The rumors of a potential departure for Zeeko Zaki from CBS’s procedural powerhouse FBI have sent shockwaves through a fanbase already reeling from a series of cast changes across the broader Dick Wolf universe. As the show approaches its ninth season, the question of whether Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan will hang up his badge is no longer just idle water-cooler talk; it is a conversation fueled by the shifting landscapes of network television and the natural evolution of long-running dramas. Zaki, who has been a cornerstone of the series since its 2018 debut, occupies a unique position in the hearts of viewers, making the mere suggestion of his exit feel like a fundamental threat to the show’s identity.
To understand why a Zeeko Zaki exit would be so devastating, one must look at the “Shake-Up” culture currently permeating the industry. In recent years, we have seen major stars like Jesse Lee Soffer leave Chicago P.D. and Kelli Giddish depart Law & Order: SVU. These exits are often driven by a mix of creative burnout, a desire for new professional challenges, or budgetary restructuring at the network level. In Zaki’s case, he has spent nearly a decade portraying the stoic, disciplined, and deeply empathetic OA. For an actor, the lure of the “next big thing”—whether it be a leap into film or a lead role in a different genre—is a constant pressure. After hundreds of episodes and countless high-stakes rescues, it is only natural for a lead actor to contemplate their legacy and what lies beyond the confines of a weekly procedural.
The narrative consequences of an OA exit would be nothing short of seismic. Within the world of FBI, OA is not just a field agent; he is the stabilizing force for the entire New York Field Office. His partnership with Maggie Bell is the emotional spine of the series, representing a bond that many fans consider the best platonic relationship on television. If Zaki were to leave, the show would lose its primary moral compass and its most significant bridge to the audience’s empathy. The writers would be faced with the impossible task of filling a void left by a character whose Muslim-American identity and Army Ranger background provided a depth and perspective rarely seen in law enforcement dramas. An FBI without OA risks feeling like a ship without a rudder, struggling to find its rhythm in the wake of such a massive loss.
Furthermore, the timing of these rumors is particularly sensitive given the health-related absences and schedule shifts of his co-star, Missy Peregrym. If the series were to lose both of its original anchors in a short span, it would effectively become a different show entirely. While the FBI brand is incredibly strong—sustained by the “Dick Wolf” stamp of quality—procedurals are ultimately built on the chemistry of their leads. Replacing a star of Zaki’s caliber is not as simple as casting a new actor in a suit; it requires rebuilding the trust and familiarity that has taken nine years to cultivate with millions of viewers.
From a production standpoint, the “Shake-Up” might be seen as an opportunity for the network to reinvent the series for a younger demographic or to lean into a more ensemble-based format. However, historical data suggests that when a “soul-of-the-show” actor departs, viewership often experiences a period of volatility. Fans don’t just tune in for the crimes; they tune in to see how OA handles the pressure, how he protects his team, and how he evolves as a man. Losing that personal connection could alienate a segment of the audience that is loyal to the character specifically, rather than the procedural format generally.
Despite the mounting speculation, it is important to note that neither CBS nor Zaki himself has officially confirmed an exit. In fact, his recent participation in high-profile cast events and his vocal support for the show’s future suggest a man still very much committed to the mission. Often, “exit rumors” are a byproduct of contract negotiations or the inevitable anxiety that comes with a show entering its later seasons. For now, fans remain in a state of cautious observation, hoping that the “Shake-Up” is merely a reorganization of plot lines rather than a permanent farewell to one of television’s most beloved heroes.
Ultimately, whether Zeeko Zaki stays or goes, the conversation surrounding his potential exit proves one thing: he has succeeded in making OA an indispensable part of the cultural zeitgeist. If he does choose to move on, he will leave behind a legacy of authentic representation and powerhouse performances. But for the “FBI Fam,” the hope remains that there are many more cases to solve, doors to kick down, and quiet moments of partnership left for OA Zidan. The badge remains on the desk for now, but in the world of television, the only constant is change.
