Television powerhouse Dick Wolf, the creative genius behind the Law & Order and Chicago franchises, has officially found the face of his next great procedural. CBS has confirmed that Missy Peregrym — best known for her intense, emotionally grounded performance in Rookie Blue — will lead Wolf’s newest primetime drama, F.B.I.. The announcement instantly electrified fans of both CBS dramas and Wolf’s signature style of storytelling, setting the stage for what promises to be one of television’s next big hits.
A Star Ready for Her Biggest Role Yet
Missy Peregrym’s casting marks a major milestone in her career. Known for portraying tough yet deeply empathetic characters, Peregrym brings a perfect balance of strength and vulnerability — qualities essential for the complex world of F.B.I..
In the series, she stars as Special Agent Maggie Bell, a deeply committed investigator with the New York field office. Maggie isn’t just another agent on a mission; she’s a woman driven by conviction, guided by empathy, and scarred by loss. Her character embodies the weight of responsibility that comes with wearing the badge — and Peregrym, with her trademark emotional intensity, seems tailor-made for the part.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a project that shines a light on the real people behind the badge,” Peregrym said in an early interview. “These are heroes who run toward danger every day, not for glory, but because it’s the right thing to do. That’s the kind of story I’ve always wanted to tell.”
Dick Wolf Expands His Universe
For Dick Wolf, F.B.I. represents a natural evolution of his storytelling empire. While his Law & Order and Chicago franchises explore justice from the perspectives of police, lawyers, and first responders, F.B.I. takes viewers straight to the federal level — where the stakes are higher, the cases more complex, and the consequences far-reaching.
Wolf described the series as “the ultimate procedural,” saying,
“This is about the people at the heart of the Bureau — the men and women whose actions keep America safe. We’re not just telling crime stories; we’re showing the human cost of protecting the nation.”
Produced by Wolf Entertainment in partnership with Universal Television and CBS Studios, F.B.I. continues Wolf’s tradition of fast-paced, emotionally grounded drama. The show combines the investigative grit of Law & Order with the high-pressure atmosphere of federal operations, creating a dynamic world where intelligence, instinct, and integrity collide.
Meet the Team Behind the Badge
Alongside Missy Peregrym, the cast includes Zeeko Zaki as Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, Maggie’s sharp and dedicated partner. A former Army Ranger, OA brings a strategic mind and moral clarity that complements Maggie’s intuition and compassion. The chemistry between Peregrym and Zaki was reportedly instant during casting — a key factor in the show’s early buzz.
The series also features Jeremy Sisto as Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine, whose charisma and leadership keep the team focused amid chaos, and Ebonée Noel as Kristen Chazal, the brilliant tech analyst whose insights drive the investigations.
“Missy brings heart, Zeeko brings fire, and together they’re the core of the show,” said executive producer Rick Eid. “You believe they’d go through walls for each other — and that’s what makes the storytelling so powerful.”
Inside the Vision of F.B.I.
Set in the heart of New York City, F.B.I. pulls no punches when it comes to realism. From terrorist threats to major criminal conspiracies, every episode is inspired by the real-world cases that define the Bureau’s mission. The show’s creative team worked closely with former FBI consultants to ensure accuracy in tactics, procedures, and emotional authenticity.
Missy Peregrym noted that the show’s realism was one of the things that drew her to the project. “It’s not about glamourizing law enforcement,” she explained. “It’s about the human beings inside it — their sacrifices, their families, their fears. I wanted to show that side of heroism.”
From the pilot episode, directed by Law & Order veteran Niels Arden Oplev, F.B.I. promises cinematic visuals and emotionally charged storytelling that balances adrenaline-pumping investigations with moments of raw humanity.
CBS Bets Big on a Proven Formula
CBS’s decision to anchor its primetime lineup around F.B.I. reflects both confidence in Wolf’s brand and faith in Missy Peregrym’s star power. The network has built a legacy of successful procedurals — from NCIS to Criminal Minds — and F.B.I. is expected to carry that tradition forward while carving out its own distinct identity.
Kelly Kahl, then-president of CBS Entertainment, praised the project as “a perfect blend of compelling characters and thrilling storytelling.” He added, “With Dick Wolf’s pedigree and Missy’s commanding presence, F.B.I. is set to be a cornerstone of our schedule.”
The series also lays the groundwork for a potential F.B.I. franchise — a vision that has since come to life with successful spin-offs like FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International. Peregrym’s portrayal of Maggie Bell has become the emotional and moral center of that universe, making her not just the face of one show, but of an entire television brand.
A Character Built to Endure
What makes Maggie Bell — and by extension, Missy Peregrym — so compelling is her humanity. She’s not invincible, but she’s relentless. She carries her trauma with dignity and turns her pain into purpose. That grounded realism has resonated deeply with audiences since the show’s debut.
As the face of F.B.I., Peregrym has helped redefine what a female lead in a procedural drama can be — not just a detective, but a protector, a partner, and a moral compass.
“Missy makes Maggie real,” Dick Wolf said simply. “She’s tough, but she feels everything. That’s rare — and that’s why people connect to her.”
Looking Ahead
With its mix of explosive storytelling and emotional honesty, F.B.I. stands as a testament to Dick Wolf’s ability to reinvent the procedural for a new generation — and Missy Peregrym is at the heart of that success.
Her casting didn’t just launch a new CBS drama; it sparked the beginning of an entire television universe centered on courage, integrity, and the complex choices behind every badge.
As F.B.I. continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Missy Peregrym has become the beating heart of Dick Wolf’s newest legacy.
