How to watch ‘CIA’ online from anywhere — stream the new Paramount+ FBI spin-off

CIA on Paramount+ — (Image credit: Paramount+)

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How to watch CIA for free
Watch in the U.S.
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'CIA' FAQs

Tom Ellis returns to U.S. network TV in "CIA", a new procedural set in the Dick Wolf "FBI" universe. Episode 1 is available to watch now for free in Canada – but fans in the U.S. and U.K. needn't miss out. If you're abroad, we'll show you how to watch "CIA" online and for free with a VPN.

'CIA' — release date and time

"CIA" premieres Monday, February 23, 2026, airing weekly at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
• WATCH FREE — Global TV (Canada)
• U.S. — CBS / Paramount+
• U.K. — Sky Witness TBC
• Australia — Paramount+
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk-free

Unlike earlier "FBI" spin-offs that simply expanded the Bureau’s reach, "CIA" builds its tension around a joint task force, a New York–based “fusion cell” that has to keep running even when the CIA and FBI don’t naturally play well together, a friction point that only intensified after 9/11.

Showrunner Mike Weiss has been upfront about how that changes the stories they can tell. FBI cases can wrap with arrests, courtrooms, and public closure, while CIA operations often have to remain in the dark, no cuffs, no press conferences, and no hint to the public that a domestic threat was ever stopped.

Here’s our guide to how you can watch "CIA" online from anywhere in the world.

How to watch CIA for free

Fans in Canada can watch CIA for FREE on the Global TV streaming platform. Each episode is available for around 7 days.

You can sign in with your email and if you are traveling outside Canada, use a VPN to access your usual Canadian websites from anywhere.

Not all VPNs work for this, so consider a good quality one – we use NordVPN daily. Details below.

How to watch ‘CIA’ from anywhere

If you’re traveling and find that your usual streaming apps stop working outside your home region, a VPN (virtual private network) can help. It lets your device connect via a secure server back home, so you can use your existing subscriptions as normal.

Tom’s Guide has tested a wide range of services, and NordVPN is the one we most often recommend for streaming thanks to its fast speeds and broad device support. You can also try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Using a VPN is straightforward; follow these steps.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As noted, NordVPN is our preferred option.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select U.S. from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to Paramount+ and stream new episodes of "CIA" online.

How to watch ‘CIA’ in the U.S.

How to watch ‘CIA’ season 1 in Canada

In the U.S., "CIA" airs on CBS every Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

How you stream it depends on your Paramount+ plan. If you have Paramount+ Premium, you can watch the CBS channel live and stream episodes on demand.

With Paramount+ Essential, new episodes will be available the day after they air on CBS, starting Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

You can also watch CBS via live TV streaming services that carry local CBS stations, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV STREAM.

If you’re traveling outside the U.S. and can’t access Paramount+, a VPN can help. Try NordVPN to securely connect to your home region and use Paramount+ just as you would on your couch.

Canada flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

In Canada, "CIA" airs on Global TV, the series's primary home. Episodes and trailers are available via the Global TV app and website, typically from the day after broadcast and for a limited time.

You’ve also got a couple of alternatives. STACKTV is available as an add-on through Amazon Prime Video Channels, and you can watch it on Fubo as long as your package includes the required live channels/feeds.

Not in Canada right now? A VPN can help you access your usual Canadian streaming services when you’re overseas. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and ease of use.

How to watch ‘CIA’ in Australia

Australia flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Australia gets "CIA" on a slight delay due to the U.S. broadcast schedule, with the premiere landing on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 (Australia time).

The series is expected to stream on Paramount+ Australia, and it’s worth checking local listings closer to launch in case it also airs on linear TV.

Not in Australia right now? Use one of the best VPN services to log into your usual streaming platforms from overseas. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and trusted security features.

How to watch ‘CIA’ in the U.K.

British flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

As of the time of writing, UK streaming and broadcast details for "CIA" haven’t been officially confirmed.

However, if you already watch other shows in the FBI franchise in the UK, Sky Witness and NOW are the platforms to watch. UK viewers should also expect the usual delay that often comes with U.S. network procedurals crossing the Atlantic.

Abroad? Don’t panic. You can use one of the best streaming VPN services to log into your regular UK streaming accounts from overseas. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and trusted security features.

How to watch 'CIA' online in New Zealand

New Zealand flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Under an exclusive partnership between Sky NZ and Paramount, expanded in January 2026, Neon is the primary streaming home for new Paramount+ and CBS originals, including "CIA".

Not at home? No problem. You can use one of the best VPN services to log into your usual New Zealand streaming accounts from abroad. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and trusted security features.

'CIA' FAQs

'CIA' — Cast

Tom Ellis as Colin Glass
Nick Gehlfuss as Bill Goodman
Necar Zadegan as Nikki Reynard
Natalee Linez as Gina Gosian

'CIA' — confirmed episode list

Episode 1: “Directed Energy” (Feb 23, 2026)

Episode 2: “Fatal Defect” (Mar 2, 2026)

Episode 3: “Elimination Game” (Mar 9, 2026)

'CIA' — Trailer

CIA (CBS) Trailer HD - Tom Ellis drama series - YouTube

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How many episodes are in Season 1?

The first season runs for 10 episodes, with the finale expected to air in early May 2026.

Is this an 'FBI' spin-off?

Yes. "CIA" is a direct spin-off of the CBS FBI franchise created by Dick Wolf. The premiere even features Jeremy Sisto reprising his role as FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine.

What is the show about?

The series centers on an "odd couple" pairing: a rule‑breaking CIA officer and a by‑the‑book FBI agent working together on a joint task force at the CIA’s New York Station. To tackle domestic threats on U.S. soil, they have to find common ground between the CIA’s covert methods and the FBI’s strict legal protocols, even when those approaches clash.

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Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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Caroline is a freelance writer and product tester, previously working in roles such as smart home editor across various titles at Future, including Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and TechRadar. As a technology and lifestyle expert, Caroline specializes in smart home tech, appliances, and more. She currently operates out of her cozy Suffolk apartment and is more dedicated than ever to helping people find the best products for their own homes.

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