CBS has officially confirmed that Canadian actress Missy Peregrym will headline Dick Wolf’s hit procedural F.B.I., marking a significant milestone in her career and adding star power to the network’s expanding crime drama slate.
From Rookie Cop to FBI Agent
Missy Peregrym, best known to television audiences for her breakout role as Officer Andy McNally in ABC’s long-running police drama Rookie Blue, has built a reputation for portraying strong, resilient women in uniform. Her casting as Special Agent Maggie Bell in F.B.I. feels like a natural evolution of her career, bringing both grit and emotional depth to the character.
“Missy brings a rare mix of toughness, warmth, and authenticity to every role she takes on,” said executive producer Dick Wolf in a statement. “She’s exactly who we envisioned when shaping the character of Maggie Bell, and we’re thrilled to have her leading the team.”
What F.B.I. Brings to CBS
Premiering as part of CBS’ primetime lineup, F.B.I. pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of the Bureau’s New York office. The series showcases the relentless agents tasked with tackling major crimes, from terrorism and organized crime to counterintelligence and cyber threats. Peregrym’s Maggie Bell, a seasoned but deeply empathetic agent, anchors the ensemble and offers viewers a lens into both the professional and personal sacrifices demanded by the job.
Her casting underscores CBS’ confidence in the series, which comes from the same creative powerhouse behind franchises like Law & Order and Chicago Fire. With Wolf’s proven track record and Peregrym’s ability to command the screen, expectations for F.B.I. were high from the outset.
Peregrym’s Path to CBS
Before stepping into the world of federal law enforcement on screen, Peregrym carved out a diverse resume in both film and television. Beyond Rookie Blue, she has appeared in Heroes, Reaper, and the feature film Stick It. Known for her athleticism, intensity, and approachable screen presence, Peregrym has consistently gravitated toward roles that balance vulnerability with strength — qualities that align perfectly with Maggie Bell.
“I’ve always been drawn to stories about resilience and service,” Peregrym noted in early interviews about her casting. “What excites me about Maggie is her dedication to justice, but also the way she grapples with the personal cost of the work. It’s not just about the cases; it’s about the people behind them.”
A New Chapter for CBS Procedurals
The addition of Peregrym to F.B.I. signaled CBS’ commitment to building another long-running procedural success. The series has since expanded into a franchise, with spinoffs like FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International finding their own dedicated audiences. But at the heart of it all remains Peregrym’s Maggie Bell, a character whose courage and compassion helped define the show’s tone from the very first season.
Looking Ahead
As F.B.I. continues to thrive on CBS, Missy Peregrym’s performance remains central to its enduring popularity. Her casting not only elevated the series at launch but also proved instrumental in securing its place as one of the network’s flagship dramas. For fans of crime procedurals — and for viewers who followed Peregrym from her Rookie Blue days — her role as Maggie Bell represents both a homecoming and a bold new step in an already impressive career.
