Eriq La Salle has officially departed from the CBS crime drama spin-off, CIA, where he served as executive producer. This exit marks a significant shift as the show navigates through production challenges.
Eriq La Salle’s Role in CIA
La Salle was initially involved in the series before a change in showrunners. He directed the first episode of CIA, which follows a partnership between a CIA case officer and an FBI agent. His departure occurs shortly after lead actress Michael Michele exited the project.
CIA’s Production Timeline
- Show picked up in April with a straight-to-series order.
- Showrunner changed in July, with Warren Leight replacing David Hudgins.
- Filming began in September and continues despite recent departures.
- Midseason premiere is scheduled for CBS.
Show’s Concept and Cast
CIA features Tom Ellis as a fast-talking CIA officer and Nick Gehlfuss as a disciplined FBI agent. Their contrasting styles create a dynamic partnership as they tackle criminal investigations centered on national security threats.
The series also stars Natalee Linez as a CIA analyst, while Michele’s role as the head of the CIA’s New York Station may be recast following her exit.
Future Projects for Eriq La Salle
In addition to his work on CIA, La Salle has signed a two-book deal with Penguin Random House’s Sourcebooks. The upcoming thrillers, part of his Martyr Maker series, are slated for release, with the fourth book expected in September 2026. The previous three books were released in 2012, 2014, and 2023.
Production Partners and Future Developments
The series is produced by Universal Television in collaboration with Wolf Entertainment and CBS Studios. Other executive producers include Dick Wolf, Nicole Perlman, David Chasteen, Anastasia Puglisi, and Peter Jankowski.
As La Salle moves away from executive producing CIA to focus on his writing career, the production team will continue to navigate these developments while aiming for a successful series launch.
