The chemistry between Special Agents Maggie Bell and Omar Adom “OA” Zidan has been the cornerstone of the FBI franchise since its first episode in 2018. As the series moves through its eighth and ninth seasons in 2026, the question of whether this bond will finally cross the line into romance remains the most debated topic among fans. While “shippers” have spent years dissecting every lingering look and supportive hug, the actors behind the badges—Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki—have recently stepped forward to provide a definitive perspective on the nature of their onscreen connection, offering a rare “unplugged” look at the philosophy behind the Bureau’s most reliable partnership.
The Power of Platonic Love
In recent interviews during the 2025–2026 television cycle, both Peregrym and Zaki have expressed a deep appreciation for the show’s decision to maintain a platonic dynamic. Missy Peregrym has been vocal about the importance of depicting a high-stakes partnership where the foundation is built on trust and professional respect rather than romantic tension. She recently noted that it is “rare in the real world and even rarer on TV” to show a man and a woman who love each other deeply without it being sexual.
For Peregrym, the character of Maggie Bell is defined by her vigilance and the guard she must keep up to survive her job. She has suggested that being vulnerable in a romantic relationship is “not second nature” for someone in Maggie’s position, and that the risk of “blowing up” their efficient team dynamic by adding romance is a risk she isn’t sure the characters should take. According to the actress, the ability to lean on each other through life’s tragedies—like Maggie’s recent struggles with her sister Erin or OA’s harrowing experiences as a POW—is a form of intimacy that doesn’t require a romantic label to be meaningful.
Zeeko Zaki on the “Slow Burn”
Zeeko Zaki echoes this sentiment, though he acknowledges the “Twitter frenzy” that every close Maggie-OA moment generates. Zaki has often shared that new directors coming onto the set frequently try to inject a “flirty” energy into their scenes, to which he and Peregrym consistently say, “No.” He believes that showing love without it being a typical TV romance is a refreshing challenge.
However, Zaki hasn’t entirely closed the door on the future. In discussions about the 2026 season, he has referred to their relationship as a “slow burn” that rewards long-term viewers. While he enjoys the current status quo, he has hinted that the “One FBI” universe is always evolving. The key, for him, is that any shift must feel earned and shouldn’t compromise the “boots-on-the-ground” realism that fans expect from a Dick Wolf production.
The Professional Barrier
The 2026 narrative has introduced several “logical” obstacles to a potential romance. As explored in the latest storylines, the New York Field Office has strict regulations regarding romantic partners working in the same tactical unit. For Maggie and OA to be together, one would likely have to transfer—a move that would break up the team fans have spent nearly a decade following.
The introduction of the FBI: CIA spinoff has sparked theories that one agent could move to the clandestine service to facilitate a relationship, but for now, Maggie and OA remain firmly in the JOC together. This professional barrier adds a layer of realism; in the high-stakes world of federal intelligence, the mission must come before personal desire. As Peregrym pointed out, it takes a “pretty special person” to handle being in a relationship with someone whose life is on the line every day—especially when you are the one responsible for watching their back.
The Verdict for 2026
As we look toward the 2026 spring finale, the record is straight: Maggie and OA are, first and foremost, a partnership. Their love is undeniable, but it is a love forged in the fires of joint operations and shared trauma rather than the sparks of a traditional romance. For Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki, the “win” isn’t a wedding; it’s the fact that after eight years, they still have each other’s backs when the sirens start.
Fans may keep rooting for a kiss, but for the actors, the “partnership” is the most romantic thing of all. In a world of fleeting connections, Maggie and OA have found something permanent—a bond that is “Gone but Never Forgotten” if it were ever to change, but for now, it is exactly what the Bureau needs.
