The upcoming CBS series titled "CIA" is generating buzz for all the wrong reasons, and it seems poised to be a monumental misstep in television history. With its premiere scheduled for February 23rd, 2025, this show has already raised eyebrows and sparked criticism, particularly due to its initial, awkward title, "FBI: CIA," which led to an outpouring of memes and ridicule upon its announcement last January.
Despite the new, simplified title, the show appears to be sinking fast, much like the Titanic. The premise revolves around two vastly different characters: Colin Glass, a reckless, fast-talking CIA agent who plays by his own rules, and Bill Goodman, a seasoned FBI agent who adheres strictly to protocol and the law. Set at the CIA’s New York station, these two must learn to work together to tackle various cases and threats to the United States, discovering that their contrasting approaches might actually benefit their mission.
However, this concept doesn’t seem particularly promising. After watching the preview released on Monday, one can’t help but feel that it resembles a parody—perhaps something you’d find in an episode of "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia" or a comedic take on the "Lethal Weapon" films. It's hard not to chuckle at some of the cringe-worthy lines, such as, "You guys work in the open. We work in the shadows." You can almost hear the writer patting themselves on the back for that one, thinking they struck gold with such a dramatic line.
The portrayal of the CIA as an agency that routinely partners with the FBI for action-packed escapades raises serious questions. Does anyone genuinely believe that CIA operatives are bounding around U.S. streets engaging in shootouts? The CIA is fundamentally an intelligence agency, not a law enforcement organization—a fact any middle school student could explain.
Moreover, the CIA's operations are primarily focused overseas, with only rare exceptions where they might engage domestically. A notable instance was when CIA personnel assisted in interrogating suspects related to the Boston Marathon bombing investigation, illustrating how limited their domestic role truly is. While there have been rumors regarding CIA operatives collaborating with military forces against drug cartels on the border, substantive evidence supporting these claims remains elusive.
In short, the notion that CIA agents would regularly accompany FBI agents on various missions seems utterly ludicrous. While it's common for audiences to suspend disbelief for the sake of entertainment, every viewer has their breaking point.
As we approach the series' release, skepticism abounds regarding CBS's "CIA." Perhaps the show will surprise us and prove critics wrong when it airs, but I remain doubtful. What do you think? Are you excited about this series, or do you share my concerns? Feel free to share your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
