Fact Check: Zeeko Zaki is Alive and Continuing His Role on CBS’s FBI

Reports suggesting an “irreplaceable void” or a final farewell to actor Zeeko Zaki are misleading. Despite sensational headlines circulating on social media, Zeeko Zaki is alive and remains a lead star of the hit CBS procedural FBI.

The confusion appears to stem from recent episodes of FBI Season 8, specifically Episode 5 (“Fadeaway”) and Episode 6, which dealt with cast rotations and temporary absences for storyline purposes.

The Story Behind the Absences

In recent episodes of FBI, viewers noticed that certain key characters were missing from the action. Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, played by Zaki, was temporarily sidelined within the show’s narrative following a neurotoxin attack in Season 8, Episode 5. This plot point explained his absence as a period of medical recovery.

Similarly, in Episode 6, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine (played by Jeremy Sisto) was also absent. The show explained this by stating he was taking a rare day off, while behind the scenes, such absences are often part of “minimum guarantee” agreements. These contracts allow actors to miss a certain number of episodes per season to manage production budgets, a common practice in Dick Wolf-produced series like FBI, Chicago Fire, and Law & Order.

Zeeko Zaki’s Status and Return

Fans can rest assured that Zeeko Zaki has not passed away, nor has he left the series permanently. Zaki continues to lead the cast alongside Missy Peregrym. As of early 2026, the series remains one of CBS’s top-rated dramas, with Zaki’s character, OA, being central to the team’s dynamics.

His absence was strictly a narrative choice to heighten the stakes of the season and allow other characters, such as Isobel Castille (Alana de la Garza), to take on different leadership roles on the floor.

A Growing Trend of “Death Hoax” Headlines

The headline “An Irreplaceable Void: Colleagues and Fans Bid Farewell” is a classic example of “clickbait” or “death hoax” marketing. These articles often use somber language to imply an actor has died, only for the actual text to reveal the “farewell” refers to a character leaving a show, a temporary hiatus, or even just a character taking a vacation in the script.

In Zaki’s case, the “void” mentioned by fan sites refers to the temporary gap in the team during his character’s recovery, not a real-life tragedy.

What’s Next for FBI

FBI is currently in its eighth season and has already been renewed through at least Season 9, ensuring that Zaki’s character will remain a fixture of Tuesday night television for the foreseeable future. Upcoming episodes are expected to show OA returning to full duty as he continues to navigate high-pressure cases in New York City.