Baby on Board! How Missy Peregrym’s Pregnancy Might Affect Maggie Bell’s Future in FBI

The FBI family is officially expanding! Fans of the high-octane CBS procedural are buzzing with excitement following the joyful announcement that series lead Missy Peregrym is expecting a baby. Known for her portrayal of the relentless and resilient Special Agent Maggie Bell, Peregrym’s real-life milestone has sparked a wave of celebration across social media, with fans and co-stars alike offering their heartfelt congratulations.

While the news is a cause for celebration, it has naturally led to questions regarding how the show will navigate the absence of one of its most central characters. Missy Peregrym has long been the emotional and tactical anchor of the series, and her character’s “tough-as-nails” persona at 26 Fed makes a pregnancy leave a significant creative challenge for the writers. However, the FBI production team is no stranger to this situation, having successfully managed Peregrym’s previous maternity leaves with clever narrative pivots.

Creative Strategies for Maggie Bell’s Future

As the writers room looks ahead to the upcoming season, several strategies are likely being considered to accommodate Peregrym’s time off while keeping the show’s momentum alive. One tried-and-true method is the “undercover assignment.” In previous seasons, Maggie has been written out temporarily by being sent on high-stakes, long-term undercover missions. This allows the character to remain a part of the show’s lore while giving the actress the necessary time away from the physically demanding stunts of the series.

Another possibility is a temporary shift in role. Maggie could transition into a supervisory or advisory position within the Joint Operations Center (JOC). Working alongside Jubal Valentine (Jeremy Sisto), Maggie could remain a vital part of the team’s strategy and case-solving without the physical rigors of field work. This would keep her presence felt in every episode while significantly reducing the physical demands on Peregrym.

There is also the “groundbreaking” option: writing the pregnancy into the show. While FBI is known for its gritty realism and procedural focus rather than soap-opera drama, incorporating a pregnancy for Maggie would offer a unique and profound emotional arc. It would allow the show to explore the immense pressure of being a top-tier federal agent while preparing for motherhood—a reality many real-life law enforcement officers navigate.

Support from the 26 Fed Team

The camaraderie among the FBI cast is well-documented, and the support for Peregrym has been overwhelming. Her on-screen partner, Zeeko Zaki (who plays Special Agent OA Zidan), was among the first to celebrate the news. Their “ride or die” partnership is the heartbeat of the show, and production sources confirm that the priority is Peregrym’s health and well-being. “The show is a family,” a production insider shared. “We’ve successfully navigated these transitions before, and the focus is always on making sure our lead is supported.”

As FBI enters a season of change—including major shake-ups for other characters like Jubal and Sam—Missy Peregrym’s pregnancy adds a beautiful layer of real-life joy to the mix. While Maggie Bell may step back from the front lines for a time, her eventual return is already one of the most anticipated events for the FBI faithful. For now, the fans are simply happy to say: Congratulations, Missy!