Following the emotional series finale of NCIS: Los Angeles in May 2023, which marked the end of a 14-season run, Daniela Ruah is keeping her connection to the NCIS universe alive, albeit in a new role behind the camera. As many fans will recall, Ruah portrayed the strong and beloved Kensi Blye, whose journey on NCIS: LA concluded with a poignant moment — discovering that she and her husband Deeks (played by Eric Christian Olsen) were expecting a child. The show also wrapped with another significant life milestone, as Callen (Chris O’Donnell) married his long-time love, Anna (Bar Paly), in an impromptu, heartwarming city hall wedding. While NCIS: LA may be over, Ruah’s commitment to the NCIS franchise continues to thrive. This time, however, she steps into the director’s chair, taking on a new creative challenge after previously making her directorial debut during NCIS: LA’s twelfth season.
In a return that has been long anticipated by her fans, Ruah is directing two highly anticipated episodes set within the NCIS universe: one for the flagship series NCIS, which is scheduled to air in March 2024, and another for NCIS: Hawai’i, which will air in April 2024. Reflecting on the opportunity to once again work within the NCIS family, Ruah shared her deep appreciation for the experience. “Kensi was born as a character on NCIS 15 years ago,” she said, “so now to be able to step onto that set again, as a director, with that incredible cast and crew, is an absolute honor.” Ruah went on to express how special it is to reunite with so many familiar faces, many of whom she considers close friends, emphasizing that their warm welcome made her feel as if she were “coming home.” It’s a sentiment that speaks volumes about the connections she has formed over her years working on the series.
Ruah’s directorial journey is not just a one-off. Her experience behind the camera first began in season 12 of NCIS: LA, where she directed her debut episode. Since then, she has continued to hone her craft, and this new opportunity to direct two more episodes within the NCIS world highlights her growing versatility as both an actress and director. Her return to the set for NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i signifies not just a professional milestone, but a personal one as well. It bridges the gap between her long-running tenure on NCIS: LA and her future within the larger NCIS universe. As fans of the show continue to treasure the final moments of NCIS: LA, with its tender farewell to Kensi, Deeks, Callen, and Anna, Ruah’s return behind the scenes brings fresh excitement and anticipation for future episodes, continuing her legacy within this iconic franchise.
The legacy of NCIS: LA, which tied as the fifth-longest-running CBS primetime scripted series, is far from over. The end of the series doesn’t signal the end of its influence, as evidenced by Ruah’s involvement in the franchise’s next chapter. With NCIS: Hawai’i growing in popularity and NCIS continuing to be a fixture on primetime television, Ruah’s continued work within this universe serves as a testament to her enduring connection to the NCIS family and her ongoing role in its future.
