CBS’s high-stakes drama FBI is preparing to take audiences into uncharted territory in its upcoming season, shifting its lens toward the world of cybercrime and artificial intelligence. For a series that has long specialized in terrorism plots, kidnappings, and organized crime, this pivot reflects both the real-world concerns dominating headlines and the ever-evolving nature of modern-day threats.
A Bold New Direction
Showrunner Rick Eid confirmed that the new season will place greater emphasis on the dangers of technology-driven crime. “Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a national security issue,” Eid explained. “From ransomware attacks to deepfake disinformation campaigns, we want to explore how technology has become both a tool and a weapon.”
According to early teasers, the season’s premiere will revolve around a large-scale cyberattack that cripples New York City’s infrastructure, leaving millions vulnerable and pushing the team to track down a faceless, tech-savvy adversary. This marks a notable shift from the show’s usual reliance on physical violence and explosive set pieces, moving instead toward invisible enemies who can cause chaos from behind a screen.
Why Cybercrime, Why Now?
The shift toward cybercrime mirrors real-world trends. Federal agencies have reported a dramatic spike in ransomware cases, cyber espionage, and AI-powered scams in recent years. As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, so too do the risks of its misuse—whether through manipulated video evidence, AI-generated phishing schemes, or automated attacks that can cripple entire systems.
By embedding these issues into its storytelling, FBI aims to remain not only entertaining but also relevant. “Viewers want to feel that what they’re watching could happen tomorrow,” Eid said. “And the truth is, AI threats are already here.”
New Challenges for the Characters
For the agents of FBI, the shift to digital crime introduces a new set of challenges. Special Agent Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and her partner OA Zidan (Zeeko Zaki) are used to chasing suspects on the streets. Now, they must learn to navigate a shadowy world where the enemy may never show their face.
Jeremy Sisto’s Jubal Valentine is also expected to play a larger role this season, coordinating intelligence and managing crises that unfold in seconds. “Jubal’s job has always been about information,” Sisto teased. “This year, the information war is front and center. The pace is faster, the stakes are higher, and the consequences are more unpredictable.”
Insiders also hint that a new character—a cyber analyst with expertise in AI—will join the team to help bridge the gap between traditional fieldwork and high-tech threats.
Balancing Fiction with Reality
One of the challenges for the writers will be making complex cybercrimes accessible to audiences who may not be familiar with the technical jargon. To strike the right balance, producers have reportedly consulted with cybersecurity experts and former federal agents to ensure the scenarios feel authentic but remain digestible for primetime viewers.
Missy Peregrym noted: “The trick is showing how terrifying and personal cybercrime can be. It’s not just hacking banks or governments—people’s lives, reputations, and safety can be destroyed with a few keystrokes.”
Fans React to the Teasers
The fan response to the announcement has been mixed but largely intrigued. Longtime viewers praise the decision to keep the show fresh by exploring cutting-edge threats, while some worry the series might lose its signature intensity if it shifts too far away from on-the-ground action.
On social media, one fan wrote: “I love the idea of tackling AI—it feels ripped from the headlines. But I still want car chases and shootouts!” Another added: “Cybercrime is the new frontier. If FBI doesn’t cover it, another show will.”
The Bigger Picture for Procedurals
The move also signals a broader trend in TV crime dramas. As technology continues to redefine crime and justice, shows like FBI face pressure to evolve. From AI-generated fake videos to the threat of foreign cyber-terrorism, the stories practically write themselves.
For CBS, this evolution could also broaden the show’s appeal to younger audiences who are more attuned to the realities of online life and digital threats.
What to Expect Next
CBS has yet to reveal whether the cybercrime and AI arc will dominate the entire season or serve as one of several storylines. But with teasers hinting at escalating digital warfare and the possibility of AI-driven criminal networks, fans can expect a darker, more cerebral edge to the action.
As FBI steps into this new era of threats, one thing is clear: the show is determined to prove that the most dangerous weapon today isn’t always a gun or a bomb—it might be an algorithm.
