When NCIS: Los Angeles was canceled, there were many things Eric Christian Olsen could do. But after thirteen seasons playing the character of Marty Deeks as a series regular, it should perhaps come as no surprise that Olsen chose something very, very different. But what’s Eric Christian Olsen doing next after NCIS: Los Angeles’ cancellation?
What’s Eric Christian Olsen Doing Next After NCIS: Los Angeles’ Cancellation
The multifaceted Olsen always had many avenues to pursue. Olsen, who starred as Marty Deeks for 13 seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles, also wrote two episodes of the show during his time on the long-running procedural. While he was on NCIS: Los Angeles he also served as Executive Producer on the Hulu comedy Woke. So, the fact that his first role post-NCIS: Los Angeles cancellation has him still on CBS and fully behind the cameras should not come as a surprise to anyone.
During the Matlock panel at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, Olsen discussed his new role as EP on Matlock, saying: “I’ve had so many experiences working for CBS for 13 years and I did think that this was an incredible opportunity, and platform to find stories that I was really passionate about and then help build them from the ground up.”
“I think the ability to pivot and help tell stories that I’m proud of from a producing standpoint and solving complex problems with communication and grace and empathy, what a wonderful opportunity I was given from our studio partners and the network, so I had to help produce it,” Olsen added.
Inspired by the classic television series, Matlock, which stars Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, sees her character return to the workforce at a prestigious law firm and use her unassuming demeanor to win cases and expose corruption from within.
Olsen hasn’t ruled out a return to acting, telling Parade that he’s gotten to stand in for missing actors at table reads and he’s had a lot of fun doing that.
“Every time there’s a horrible lawyer, a mean lawyer, they’re like, ‘Eric, will you read this?’ So, it’s just me playing terrible lawyers. I think there’s an opportunity for a big villain role sometime in the future.”
And he also didn’t discount the possibility of an NCIS: Los Angeles reunion in the future, at least a behind-the-scenes one. When asked by Parade if there was a chance of bringing Daniela Ruah, who played his on-screen wife, Kensi Blye, and is married to his real-life brother, in as a director on Matlock, Olsen had a clear answer.
“I’m sure at some point that we will,” he said. “The first season’s always really difficult and she was doing the mothership [NCIS] and NCIS: Hawaii. So, with success, I think there’ll be lots of opportunities to have Dani come in and direct.
