The landscape of Dick Wolf’s FBI universe has just been forever changed. In a turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the procedural drama community, Jeremy Sisto has officially exited the flagship series. After seven seasons and over 100 episodes as the glue of the New York Field Office, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Jubal Valentine has hung up his earpiece for the last time.
The departure marks the end of an era for the show, as Sisto’s Jubal was not only a fan favorite but the tactical heart of the JOC (Joint Operations Center). Here is the full breakdown of the “bloody mission” that led to this exit and what it means for the team.
A Dark Twist in the Fall Finale
The exit occurred during the high-stakes Season 8 fall finale, an episode titled “Fadeaway.” The plot centered on an accelerationist terrorist group targeting New York City’s infrastructure, but for Jubal, the stakes became deeply personal.
The “bloody mission” referred to in the headlines saw Jubal pushed to his ethical and physical breaking point. Haunted by the recent collapse of his close friend and supervisor, Isobel Castille (Alana De La Garza), and facing a direct threat to his son, Tyler, Jubal took a path of “righteous vengeance” that many fans saw as a dark departure for the character. In the chaos of the final confrontation, Jubal sustained a critical injury while securing a perimeter, a heroic but final act that ensured the city’s safety at the cost of his career.
Behind the Scenes: Why Jeremy Sisto Left
In a candid post-finale interview, Jeremy Sisto shared that the decision for Jubal to exit was a collaborative one with the showrunners.
“Jubal has been operating at a 10 for seven years,” Sisto remarked. “We felt that for the character to truly honor the weight of the trauma he’s endured—from the loss of Rina Trenholm to his son’s health battles—he needed a definitive, heroic conclusion.”
While fans are devastated, the producers noted that Sisto’s departure allows the show to explore a “new era of leadership” as it prepares to move into its confirmed ninth season in 2026.
What’s Next for FBI?
With Jubal Valentine out of the picture, the New York Field Office faces a massive power vacuum.
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The New Command: Speculation is already mounting that Special Agent Stuart Scola (John Boyd) or a new character may step into the ASAC role.
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The Recovery: The team is still reeling from the events of “Fadeaway,” and the back half of Season 8 (returning February 23, 2026) will focus heavily on how Maggie and OA cope with the loss of their tactical leader.
The departure of Jeremy Sisto follows a series of cast shakeups, including the exits of Katherine Renee Kane (Tiffany Wallace) and Emily Alabi (Dani Rhodes), proving that the FBI writers are not afraid to lean into the “revolving door” reality of federal service.
