As the hit CBS procedural FBI gears up for its eighth season, one thing is clear—action and realism remain at the heart of the show. For Zeeko Zaki, who plays Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, the physicality of his role is something he takes incredibly seriously. As one of the key agents on the show, OA is known for his intense investigations, heart-pounding chases, and his ability to get to the heart of complex cases. But what does it take for Zaki to bring this action-packed role to life?
In a recent post on X, Zeeko Zaki shared some insights into how he prepares for each season of FBI. The actor explained that his approach to the role is not just about memorizing lines or rehearsing scenes, but about getting physically ready for the demanding nature of the job. “Our job is very athletic,” Zaki said, revealing that the physically demanding scenes filmed for FBI require him to be in top shape. “We film outside, we film for a very long time, 10 months, so you just have to make sure that you can physically do it. So just get in the gym and pretend that you are actually solving these crimes and chasing these bad guys.”
It’s clear that Zaki’s commitment to his character extends far beyond the script, as he embraces the physical aspects of playing a federal agent in one of the most high-stakes environments imaginable. From running through the streets of New York to engaging in intense confrontations, OA’s job requires Zaki to be physically fit and always prepared for the next challenge.
A New Dynamic for Season 8
As exciting as it is to have Zaki return as OA, FBI Season 8 is also introducing some fresh dynamics to the team. After the departure of Special Agent Tiffany Wallace (played by Katherine Renee Kane) at the beginning of Season 7, the show has been in search of the perfect partner for Stuart Scola (played by John Boyd). Emily Alabi, who recurred as Scola’s partner in Season 7, will not be returning, and fans are eager to see who will fill that role for the upcoming season.
The new addition to the team will be Juliana Aidén Martinez, a familiar face from Law & Order: SVU. While it’s not yet confirmed who Martinez will partner with, it’s highly likely that she will team up with Boyd’s Scola, creating an exciting new dynamic for the team. As FBI continues to expand its universe and keep things fresh, these shifts promise to add new layers of intrigue and excitement.
The Return of Maggie, OA, and the Entire Team
Fans can rest assured that the core team will return for FBI Season 8. Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and OA will continue to work alongside their colleagues, including Jeremy Sisto’s Jubal Valentine, the Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) of the New York Field Office. The chemistry between Maggie and OA, in particular, has been a highlight of the show since the beginning, and fans are excited to see how their partnership evolves in the new season.
In addition to their professional work, the characters of FBI have faced personal struggles and challenges that have made them more relatable to viewers. Whether it’s OA’s past trauma or Maggie’s ongoing battles with trust, the show never shies away from exploring the emotional complexity of its characters. Season 8 will likely delve even deeper into these aspects of the agents’ lives, adding a layer of emotional weight to the intense action sequences.
What’s Next for the FBI Franchise?
The FBI universe is expanding in 2025, with multiple shows in the franchise. FBI: CIA, which was set to debut alongside FBI in the fall, has been delayed to midseason due to a creative redirection. This change has left fans eager to know more about the upcoming show, which stars Tom Ellis. While we won’t see FBI: CIA until 2026, the flagship FBI series will be back to fill the void, with fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for the agents of the New York Field Office.
A Return to Familiar Faces and Fresh Excitement
As fans of the series, we know that FBI doesn’t shy away from high-stakes cases, tense investigations, and emotional character development. With Zaki back as OA, Sisto’s Jubal continuing his leadership role, and the addition of new team members, Season 8 promises to deliver even more excitement.
The new season is sure to feature more thrilling criminal cases, intense action, and—hopefully—a deeper dive into the personal lives of the agents. But one thing is for sure: Zeeko Zaki’s commitment to his physical preparation will continue to shine, bringing authenticity to OA’s character and ensuring the team remains as strong as ever.
FBI returns on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 9 p.m. on CBS. Fans of the show can catch up on past episodes on Paramount+ and look forward to the new season’s arrival. With more changes coming to the team and a promising lineup of characters, it’s clear that FBI remains one of the most thrilling procedural dramas on TV.
