After months of speculation and fan anxiety, CBS has officially renewed FBI for its ninth season — confirming that the network’s flagship procedural still has plenty of gas left in the tank. But this time, the renewal comes with a twist: multiple cast changes, high-stakes storylines, and the promise of an even more explosive season ahead.
The news broke during CBS’s fall press conference, where network executives praised FBI as one of their “most resilient and globally successful dramas.” The series continues to dominate Tuesday nights, consistently ranking among the top 10 broadcast dramas in total viewers.
“FBI is more than a show — it’s a franchise that defines our network,” CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach said. “Season 9 will bring big surprises, deeper character arcs, and thrilling new cases that push our team to their limits.”
What to Expect in Season 9
Details about FBI Season 9 are still tightly guarded, but insiders have teased that the upcoming episodes will deliver a darker tone and more serialized storytelling. The season will reportedly open with the aftermath of a devastating attack that hits the Bureau close to home, forcing Special Agent Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and her team to question who they can trust.
Showrunner Rick Eid hinted that Season 9 will explore “loyalty and betrayal within the agency” while addressing unresolved personal arcs from previous seasons.
“This year, no one is safe — not even our heroes,” Eid revealed. “We’re going to test Maggie and OA like never before.”
Major Cast Shakeups Ahead
With the renewal comes confirmation of several significant cast departures and returns. Sources close to the production confirm that Jeremy Sisto (Jubal Valentine) and Alana De La Garza (Isobel Castille) will both see their roles redefined after the emotional Season 8 finale. While neither character is expected to exit permanently, their storylines will take “unexpected turns.”
Meanwhile, FBI is introducing two new recurring agents, played by The Resident’s Malcolm Goodwin and newcomer Natalia Reyes (Terminator: Dark Fate). Their arrival will reportedly shake up team dynamics and introduce new conflicts.
“We’re bringing in fresh energy,” Eid said. “These new characters aren’t replacements — they’re catalysts. They’ll challenge the way the team operates.”
Fans can also expect the long-awaited return of Zeeko Zaki as Special Agent OA Zidan after a brief hiatus in Season 8. Zaki confirmed on social media that he’s back “full-time and fired up,” teasing major developments for his character.
Big Comebacks and Familiar Faces
In a move sure to excite longtime fans, FBI will feature multiple crossover events with FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International throughout the season. Even though FBI: International was recently canceled, some of its core cast members — including Heida Reed and Luke Kleintank — are rumored to appear in key episodes.
The show will also revisit unresolved threads from earlier seasons, including Maggie’s recovery from sarin gas exposure and OA’s struggles with moral conflict within the Bureau.
“We’ve heard fans loud and clear,” Eid added. “Season 9 will answer questions that have been building for years.”
CBS Bets Big on the FBI Universe
With FBI serving as the anchor of CBS’s Tuesday lineup, the renewal ensures that the franchise continues to thrive even as the network rebalances its drama portfolio. Though FBI: International was cut after three seasons, both FBI and FBI: Most Wanted remain top performers.
Industry analysts note that CBS’s decision to double down on the original FBI signals confidence in the show’s long-term appeal — and its ability to carry the franchise forward.
“FBI has become CBS’s next NCIS,” said media analyst Carla Ramirez. “It’s consistent, character-driven, and endlessly adaptable.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Created by Dick Wolf and Craig Turk, FBI premiered in 2018 and quickly became a cornerstone of CBS’s lineup. Known for blending procedural storytelling with emotional depth, the show has earned praise for tackling complex social issues — from domestic terrorism to corruption and mental health.
As production ramps up in New York City, fans can expect Season 9 to deliver the show’s trademark intensity with even more cinematic flair.
FBI Season 9 is expected to premiere in fall 2026, promising shocking twists, emotional reunions, and a new phase in the team’s ongoing battle for justice.
“It’s going to be our biggest season yet,” Eid said confidently. “The stakes are higher, the villains are deadlier, and the heart of the show — our team — will be tested like never before.”
