FBI star Zeeko Zaki clarifies rumors that Missy Peregrym is leaving the CBS show. Zaki and Peregrym are two of FBI’s original cast members, with a segment of viewers hoping to see their characters, Omar Adom “OA” Zidan and Maggie Bell, in a relationship. But as the sixth installment of the popular procedural drama prepares to end another chapter, Maggie’s had some time away from the team.
During an interview with TheWrap, Zaki was asked about the concern that Peregrym could be exiting before FBI season 7. Zaki clarified that his co-star would be back as Maggie for the upcoming season 6 finale, which premieres on May 21. He also shed light on some of the intentions behind Maggie not appearing in recent episodes, teasing that season 7 would focus on Maggie’s personal story. Read his statement below:
He feels the same way that Zeeko feels about Missy getting some time off. It’s so earned, to me, showing that these characters can have some sort of balance and don’t want each other to burn out or to break.
That [Peregrym’s exit] is not happening. But I think all press is good press. It’s nice to see that people are that dialed in on the show. But no, she will be back. And I hope it’s not a spoiler, but she will be back in the finale, which is really exciting.
I think we’re going to dive into Maggie’s personal story a little bit more. We’ve earned the chance to share our personal lives and show what’s happening besides the crimes. Of course, when the show starts, you want to focus on the bombs and the intensity and reel people in, but I think we’re down to give the audience what they want, and us as characters and actors, that’s what we want to do as well.
Why It Seemed Like FBI Was Losing Maggie (Again)?
Missy Peregrym’s Been With The Show Since The Start.
Maggie temporarily departed from the procedural drama, beginning late in season 2, to account for Peregrym’s real-life pregnancy
Maggie’s status in FBI became a bit of a question mark due to the events of a recent episode, in which the character gets shot during a risky mission. She’s able to defend herself, but it echoes what has happened to other characters in the overall franchise who have left after staring down life-threatening circumstances. In the most recent episode, “No One Left Behind,” Maggie is on leave and FBI Special Agent Tiffany Wallace (Katherine Renee Kane) fills in to take her place.
Peregrym has portrayed Maggie since the beginning of FBI, though she’s taken absences from the CBS show in the past. Maggie temporarily departed from the procedural drama, beginning late in season 2, to account for Peregrym’s real-life pregnancy. To explain this absence, Maggie took a temporary undercover assignment away from her team.
Peregrym’s second FBI departure was also to account for maternity leave, as the actor was expecting her second child with husband Tom Oakley. In explaining Maggie’s absence during season 4, the character was exposed to sarin gas during a mission and landed in the hospital. Therefore, it makes sense why there were concerns about Maggie’s absence. Thankfully, Maggie won’t be gone from FBI for too long, with her co-star confirming she will be back in the season 6 finale.
FBI airs Tuesdays at 8 PM ET on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
