In a piece of truly “unexpected good news” that has delighted the FBI community, series lead Missy Peregrym has officially announced she is expecting. While the news brings immense joy to the actress and her family, it has also sparked a wave of speculation among fans regarding the future of Special Agent Maggie Bell as the show heads into the heart of 2026.
Here is how this exciting update is set to impact the world of the 26th Fed and what it means for the upcoming season.
A Joyful Milestone for the FBI Star
Missy Peregrym, who has portrayed the resilient Maggie Bell since 2018, took to social media to share the happy news with her followers. This will be the third child for Peregrym and her husband, Tom Oakley. The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from her co-stars—most notably Zeeko Zaki, whose real-life bond with Peregrym mirrors their characters’ deep partnership on screen.
For a show that deals with high-stakes crime and constant tension, this real-life “good news” provides a heartwarming contrast for the cast and crew who have become a tight-knit family over the past eight seasons.
How Will the Pregnancy Affect Season 9?
The biggest question for fans is how the writers will handle Maggie Bell’s physical presence in the field. This isn’t the first time the FBI production team has navigated Peregrym’s maternity leave, and they have historically been very supportive and creative in their approach:
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The “Undercover” Strategy: In earlier seasons, Maggie was sent on long-term undercover assignments to explain her absence.
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The “Recovery” Arc: In Season 4, the writers used the harrowing “Sarin gas” storyline to allow Peregrym time off, which resulted in some of the most emotional episodes of the series.
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The Guardian Angle: In Season 9, many speculate that Maggie’s ongoing storyline as a guardian for her niece will provide a natural narrative reason for her to take a step back from the front lines, allowing her to “work from the JOC” or take a leave of absence to focus on family.
Maintaining the Show’s Momentum
While Maggie Bell is the heart of the show, FBI has built a powerful ensemble. Her temporary absence in the latter half of 2026 will likely allow for more significant character development for:
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Special Agent OA Zidan: Testing how he functions without his primary anchor.
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The Scola/Martinez Dynamic: Giving the newer partnership more “lead” time in major cases.
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Jubal Valentine: Potentially stepping out of the JOC more frequently to assist in the field.
Fan Reactions and “Cover-Up” Rumors
Interestingly, this announcement puts to rest the “cover-up” and “quiet removal” rumors that had been circulating. What some fans mistook for a permanent exit was actually the beginning of a joyous personal chapter for the star. The network’s decision to keep her promotional presence slightly lower recently was likely a respectful move to give the actress privacy before her official announcement.
The Bottom Line: Maggie Bell isn’t going anywhere permanently. Missy Peregrym remains committed to the series, and the 2026 season will simply see a creative shift to accommodate this wonderful new addition to her family.
