As FBI prepares for its highly anticipated return in February 2026, CBS has confirmed a series of major cast changes that are set to redefine the dynamic of the New York field office. Following a Season 7 finale that left the fate of the team’s leadership in question, the network is boldly reshuffling the lineup, introducing new faces while navigating the fallout of recent tragedies.
The Partner Shake-Up at 26 Fed
The most significant changes in Season 8 revolve around the partnership of Stuart Scola (John Boyd). After a period of transition following the exit of Tiffany Wallace, the team has faced a revolving door of personnel:
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Tragic Departure of Dani Rhodes: Fans were shocked by the sudden exit of Emily Alabi, who played Special Agent Dani Rhodes. Although she joined as a recurring presence, her character was fatally shot during a rescue mission in the Season 8 premiere, serving as a grim reminder of the stakes the team faces.
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The Arrival of Eva Ramos: Stepping into the void as Scola’s new permanent partner is Juliana Aidén Martinez, playing Special Agent Eva Ramos. A former prosecutor who previously worked in the FBI’s violent crime and narcotics division, Ramos officially joined the squad in Episode 3, bringing a fresh and experienced energy to the team.
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Other Transitions: The reshuffle also follows the brief stint of Behavioral Analyst Syd Ortiz (Lisette Olivera), whose character exited early in the season after the writers decided to take Scola’s partnership in a different direction.
OA’s Past Revelations and Personal Struggles
Amidst the personnel changes, fans have been revisiting the “past revelations” of Omar Adom “OA” Zidan (Zeeko Zaki). These reflections come as the character navigates a particularly grueling season. Earlier in Season 8, OA suffered a life-threatening exposure to a toxin while protecting a Senator—a brush with death that he initially struggled to share with those closest to him.
This incident sparked a deeper look into OA’s history of compartmentalization. Long-time viewers recalled the revelation of his time as a POW in Afghanistan during his Army Ranger days. The internal pressure of the job recently came to a head in the episode “Ratlined,” where the distance he maintained regarding his near-death experience contributed to a heartbreaking breakup with his girlfriend, Gemma Brooks, after she revealed she had emotionally moved on.
The Road to February 2026
Despite the “reshuffle,” the core leadership remains the anchor of the series. Isobel Castille (Alana de la Garza), who survived a terrifying health crisis in the Season 7 finale, continues to lead the office, while Jubal Valentine (Jeremy Sisto) remains the steadfast heart of the JOC.
The series is currently on an extended hiatus to “Olympics-proof” the schedule, with new episodes set to return on Monday, February 23, 2026. When the show resumes, fans can expect the team to tackle even more evolving threats while adjusting to the new reality of their reshuffled ranks.
