Fans of CBS’s FBI woke up to major news this week — the network has officially confirmed the air date for Season 9, along with several unexpected cast changes that have already sent shockwaves across social media. With the franchise stronger than ever after its multi-season renewal, Season 9 looks ready to expand the show’s universe, evolve its characters, and potentially reshape the dynamics of the New York field office.
Here is everything we know so far — the premieres, the departures, the returns, and the twists already making headlines.
A New Premiere Date: Earlier Than Expected
CBS has officially announced that FBI Season 9 is set to premiere on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a slightly earlier slot than fans predicted. Traditionally, the show launches in late February or early March, but network insiders reveal that CBS pushed the series forward to capitalize on the overwhelming success of season 8’s finale and its ratings dominance.
Showrunner Rick Eid expressed excitement about the early launch, saying the team is “ready to hit the ground running with a season that raises the stakes on every level.” The accelerated schedule reportedly reflects CBS’s confidence in the brand — especially after the series earned one of the network’s top Tuesday-night performances in years.
For longtime viewers, the earlier debut means one thing:
More Jubal, more Maggie, more OA, and more explosive cases — sooner than expected.
Major Cast Change #1: A Surprising Departure Rocks the Team
The biggest headline coming out of the Season 9 announcement is the unexpected exit of a key cast member. While CBS has remained cryptic, multiple production sources confirm that one of the show’s series regulars will not return full-time.
Though the network has not yet named the departing actor, insiders say the character’s exit will be written into the first two episodes of the season — and it will be dramatic, emotional, and deeply connected to last season’s cliffhanger.
The storyline reportedly involves a dangerous undercover mission gone wrong, one that forces the team to confront the consequences of their choices.
Fans have already started speculating wildly online:
Is OA stepping away after the emotional toll of his Season 8 cases?
Is Maggie facing a transfer that could shake the team up for good?
Or is someone else leaving due to events tied to the finale?
CBS promises the reveal will be “one of the most powerful openings the show has ever done.”
Major Cast Change #2: A New Agent Joins the Bureau
To balance the loss, CBS has confirmed that a new series regular will join the show in Season 9. Though the network is keeping the actor’s identity under wraps until the official trailer drops, early reports suggest the new character will be:
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A military veteran
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Highly decorated
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With a mysterious past
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And an unconventional approach to fieldwork
Insiders tease that the character will “bring an edge the show hasn’t seen before” and may cause early tension with several key members of the team — especially OA and Tiffany.
This is the first addition of a major new lead since Shantel VanSanten’s introduction years ago, making it one of the most talked-about casting moves of the season.
Jubal Valentine’s Elevated Role: A Leadership Shift Begins
Jeremy Sisto’s character, Jubal Valentine, has long been the emotional heart and operational backbone of the show. But Season 9 is about to push him into even deeper waters. With the departure of a key teammate and changes within the Bureau, Jubal is reportedly stepping into a significantly expanded leadership role.
Sources say Season 9 will:
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Explore Jubal’s struggles balancing command with personal recovery
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Put him at the center of the season’s overarching threat
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Give him some of the show’s most intense emotional scenes to date
Fans who’ve followed his storyline closely — especially his battle with personal demons — will see a new, more complex layer to the character.
One insider described the arc as:
“Jubal at his strongest, his most vulnerable, and his most essential.”
Maggie and OA: A Partnership Tested Again
Season 9 will also put a spotlight on Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and OA Zidan (Zeeko Zaki). Their partnership remains one of the strongest relationships in the entire franchise — but new obstacles are coming.
Rumors suggest Season 9 will introduce:
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A case that hits personally for OA, forcing him to face unresolved trauma
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A new agent who disrupts Maggie’s leadership position
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A moral conflict that could divide the partnership for the first time since Season 5
Eid hinted “a major turning point” is coming for the duo, and fans are already bracing for impact.
Tiffany and Scola’s Future: Complications Ahead
After an emotional Season 8, Tiffany and Scola are heading into Season 9 with unresolved tension. Insiders tease that:
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The two will be assigned together more frequently
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A major case in Episode 4 will force them to confront their differences
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Their dynamic could dramatically shift — for better or worse
CBS executives noted that “fans should expect surprises,” which has fueled speculation about romantic sparks, professional conflict, or possibly even betrayal.
A Bigger, Darker Season Arc: A Shadow Organization Emerges
While each episode of FBI typically stands alone, Season 9 is set to include a more cohesive overarching storyline. This time, the threat is determined, organized, and far-reaching.
Early teasers reveal:
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A criminal network with international ties
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A mole connected to a previous season’s investigation
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A multi-episode pursuit that stretches from New York to the Middle East
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A shocking reveal linked to one of the agents
This marks the most ambitious season-long arc the show has attempted since Season 4.
Why Season 9 Is Poised to Be the Biggest Yet
Between the cast shake-ups, new leadership dynamics, and broader narrative scope, FBI Season 9 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the franchise.
CBS insiders believe the early-season drama — especially the departure of a beloved character — will ignite massive fan engagement right from the premiere. And with a new agent joining the cast, the show is preparing for a refreshing reboot energy without losing the intensity and emotional core viewers rely on.
One executive put it simply:
“Season 9 is FBI at its boldest.”
