Since the first episode of FBI aired in 2018, the bond between Special Agents Maggie Bell and Omar Adom “OA” Zidan has been the emotional heartbeat of the series. For seven seasons, fans have watched them save each other’s lives, share deep personal traumas, and navigate the high-stakes world of federal law enforcement. Now, as the show moves deeper into 2026, the “shippers” are louder than ever, begging for the duo to finally cross the line from partners to lovers. But while the fans are ready for a wedding, the stars themselves have some very specific—and perhaps surprising—thoughts on the matter.
The Stars’ Perspective: Platonic Power
Despite the undeniable chemistry on screen, both Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki have consistently championed the strength of a platonic relationship. In a recent interview, Zaki was vocal about why he believes keeping them “just friends” is actually a revolutionary move for network television.
“I think there’s a lot of strength in the platonicness of our relationship,” Zaki explained. “A lot of partnerships on TV fall into that romantic slot at some point, and I think not falling into that gives us a longevity together that I hope lasts forever.”
Peregrym shares this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of showing a deep, intimate, but non-sexual bond between a man and a woman who trust each other with their lives. She has noted that their “brother and sister” dynamic is what makes the partnership feel grounded. Both actors feel that once a procedural puts its leads together, it often “messes up” the professional tension that keeps the show driving forward.
Season 7 & 8: Teasing the Boundary
While the actors prefer the platonic route, the writers have certainly been playing with the “slow burn.” Throughout 2025 and into 2026, several key moments have hinted that the line might be blurring:
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Shared Vulnerability: Maggie supported OA through his PTSD from his time as a POW, while OA was the first person Maggie turned to when she was struggling with the decision regarding her late friend’s daughter.
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The “Gemma” Obstacle: OA’s relationship with Gemma has served as a primary barrier. However, after the traumatic events of the train hijacking where Gemma was injured, some fans believe OA’s reliance on Maggie during the crisis spoke volumes about where his heart truly lies.
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Forced Proximity: The Season 8 premiere—which saw Maggie and OA stranded together on an island under martial law—was a classic trope that usually leads to a romantic epiphany.
The Logistic Nightmare
Beyond the actors’ preferences, there is the “Scola-Nina” factor. In the FBI universe, when agents date, someone usually has to move. Nina Chase (Shantel VanSanten) transferred to the Fugitive Task Force after her relationship with Stuart Scola became serious. If Maggie and OA were to date, the show would face a massive logistical problem: Would they still be allowed to be partners? Splitting them up professionally would fundamentally change the show’s structure, a risk that showrunners might not be willing to take just yet.
Final Verdict: Friendship is the New Romance
For now, the message from the set of FBI is clear: the love is there, but it’s not romantic—and the actors want to keep it that way. They believe that showing a man and a woman who would die for each other every day without needing a romantic label is a more powerful story to tell in 2026.
As the second half of Season 8 approaches, fans should expect more “partner-soulmate” moments, but don’t hold your breath for a kiss in the bullpen just yet.
