Since its premiere in 2018, CBS’s FBI has become a staple of Tuesday night television. While the series is known for its pulse-pounding cases and high-stakes “JOC” (Joint Operations Center) energy, much of its longevity can be attributed to the evolving chemistry of its cast. From original pioneers to new tactical experts, the “revolving door” of the New York Field Office has seen significant shifts over eight seasons.
Here is a look at how the FBI family has changed from Season 1 to the present day in 2025.
The Original Foundation (Season 1)
When the series first launched, it centered on the partnership between Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and OA Zidan (Zeeko Zaki). While these two have remained the “anchors” of the show, the leadership was initially different. Connie Nielsen appeared as the team’s supervisor in the pilot, only to be replaced by Sela Ward as SAC Dana Mosier for the remainder of Season 1. The original team also included Ebonée Noel as Kristen Chazal, who began as an analyst before transitioning to a field agent.
The Era of Stability (Seasons 2–6)
The show truly found its rhythm in Season 2 with two major additions: Alana De La Garza as the indomitable Isobel Castille and John Boyd as the savvy Stuart Scola. This period saw the departure of Ebonée Noel and the arrival of Katherine Renee Kane as Tiffany Wallace in Season 3.
For several years, the core “Big Five”—Maggie, OA, Jubal (Jeremy Sisto), Isobel, and Scola—defined the show. Even when Missy Peregrym took temporary leaves for maternity, the show maintained its core identity by introducing guest partners like Tracy Spiridakos (as Hailey Upton from Chicago P.D.) and Shantel VanSanten (as Nina Chase), the latter of whom eventually moved to the spin-off FBI: Most Wanted.
The “Season of Change” (Season 7 & 8)
Recently, the FBI universe has entered a period of rapid transformation.
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Tiffany Wallace’s Departure: At the start of Season 7, Katherine Renee Kane exited the series, citing a desire to pursue new creative endeavors. Her character moved to Georgia, leaving a vacancy that the show has struggled to fill permanently.
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The Revolving Partner Door: Scola has seen a quick succession of partners, including Lisette Olivera (Syd Ortiz) and Emily Alabi (Dani Rhodes).
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The Leadership Cliffhangers: The Season 7 finale left fans reeling with the apparent collapse of Isobel Castille.8 As Season 8 unfolds, newcomer Juliana Aidén Martinez has joined as a series regular (Eva Ramos), marking a fresh start for the field office.
The “Big Three” Who Remain
Despite the turnover, three faces have appeared in nearly every episode since the pilot:
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Missy Peregrym (Maggie Bell): The emotional heart of the team.
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Zeeko Zaki (OA Zidan): The tactical powerhouse and Maggie’s steady partner.
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Jeremy Sisto (Jubal Valentine): The high-energy “voice” of the JOC who keeps every mission moving.
Note: While recent storylines have teased the “deaths” or “departures” of Jubal, OA, and Isobel (as explored in previous sections), these dramatic turns have served to test the limits of the remaining cast and keep the show’s narrative fresh.
