Big news has been revealed about the upcoming 1000th episode of the NCIS franchise.
Per TVLine, it has been revealed that the special episode will include at least one main character from both NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawai’i. Daniela Ruah is set to reprise her role as Special Agent Kensi Blye-Deeks, returning to the franchise after starring in 14 seasons of the hit spinoff show NCIS: Los Angeles. Also on board for the special is Vanessa Lachey, who currently leads the cast of the spinoff NCIS: Hawai’i as Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant. However, there is a catch, as neither Kensi nor Jane will appear “in person” with the NCIS characters. The appearances are still teased as “quite fun,” though it’s not clear how exactly they will be featured. The episode will premiere on April 15 on CBS.
While this marks a return to the franchise for Kensi, Ruah has stayed involved with NCIS. She directed the episode of NCIS that aired on March 4, and she also helmed an NCIS: Hawai’i episode that will debut on April 15 — directly after the 1000th episode special. On possibly returning to the role, Ruah recently teased to TVLine, “If I get asked, I will certainly figure it out at the time. If it makes sense, why not, right?
As for Lachey, she has previously appeared in NCIS crossover specials. Jane was featured in two separate crossovers in 2022, which was followed by the three-show crossover event nearly 2023 that wrapped up NCIS: Los Angeles.
It has also been revealed that another character will return for the 1000th episode, but not with the same actor in the role. The episode will include an appearance from Jared, the son of Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll). In previous episodes, the role was shared by Khamani Griffin and Akinsola Aribo. In the special, he’ll be played by Spence Moore II (Superman & Lois).
Joe Spano’s Tobias Fornell Will Join the Special Episode
Meanwhile, it was unveiled in a recent set photo that Joe Spano will be returning as fan favorite character Tobias Fornell. As for whether Mark Harmon will make an appearance as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, that remains unknown at this time. He was notably absent in the David McCallum tribute episode, and the show’s producers later explained that this was because they’re saving a potential return for Gibbs for when the time is right with something much bigger than a brief cameo.
