It’s a year of milestones for Missy Peregrym. The Canadian actress, best known for bringing Special Agent Maggie Bell to life on CBS’s hit series FBI, has welcomed her second child — and just as fans were wondering when they’d see her back on screen, she revealed her official return date to the show. The news combines personal joy with professional anticipation, sparking excitement across the entertainment world and among loyal viewers who have long considered Maggie an essential part of the franchise.
A Personal Milestone: Baby No. 2 Arrives
Peregrym, 43, and her husband, Australian actor Tom Oakley, quietly expanded their family earlier this year. While the couple have remained private about the details — such as the exact birth date and the baby’s name — Peregrym confirmed the happy news in her own understated way, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love from friends and fans.
The actress and Oakley, who tied the knot in December 2018, are already parents to their son Otis, born in March 2020. This time, they say, life is “busier, louder, and more joyful than ever.” Peregrym’s announcement was warmly received, with fans quick to send congratulations not only for the new arrival but also for her upcoming on-screen return.
A Familiar Balancing Act
This is not the first time Peregrym has had to step away from FBI due to motherhood. Back in 2020, during Season 2, she took her first maternity leave while expecting Otis. The show’s writers gave Maggie Bell a temporary storyline exit, sending her character on an undercover assignment overseas. It was a narrative decision that allowed Peregrym the time she needed while keeping Maggie’s presence alive in the background.
Her return in Season 3 was met with immense enthusiasm, with fans applauding both the actress’s dedication and the production team’s respect for her personal life. Now, history has repeated itself, but this time Peregrym has been more forthcoming about her timeline, letting viewers know exactly when she’ll be back.
Marking the Calendar: Maggie Bell’s Return
According to Peregrym and CBS sources, the actress is officially set to return to FBI during Season 8, with her first appearance expected in early 2026 episodes. While the network has not confirmed the specific storyline, producers have hinted that Maggie’s comeback will be impactful and worth the wait.
“The team is like family, and I can’t wait to be back on set,” Peregrym said in a statement. “I’m so grateful to the writers and producers for giving me the space to enjoy this chapter of my life while also finding meaningful ways to continue Maggie’s journey.”
Maggie Bell: A Cornerstone of FBI
From the show’s debut in 2018, Special Agent Maggie Bell has been a central figure. A brilliant, compassionate, and determined investigator, she quickly became a fan favorite, especially due to her partnership with OA Zidan (played by Zeeko Zaki). Together, Maggie and OA formed the emotional and professional core of the team, balancing relentless dedication to justice with moments of humanity that grounded the often high-stakes cases.
Her absences have always been felt strongly. While fellow cast members like Jeremy Sisto, Alana De La Garza, and John Boyd have stepped up to drive storylines, many fans insist that Maggie’s unique dynamic with OA is irreplaceable.
How the Writers Handled Her Absence
During her most recent leave in Season 7, the writers once again crafted a temporary exit. Maggie was written out on a classified assignment, leaving OA and the rest of the team to adjust in her absence. This approach echoed her earlier undercover storyline, creating continuity while also opening the door for her smooth return later.
In the meantime, new and recurring characters helped fill the gap, adding fresh dynamics to the ensemble cast. Still, as fan discussions online revealed, many considered the show incomplete without its original leading lady.
Fan Reaction: Joy and Relief
The dual announcement — both a new baby and a confirmed FBI comeback — was met with an outpouring of positivity. Social media lit up with congratulatory messages, with hashtags like #WelcomeBackMaggie quickly trending among fan circles.
One Twitter user wrote: “I’ve loved Missy since Rookie Blue — so thrilled for her growing family AND that Maggie is coming back. The show isn’t the same without her.”
Another fan added on Instagram: “Congratulations to Missy and Tom! And thank you for confirming her return. OA and Maggie are the heart of FBI.”
The overwhelming reaction underscores just how deeply Peregrym’s character resonates with viewers — not just as a skilled agent, but as a symbol of strength and resilience.
What It Means for FBI’s Future
With Peregrym set to return, the show enters an exciting chapter. Season 8 has already been confirmed as a pivotal one, with storylines pushing characters into new challenges. Maggie’s comeback could reestablish her bond with OA, explore how her time away has changed her, and even introduce fresh arcs tied to her personal life.
Producers have hinted that Peregrym’s return will not just be business as usual, but an opportunity to expand Maggie’s role in shaping the direction of the team. In other words, her reappearance may carry ripple effects across multiple storylines.
Missy Peregrym: From Rookie Cop to FBI Agent
For longtime fans, Peregrym’s journey has come full circle. Before FBI, she was beloved for her role as Officer Andy McNally on Rookie Blue, where she spent six seasons portraying another strong, determined law enforcement character. Her transition to FBI cemented her reputation as an actress who thrives in action-driven, emotionally layered roles.
Off-screen, Peregrym is known for her grounded approach to fame, prioritizing family and authenticity over Hollywood flash. Her decision to be open about balancing career and motherhood has made her even more relatable to fans.
Looking Ahead
As Season 8 of FBI continues to take shape, the anticipation for Maggie Bell’s return is building. For Peregrym, this is a moment that bridges her personal joy as a mother with her professional pride as an actress at the heart of one of television’s most successful franchises.
The countdown is officially on. Soon, viewers will once again watch Missy Peregrym step into Maggie Bell’s shoes, bringing her signature strength, intelligence, and compassion back to the small screen — proof that sometimes, the best comebacks are worth the wait.
