‘FBI’ Season 9 Sets Major Return for ‘Most Wanted’ Star After Cancellation

CBS is a television powerhouse in its own right, producing hugely successful shows that run for seasons on end and cement their place in network history. From long-running franchises like NCIS and CSI to more recent hits like Fire Country and Sherriff Country, the network has consistently delivered drama that keeps audiences coming back for more.

One of CBS’s more prominent series, FBI, delivers workplace and personal drama, high-stakes situations, and complex characters — a cocktail of ingredients CBS viewers love. While the series is already in the middle of its ninth season, there is no shortage of drama, and a surprise guest appearance is about to shake things up.

Created by Emmy Award winner Dick Wolf and the team behind the Law & Order franchise, FBI takes viewers inside the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Led by agents Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and Omar Adom “OA” Zidan (Zeeko Zaki), the team relies on its collective talents, intellect, and technical expertise to tackle some of the country’s most dangerous cases. From terrorism and organized crime to counterintelligence, these agents are constantly working to protect New York and the nation from threats both foreign and domestic. The franchise has spawned three spin-off television series, including FBI: International, FBI: Most Wanted, and CIA.

In the previous eighth season, Special Agents Stuart Scola (John Boyd) and Nina Chase (Shantel VanSanten) reunite in Episode 11, titled “Confetti,” and the events of the episode certainly live up to its name. The two go undercover together for a sting operation, get engaged, and eventually tie the knot in a low-key City Hall ceremony alongside their son, Dougie, the team, and their loved ones. It marked the first time audiences had seen VanSanten’s character since her departure as a series regular in Season 5, Episode 6, titled “Double Bind.” That is, until now.

VanSanten is back and ready to reprise her role as Nina in FBI. The official synopsis for Season 9, Episode 7, titled “Posterity,” reads:

“After the murder of an online influencer, the team discovers that one of their cameras captured video of a criminal on the Most Wanted list. The team works alongside Special Agent Nina Chase to intercept him before he disappears.”

VanSanten’s Nina quickly became a fan-favorite character, but after discovering she was pregnant, Nina opted to transition into a safer desk job. Her departure from FBI left the door open for a potential return, as audiences saw in Season 8, and she eventually made the move to FBI: Most Wanted, joining the series as a regular and filling an opening on the Fugitive Task Force.

Fast-forward to Season 9, and FBI is already off to an explosive start. After a young traveler is found shot dead in a state park, the team uncovers a much larger mystery: she had witnessed the execution of someone connected to a top-secret, government-sponsored project. Meanwhile, Maggie struggles to find her footing with her new partner, Isaiah Green (Roland Buck III), while OA adjusts to a new role within the team. The series also stars Jeremy Sisto, Alana De La Garza, and Juliana Aidén Martinez.

“Posterity” will air Monday, Nov. 16, on CBS before becoming available to stream on Paramount+ the following day, Nov. 17. The episode was written by Jake Tinker and directed by Milena Govich.