The FBI family is officially getting a little bigger! Fans of the hit CBS procedural are celebrating the news that series star Missy Peregrym, who portrays the tenacious Special Agent Maggie Bell, is expecting a baby. The actress shared the joyful milestone on social media, sparking a massive wave of congratulations from her co-stars and viewers alike. While the news is a cause for celebration, it has naturally triggered a flurry of questions regarding the future of her character at 26 Fed.

Balancing Real Life and High-Stakes Drama

Missy Peregrym has long been the emotional and physical anchor of FBI. However, this real-life milestone presents a creative challenge for the show’s writers. Known for its gritty realism and high-octane action, FBI must now decide how to navigate Maggie Bell’s absence or adaptation during Peregrym’s maternity leave.

This isn’t the first time the production has faced this situation. Peregrym previously took leaves of absence for her first two children, and the show used those moments to craft compelling, if temporary, exits. In the past, Maggie was sidelined by a near-fatal exposure to sarin gas, providing a dramatic narrative reason for her recovery period.

Potential Storylines for Maggie Bell

As production gears up for the upcoming season, fans are speculating on how the writers will handle the “Maggie problem.” Several creative strategies are on the table:

1. The Undercover Assignment: This remains the most likely scenario. By sending Maggie on a long-term, high-stakes undercover mission, the show can explain her absence without diminishing her character’s importance. This allows for a seamless return once Peregrym is ready to step back into the role.

2. Writing the Pregnancy into the Show: While rare for lead agents in high-action roles, there is a possibility that the writers could incorporate the pregnancy into Maggie’s arc. This would offer a groundbreaking emotional storyline, exploring the complexities of being a field agent while preparing for motherhood.

3. A Strategic Move to the JOC: To reduce the physical demands on Peregrym, Maggie could temporarily transition to a supervisory role within the Joint Operations Center (JOC). Working alongside Jubal Valentine (Jeremy Sisto), she could still lead cases from behind a desk, keeping the character visible while ensuring the actress’s safety.

A Supportive “FBI” Family

The bond between the FBI cast is legendary, and the support for Missy has been immediate. Her on-screen partner, Zeeko Zaki (who plays OA Zidan), was among the first to celebrate the news. A production source noted, “The show is a family, and we couldn’t be happier for Missy. We’ve successfully navigated these transitions before, and the priority is always making sure our lead is supported and healthy.”

A Season of Transformation

With rumors of a “massive shake-up” for other characters like Jubal and Sam, Peregrym’s pregnancy adds another layer of change to the FBI universe. While Maggie Bell may be off-screen for a period, her presence will undoubtedly be felt through the actions of OA and the rest of the team. Fans can rest assured that her eventual return will be one of the most anticipated moments of the television season.

As Missy Peregrym prepares for this new chapter of motherhood, the 26 Fed team stands ready to hold down the fort, ensuring that when Special Agent Bell returns, the world will be just as dangerous—and she’ll be just as ready to save it.