‘FBI’ Stars Weigh In On Government Shutdown, Second Season & Spin-Off – TCA

Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki, stars of CBS hit FBI have called the recent government shutdown “disappointing” but added that it showed how the Federal Bureau of Investigations doesn’t stop at anything to protect the country. They also weighed in on the fact that the show has already been picked up for a second season as well as a spin-off.

Speaking on day two of TCA, Zaki said, “It’s an ode to the fact that we’re living in a time where the reputation of the [FBI] is [impacted] politically but it comes down to a group of people who won’t stop for anything, whether it’s money, politics to go in and save this country and that’s why it’s so exciting to try and represent them in the best way possible.”

Peregrym added, “I was disappointed for them but they still showed up to work and protected the country, I’m in awe of them and I’m even more proud to be on the show with the character they displayed with the situation.

Dick Wolf’s FBI is one of three series to receive early CBS renewals due to strong performance. FBI is CBS’ No. 1 new series in total viewers and the No. 2 new series overall this season, averaging nearly 13 million viewers. FBI centers on the inner workings of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It stars Missy Peregrym, Zeeko Zaki, Ebonée Noel, Jeremy Sisto and Sela Ward. Wolf, Rick Eid, Terry Miller, Forney and Jankowski are executive producers for Universal TV in association with CBS TV Studios.

Earlier this week, the network revealed it had ordered a spinoff backdoor pilot,  FBI: Most Wanted, which will air as an episode of FBI in the spring. The project has a series commitment, making an episodic pickup for next season highly likely. Deadline revealed earlier this week that Wolf pitched the show with three franchises.

“A win is a win [in terms of a spin-off],” said Peregrym. “It’s going to be a different story; obviously we’re based in New York so you’re going to see a rag tag across the country trying to find their guy. I’ve never experienced this before but I can’t wait to see what it’ll be.”

Zaki added, “I think it’s good news, I’m excited to grow the story. I think the FBI has so much to offer and there are so many integral parts so now we can dive in and give them the representation that they deserve.

The pair joked that Wolf was too busy to attend TCA. “Who does he think he is, Dick Wolf?,” laughed Peregrym.

They also addressed the fact that the show has had a number of different showrunners with Rick Eid and Derek Haas, who replaced Greg Plageman, who replaced Craig Turk.

“You adjust by doing your job. It’s a really tough thing to start a show. everyone is trying to find their place [but] I’m really proud of where we are and we’ll continue to move in that direction.