The corridors of 26 Fed are echoing with more than just the usual bustle of federal investigations as we move through the early months of 2026. A different kind of tension has gripped the FBI fanbase, one that stems from a flurry of rumors surrounding the series’ two most vital stars: Zeeko Zaki and Missy Peregrym. As the show prepares to transition into its highly anticipated—and recently confirmed as final—ninth season, whispers of contract disputes, creative shifts, and potential early exits have sent shockwaves through the “One FBI” community. For nearly a decade, the partnership between Special Agents Maggie Bell and OA Zidan has been the bedrock of the franchise, but as the 2026 schedule revamp takes hold, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the JOC can survive a major changing of the guard before the final curtain falls.
The Source of the Speculation
The current wave of uncertainty began when production insiders hinted at a “re-negotiation stalemate” during the pre-production phase of Season 9. In the modern television era, particularly within the 2026 economic climate where networks are aggressively cutting costs, veteran lead actors often find themselves at a crossroads. Rumors suggest that both Zaki and Peregrym have been vocal about the grueling physical demands of the show, which films on location in New York City in all weather conditions.
For Missy Peregrym, who has taken leaves of absence in previous seasons for maternity leave and recovery, the rumors suggest she may be seeking a “reduced capacity” role for the final season. Fans noticed a shift in the narrative focus during the latter half of Season 8, with more screen time being dedicated to the supporting ensemble. This has led many to believe that the writers are testing the waters for a version of FBI where Maggie Bell acts more as a supervisor or consultant, rather than the primary field agent. On the other hand, Zeeko Zaki’s future has been the subject of “leading man” rumors, with speculation that the actor is being courted for a major film franchise, potentially limiting his availability for a full 22-episode final run.
Structural Changes for Season 9
Beyond the cast rumors, the “shockwaves” extend to the very structure of the show. CBS’s 2026 schedule revamp has placed the flagship FBI on Monday nights, a move that requires a different kind of storytelling energy to capture a new audience block. Creators have teased that Season 9 will feature “major changes” to the team dynamic to reflect a more modern Bureau.
One prominent theory suggests that the Joint Operations Center will undergo a significant leadership overhaul. With rumors swirling about Isobel Castille’s character potentially moving into a political role in D.C., the field office could see the arrival of a new, more friction-heavy commander. This would force Maggie and OA to navigate a hostile internal environment while trying to close out their final cases. If Zaki and Peregrym are indeed scaling back their presence, the introduction of “Next-Gen” agents—possibly recruited from the recently canceled FBI: International—could serve as a way to transition the brand’s energy toward the newly launched FBI: CIA spinoff.
The “Stellaride” Comparison: A Dangerous Precedent
Fans of the Dick Wolf universe are no strangers to these types of rumors. Many are drawing parallels to the “Stellaride” situation on Chicago Fire, where major leads took leaves of absence that fundamentally changed the show’s chemistry. The fear among FBI enthusiasts is that if Zaki and Peregrym are not fully present for the final season, the “magic” of their partnership will be diluted. The show has always thrived on the balance between Maggie’s empathetic intuition and OA’s tactical intensity. To lose even a fraction of that dynamic in the final year would feel like a betrayal to the viewers who have followed them since 2018.
However, some industry analysts suggest that these “shockwaves” are actually a clever marketing strategy. By fueling rumors of instability, the network keeps the show in the headlines during a crowded 2026 TV landscape. It creates a “must-watch” urgency for the Season 9 premiere, as fans tune in to see if their favorite agents are still at their desks.
A Legacy at Stake
As we look toward the autumn of 2026, the stakes for the FBI franchise have never been higher. Whether the rumors of Zaki and Peregrym’s departure are grounded in reality or are simply the result of high-stakes contract brinksmanship, the impact is undeniable. The show is at a tipping point. If Season 9 manages to navigate these changes while keeping its core duo intact, it will go down as one of the greatest procedural runs in history. If not, it risks becoming a cautionary tale of how the business of television can sometimes overshadow the art of the story.
The JOC is built on the idea that no one is bigger than the mission, but for the fans, Maggie and OA are the mission. As the final chapter approaches, we are all waiting to see if the Bureau’s best can survive the “shockwaves” and finish the job they started eight years ago.
