
Introduction: Why Everyone’s Asking—Is OA Leaving FBI?
Lately, fans of the hit CBS procedural FBI have noticed something strange—Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, played by Zeeko Zaki, has been noticeably absent from multiple recent episodes. As speculation swirls, many are wondering: Is OA leaving the show? From character shifts to real-world explanations, let’s dive deep into why viewers believe his departure might be on the horizon.
Who Is OA on FBI? A Quick Refresher
Before we dissect the absence, let’s rewind.
OA Zidan is a founding character on FBI, debuting in Season 1 as the passionate and principled former Army Ranger turned FBI Special Agent. He quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his chemistry with Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and his compelling personal backstory. Over the years, OA evolved into one of the series’ emotional and moral centers.
OA’s Absence in Recent Episodes: A Timeline
Let’s take a look at the actual episodes where OA’s presence was either minimal—or missing altogether:
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Season 6, Episode 3: OA had limited screen time and played more of a supporting role.
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Season 6, Episode 5 & 6: The character was noticeably absent or mentioned only in passing.
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Season 6, Episode 8 “Phantom”: OA returned briefly, but fans still found the portrayal inconsistent with previous seasons.
This inconsistency is what sparked a wave of speculation online.
What the Showrunners Are (Not) Saying
CBS and the FBI producers have remained largely silent about Zeeko Zaki’s limited screen time. There’s been no official statement confirming his departure, but there’s been no denial either. And in the world of TV, silence often speaks volumes.
Fan Theories Behind OA’s Disappearance
1. Zeeko Zaki Is Filming Another Project
Rumors have floated that Zaki may be working on other film or TV commitments. If true, this could explain a temporary absence rather than a full-blown exit.
2. A Dramatic Storyline Is Being Set Up
Some fans believe OA’s absence is a narrative setup—maybe he’s undercover, reassigned, or dealing with personal demons off-screen that will be revealed in a future plot twist.
3. Contract Negotiations Are Happening Behind the Scenes
Television history is full of actors stepping away during contract renegotiations. Could OA’s screen time dip be a leverage move?
Social Media Reaction: A Storm of Concern
Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook groups dedicated to FBI have been on fire. Fans are dropping comments like:
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“Where the heck is OA?”
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“Not watching anymore if OA leaves. He’s the heart of the show!”
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“I swear, if Zeeko Zaki is gone, I’m done with this series.”
This level of chatter highlights how deeply fans connect with the character.
Zeeko Zaki’s Own Statements: Are There Clues?
In previous interviews, Zaki has talked about wanting to diversify his career, mentioning interests in producing and directing. He’s also hinted at wanting to tell more Middle Eastern stories in Hollywood. While this doesn’t scream “I’m quitting,” it suggests he’s got ambitions beyond FBI.
How OA’s Storyline Has Shifted Over Time
OA once held major arcs—exploring PTSD, religious identity, and loyalty to country. But more recently, his character has felt relegated to the background. Has this been intentional? Possibly. It might be CBS’s way of preparing the audience for a transition.
Comparing OA’s Absence to Past Cast Exits
We’ve seen this dance before on other FBI universe shows. Remember when Julian McMahon quietly left FBI: Most Wanted? His character was written off in a low-key exit. Is OA’s vanishing following a similar script?
Behind-the-Scenes Clues You Might’ve Missed
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No Press Tours: Zaki hasn’t been featured prominently in Season 6 promotional material.
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Cast Photos: Several official images exclude him entirely.
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Script Mentions: OA’s name has barely been uttered in the episodes he’s missing from.
Coincidence? Maybe. But longtime viewers are calling it a red flag.
Could OA Return in a Spinoff or Flashback Arc?
There’s a silver lining here. Even if OA leaves the main FBI team, he could appear in a spinoff, a crossover with FBI: International, or even through flashback sequences. His military background and strong character history make him perfect for that.
How Would OA’s Exit Affect the Show’s Future?
Let’s be honest—FBI without OA would lose a lot of its balance. He brings:
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Cultural depth
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Moral clarity
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Solid buddy-cop chemistry with Maggie
His departure could disrupt the narrative rhythm the show’s built over six seasons.
What Fans Want Most: Clarity
At this point, fans aren’t necessarily demanding OA stay forever. They’re simply asking for honesty and closure. Whether it’s a temporary absence or the beginning of an exit arc, transparency would go a long way.
Conclusion: Is OA Gone for Good—or Just on a Break?
Right now, there’s no official confirmation that OA is permanently leaving FBI, but there are enough signs pointing to a serious shift. Whether due to creative decisions, actor ambitions, or behind-the-scenes contracts, Zeeko Zaki’s character is in limbo.
Fans will have to keep watching (and analyzing every frame) to find out the truth. One thing’s for sure: OA’s absence has left a void—and viewers aren’t staying quiet about it.
FAQs
1. Is Zeeko Zaki officially leaving FBI?
No official statement has been released confirming his exit. However, his reduced screen time has raised questions among fans.
2. Why hasn’t OA been in recent episodes of FBI?
Possible reasons include scheduling conflicts, other projects, or a planned storyline twist.
3. Will OA return later this season?
That remains unconfirmed. Some fans believe he could return in a major arc or as part of a plot reveal.
4. Has Zeeko Zaki spoken about leaving the show?
While Zaki has discussed broader career goals, he hasn’t directly mentioned leaving FBI.
5. Could OA appear in another FBI spinoff?
Absolutely. Given his background and popularity, OA could easily cross over into other series within the FBI universe.