As the 2026 television season unfolds, the “One FBI” fandom is buzzing with a familiar mixture of excitement and logistical curiosity. Missy Peregrym, the formidable lead behind Special Agent Maggie Bell, has shared the joyful news of an expanding family, marking her third pregnancy during the show’s lengthy and successful run. For a high-octane procedural like FBI, where the physical demands on the lead actors involve sprinting through Manhattan streets and engaging in high-stakes tactical raids, a leading lady’s pregnancy is more than just a personal milestone—it is a creative challenge that forces the writers to innovate. As we look at the trajectory of the current season, the question remains: will the Bureau finally embrace a pregnant Maggie Bell, or are we headed for another high-stakes temporary exit?
The Creative Crossroads: To Write In or To Hide?
Historically, the FBI writers have opted to work around Peregrym’s pregnancies rather than incorporating them into Maggie’s character arc. In previous seasons, this resulted in dramatic, life-altering plotlines—most notably the harrowing sarin gas exposure that sent Maggie into a months-long recovery. This allowed Peregrym the necessary maternity leave while providing the show with a gripping emotional vacuum that tested the resilience of her partner, OA Zidan (Zeeko Zaki).
However, in 2026, the narrative landscape feels different. There is a growing sentiment among fans that writing the pregnancy into the show could provide Maggie with a profound new layer of character development. After years of being the stoic, “mission-first” heart of the JOC, seeing Maggie navigate the transition into motherhood—much like her real-life counterpart—would offer a fresh perspective on the “work-life balance” for female federal agents. It would allow the show to explore the vulnerability of an agent who suddenly has everything to lose, potentially shifting her dynamic with the protective OA from purely professional to something deeply familial.
The Tactical Shift: Transitioning to the JOC
If the showrunners decide to keep Maggie on-screen for as long as possible during the 2026 season, we can expect a significant shift in her daily duties. The “First Look” at recent episodes already suggests a transition. Instead of leading the “stack” during raids, Maggie has been spending more time alongside Isobel Castille (Alana De La Garza) and Jubal Valentine (Jeremy Sisto) in the Joint Operations Center.
This “JOC-heavy” approach is a clever way to keep the character central to the plot while reducing the physical strain on Peregrym. It also allows the show to highlight Maggie’s analytical brilliance. We’ve always known she is a crack shot and a skilled negotiator, but seeing her command the monitors and coordinate complex multi-agency responses from the safety of the office could solidify her path toward a future leadership role within the Bureau. This shift doesn’t diminish her character; it evolves her from a “boots-on-the-ground” warrior to a tactical strategist.
The “Undercover” Solution
Alternatively, the writers might utilize the “undercover assignment” trope to explain a potential mid-season absence. In the world of FBI, Maggie Bell is known for her ability to disappear into a role. A long-term undercover operation in a remote or “desk-based” capacity could provide a seamless narrative reason for her to be off-screen during the final months of the 2026 spring arc.
What makes this pregnancy particularly interesting is how it impacts OA. Zeeko Zaki and Missy Peregrym’s partnership is the soul of the series. If Maggie takes a step back, the 2026 season will likely focus on OA’s struggle to adapt to a new temporary partner or his anxiety over Maggie’s safety. This “Baby on the Way” news, while personal for Missy, becomes a powerful tool for the writers to test the emotional bonds of the entire team, reminding the audience that even federal heroes have lives that exist beyond the sirens and the yellow tape.
A Legacy of Resilience
Ultimately, Missy Peregrym’s pregnancy is a testament to the modern working environment of the FBI set. The show has successfully navigated these transitions before, each time returning with a Maggie Bell who feels more grounded and resilient. Whether she is written out for a few episodes or we see her navigating a pregnancy in a bulletproof vest, the 2026 season is poised to be a landmark one for the character.
As we wait for the official word from the showrunners, one thing is certain: Maggie Bell remains the anchor of the New York Field Office. Her journey has always been about overcoming the odds, and this new chapter—both for the actress and the character—is just another example of the strength that defines the women of the FBI. The Bureau is in good hands, and the fandom is ready to welcome the newest member of the FBI family with open arms.
