A Season of Change for FBI

FBI is gearing up for Season 8 with high expectations and big changes. With the cancellations of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, the flagship show now carries the full weight of the franchise. CBS has confirmed some casting news that will shake up the dynamic within the team, while fans eagerly await what’s next for Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan.

Emily Alabi, who played Agent Dani Rhodes, will not be returning. Despite Dani proving her loyalty in the Season 7 finale, her character’s exit leaves a noticeable gap. Stepping in is Law & Order: SVU alum Juliana Aidén Martinez, who will bring a brand-new agent into the mix. At the same time, fans are waiting for answers about Isobel’s fate. After her cliffhanger in the finale, questions remain about whether Alana De La Garza will return full-time.

What’s Next for OA and Maggie?

While cast changes are shaking up the series, fans can rest easy knowing that the heart of the show — OA and Maggie’s partnership — remains strong. The bond between Zeeko Zaki and Missy Peregrym’s characters has been a cornerstone of the drama, and Season 7 reminded viewers why.

One standout arc saw OA face an old Army buddy, Clay, who was revealed to be on the wrong side of the law. The heartbreaking climax forced OA to take Clay’s life, a moment that added depth to his backstory and left lasting scars. Zaki himself has spoken about wanting to revisit OA’s military past and explore those emotional wounds further.

“I’d love to dive back into the POW storyline and the military stuff,” Zaki shared, pointing out how both he and Maggie are still carrying unresolved grief. “For Maggie, it’s Jess. For OA, it’s Clay. Losing a friend, no matter what side they were on, is incredibly intense — and it would be powerful to dig into that.”

Zeeko Zaki’s Wish for OA’s Journey

With the rerun of Season 7’s “Détente” airing recently, fans were reminded of just how layered OA’s character has become. Zaki’s comments suggest that Season 8 might give audiences the deeper dive they’ve been craving into his past, his trauma, and his resilience.

For OA, Maggie is not just a partner but also a confidante. Zaki reflected on how much their relationship has grown over the years: “Maggie is always there for him, and she always will be. Those emotional moments are my favorite.”

The rerun only reinforced the importance of this partnership. Unlike Jubal and Isobel, whose bond remains more professional, OA and Maggie’s connection is personal, emotional, and filled with trust. Fans can expect this relationship to remain central as the show continues.

Gemma’s Return and Fresh Faces

Another name fans should keep an eye on is Gemma. She survived the train crisis in Season 7, leaving the door open for her to appear again in Season 8. If she does, her dynamic with OA could complicate — or enrich — his already deep friendship with Maggie.

And then there’s Juliana Aidén Martinez’s new agent. With Dani gone, Martinez’s character will need to find her place within the team, which could create friction or unexpected alliances. Will she blend seamlessly into the squad, or will her presence highlight new tensions?

Why Season 8 Feels So Important

More than ever, FBI Season 8 feels like a turning point. With only one series left standing, the show carries the pressure of representing the entire franchise. The upcoming season will need to deliver strong character-driven arcs while maintaining the pulse-pounding procedural action that fans love.

For OA, this could be the season where past and present collide. Exploring his military background, his grief, and his evolving relationship with Maggie could give fans some of the most emotional material yet. Meanwhile, the cast shake-up ensures there will be fresh energy and new storylines to keep the show feeling alive.

Mark Your Calendar

FBI returns with Season 8 on Monday, October 13 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by Watson Season 2. Viewers can also catch episodes the next day on Paramount+. With a mix of action, emotion, and fresh faces, the new season promises to keep fans hooked every week.