After bidding farewell to NCIS: Los Angeles in May 2023, Daniela Ruah, who portrayed the beloved Kensi Blye, is making a triumphant return to the NCIS universe — not in front of the camera, but behind it. The talented actress-turned-director is set to helm two highly anticipated episodes within the franchise: one for the flagship NCIS, which will air in March 2024, and another for NCIS: Hawai’i, scheduled to air the following month in April 2024. This return is a deeply personal and professional milestone for Ruah, who shared her excitement on Instagram with a picture of herself in a director’s chair on the NCIS set. The accompanying caption read, “Back in the @ncisverse learning, creating and feeling blissful…” which resonated with fans and generated a wave of enthusiasm online.
The reaction from her followers was immediate and overwhelmingly positive, with one fan commenting, “You and LL Cool J are the only reason I will be watching. CBS shouldn’t have cancelled LA. Someone suggested Deeks and Kensi going on a baby moon to Hawaii and getting pulled into a case. Someone needs to write that!” This playful fan suggestion highlights the lasting love for Ruah’s character, Kensi, and her partnership with Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) on NCIS: LA. Another fan chimed in, expressing their happiness for Ruah’s directing career but also wishing to see her in front of the camera again, saying, “Happy for you but you need to be in front of the camera as well.” This sentiment was echoed by many others who are hoping to see Ruah guest star on NCIS: Hawai’i as well as direct for the show.
Ruah’s directorial debut occurred during NCIS: LA’s twelfth season, and she quickly established herself as a skilled director, helming a total of six episodes before the show’s conclusion after its 14-season run. This new chapter in her career has earned her widespread admiration not only for her acting but also for her creative vision behind the scenes. Reflecting on her return to the NCIS world, Ruah told Deadline, “Kensi was born as a character on NCIS 15 years ago, so now to be able to step onto that set again, as a director, with that incredible cast and crew, is an absolute honor.” She went on to express how meaningful it is to reconnect with the many familiar faces she has worked with over the years, adding that the warm welcome she received made her feel as if she were “coming home.”
Both NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i are set to return with new episodes on CBS starting February 12, 2024, marking a milestone for the flagship series as it enters its 21st season, while Hawai’i heads into its third. With Ruah’s involvement in the NCIS universe continuing to grow, fans are eagerly awaiting the two episodes she will direct, anticipating a fresh creative influence and the return of the talent they’ve loved for years. Whether behind the camera or in front of it, Daniela Ruah remains a cherished part of the NCIS family, and her return to the franchise continues to excite her loyal fanbase.
