bill Goodman in a rocky New York partnership after a top-secret weapon is stolen from a US defense contractor.
The series is a spin-off from the FBI television franchise, produced by Wolf Entertainment, and follows the teaming of a CIA case officer with an FBI agent — both based in New York — investigating domestic threats. Wikipedia
The first season runs for 10 episodes, with the finale expected in early May 2026. laughingplace
For more CBS series episode guides, streaming schedules, and entertainment news, visit TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q1. When does CIA Season 1 Episode 5 air on CBS?
CIA Season 1 Episode 5, titled “Persian Knights,” airs on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00 PM ET on CBS. It can also be streamed live on Paramount+ Premium or the following day on Paramount+ Essential.
Q2. Is CIA a spinoff of the FBI TV franchise?
Yes — CIA is a direct spinoff from Dick Wolf’s FBI franchise on CBS. It pairs CIA case officer Colin Glass (Tom Ellis) and FBI agent Bill Goodman (Nick Gehlfuss) in a joint task force investigating domestic terrorism in New York City.
