When FBI returns for its explosive Season 8, the action, emotion, and intensity reach new heights — and series stars Zeeko Zaki (Special Agent OA Zidan) and Missy Peregrym (Special Agent Maggie Bell) recently stopped by Coast Live to give fans an inside look at what’s coming next for the hit CBS drama.
Both actors, who have been the emotional core of FBI since its debut in 2018, opened up about what the new season means for their characters, their partnership, and the future of the team — especially after the shocking events that ended Season 7 on a heart-stopping cliffhanger.
A Season That Starts With Fire
Right out of the gate, Season 8 wastes no time. As Zeeko Zaki revealed on Coast Live, the premiere episode begins in complete chaos — both literally and emotionally.
“We pick up right where we left off,” Zaki said. “Everything is in shambles. The team’s shaken, trust is broken, and the first few minutes are just pure adrenaline.”
That intensity isn’t just for spectacle. According to Zaki, the chaos sets the emotional tone for the entire season. “You’ll see OA pushed in ways he’s never been before — as an agent, as a partner, and as a man trying to keep everything from falling apart,” he shared.
Maggie and OA: Stronger Together — or Falling Apart?
For longtime FBI fans, the bond between Maggie and OA has always been one of the show’s strongest pillars. They’ve survived bombs, betrayals, and near-death situations — but in Season 8, that relationship faces its toughest test yet.
“They’ve been through everything together,” Missy Peregrym said. “But this time, it’s not just about surviving a mission. It’s about what happens when the emotional weight becomes too heavy to carry.”
The duo’s partnership will evolve as both characters grapple with the fallout from last season’s devastating finale — including the Isobel Castille death scare, which left the team without its anchor.
“Maggie feels this huge responsibility,” Peregrym explained. “She’s trying to lead, to protect everyone, but also to process her own fear and loss. And OA… he’s dealing with guilt and anger in his own way. That tension drives a lot of the story.”
Zeeko on OA’s Emotional Journey
Zaki described this season as a “rebirth” for OA, one that forces him to reevaluate what being an agent truly means.
“OA’s always been the steady one — disciplined, focused, loyal,” Zaki said. “But when the system starts to fail and the people you trust start disappearing, that foundation cracks. This season is about what happens when OA stops trusting the badge and starts trusting his instincts.”
He hinted that fans will see a more vulnerable, introspective side of OA. “It’s probably the most human we’ve ever seen him,” Zaki said. “There’s anger, confusion, and a real question of whether doing the right thing is always the same as following the rules.”
Missy on Maggie’s Growth and Grit
Meanwhile, Peregrym revealed that Season 8 brings Maggie into the spotlight in a big way — both as a leader and as a person learning how to let go of control.
“Maggie’s always been the protector,” she said. “She’s someone who carries everyone else’s pain. This year, we get to see what happens when she can’t carry it anymore.”
For Peregrym, that vulnerability makes the character even stronger. “There’s something really powerful about watching a woman in a position of authority admit that she’s scared — and still do the job anyway,” she said. “That’s Maggie in Season 8.”
Behind the Scenes: The Cast’s Bond
Both stars also reflected on how their real-life friendship continues to strengthen their on-screen chemistry. After six years of working together, Zaki and Peregrym say the connection they share off-camera helps fuel the authenticity fans see each week.
“We know each other so well at this point,” Zaki said with a smile. “We don’t have to talk — we just know what the other person is thinking in a scene. That trust makes every emotional moment hit harder.”
Peregrym agreed, adding, “It’s rare to work with someone for this long and still feel inspired by them. Zeeko brings so much honesty to every take — and that keeps me grounded.”
A Season of High Stakes and Human Stories
When asked what fans can expect from the rest of the season, both actors emphasized that FBI is leaning even deeper into the human side of its storytelling.
“The action is still there — it’s FBI, after all,” Peregrym said. “But the heart of the show this season is the people. You see the toll this job takes. You see the sacrifices. You see what it costs to keep the world safe.”
Zaki added, “This year’s theme is survival — not just in the field, but emotionally. Every case forces our characters to face something personal. And that makes the stakes feel real.”
Why Fans Keep Coming Back
After seven seasons, FBI continues to dominate CBS ratings — and both stars say that’s because of the show’s blend of realism, intensity, and humanity.
“People connect to it because it feels real,” Zaki said. “These characters are flawed. They’re trying to do the right thing in a system that doesn’t always make it easy.”
“And there’s hope in it,” Peregrym added. “Even in the darkest episodes, there’s this sense that good people are still fighting. That matters.”
Final Thoughts
As FBI Season 8 unfolds, viewers can expect high-stakes action, deeply emotional storytelling, and a renewed focus on what drives these characters to keep going.
Zeeko Zaki and Missy Peregrym’s appearance on Coast Live wasn’t just a promo — it was a heartfelt reminder of why FBI remains one of the most compelling dramas on television.
With loyalty tested, leadership challenged, and the team pushed to its breaking point, one thing is clear: in FBI Season 8, survival isn’t just a mission — it’s personal.
