After a jaw-dropping Season 8 finale that left fans on edge, CBS’s hit procedural FBI is officially returning for a ninth season — and it’s gearing up to be one of the most dramatic yet. From cast shakeups and emotional reunions to teaser clues hidden in the trailer, here’s everything we know (so far) about FBI Season 9.
When Does Season 9 Premiere?
CBS confirmed that FBI Season 9 will premiere in fall 2026, maintaining its usual Tuesday night slot at 8 p.m. ET. Production officially began this summer in New York City, with filming expected to wrap in early 2026.
Paramount+ will also stream episodes the day after their network debut, ensuring global accessibility as the show continues to expand its audience internationally.
“FBI remains one of our most-watched and most trusted dramas,” said CBS President Amy Reisenbach. “Season 9 will continue to evolve — emotionally, narratively, and visually.”
Who’s Returning — and Who’s Leaving?
Confirmed to return are series leads Missy Peregrym (Maggie Bell) and Zeeko Zaki (OA Zidan), whose chemistry remains the emotional cornerstone of the show. Jeremy Sisto and Alana De La Garza will also reprise their roles as Jubal Valentine and Isobel Castille, though sources suggest both will face “career-altering” developments early in the season.
Meanwhile, Carla Baratta’s Eva Ramos and Max Martini’s Logan Byrne — introduced in Season 8 — are expected to return in recurring capacities. Their presence will continue to challenge the established team dynamic, with both characters rumored to play key roles in a major midseason storyline.
However, fans should brace for at least one major exit. Rumors persist that a long-standing cast member could leave the series by the season’s halfway point, potentially setting up a shocking narrative twist.
What the Trailer Reveals
The first teaser trailer, released at San Diego Comic-Con, gives little away but offers several intriguing clues. Quick cuts show explosions in downtown New York, tense hostage standoffs, and an emotional Maggie vowing, “No one else dies on my watch.”
Eagle-eyed fans also spotted a brief glimpse of OA confronting what appears to be a corrupt federal agent, fueling speculation that Season 9 will delve deeper into internal corruption within the Bureau.
“This season’s theme is loyalty — and what happens when it’s broken,” showrunner Rick Eid teased.
The trailer closes with a haunting line from Jubal: “If we can’t trust the system, who can we trust?” — hinting at a major crisis of faith within the team.
Plot: A Season of Consequences
Season 9 reportedly picks up six months after the events of Season 8, as the team grapples with the fallout from an unauthorized operation that went disastrously wrong. With public trust in the FBI shaken, Isobel must fight political pressure while Maggie and OA face an internal investigation.
According to early script leaks, the season will explore moral gray areas more deeply than ever before — from whistleblowing to institutional accountability. Several episodes will draw inspiration from real-world controversies involving federal agencies.
“We’re blurring the lines between heroes and institutions,” Eid said. “Season 9 asks difficult questions about what justice really means.”
Guest Stars and Crossovers
As in previous years, FBI Season 9 will feature several crossover events with FBI: Most Wanted. Even though FBI: International ended last season, producers confirmed that a few of its characters will reappear in special episodes — most notably Heida Reed’s Kellett.
Additionally, CBS insiders revealed that a “major A-list guest star” has been cast in a multi-episode arc as a high-profile defense attorney whose connections threaten to expose the Bureau’s darkest secrets.
Why Fans Are Excited
After nearly a decade on air, FBI continues to resonate because of its blend of high-stakes cases and deeply human storytelling. Fans have praised the show’s commitment to character development, particularly the emotional arcs of Maggie and OA, who have become one of television’s most compelling partnerships.
Social media buzz surrounding the Season 9 teaser has been immense, with hashtags like #FBIReturns and #MaggieAndOA trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours of the trailer’s release.
“The show feels revitalized,” one fan wrote. “It’s darker, smarter, and more personal than ever.”
Final Thoughts
With the creative team promising a deeper emotional core, the return of beloved characters, and shocking plot twists that could redefine the series, FBI Season 9 looks set to be one of the most talked-about network dramas of 2026.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, one thing’s clear: this season, the stakes have never been higher — and the truth has never been more dangerous.
