‘NCIS: LA’: See the Cast in Their First & Last Seasons (PHOTOS)

NCIS: Los Angeles has been a fan-favorite for over a decade, and as the show nears its end, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how the cast has evolved over the years. From their early days as fresh faces on the screen to the seasoned and beloved characters they’ve become, the transformation is remarkable. In this article, we’re taking a closer look at how the NCIS: LA cast has changed from their first season to their last – and you can see the photos that showcase their journey.

The Beginning of NCIS: LA – First Season Photos

When NCIS: Los Angeles debuted in 2009, it introduced viewers to a new team of agents tackling high-stakes cases in one of the most glamorous cities in the world. But behind the action-packed crime-solving was a group of talented actors who quickly became household names.

The Core Cast in Season 1

At the start of NCIS: LA, viewers were introduced to the central characters who would become the backbone of the series:

• G Callen (Chris O’Donnell) – As the mysterious and resourceful Special Agent, Callen was the leader of the team, and his charisma was immediate.
• Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) – A former Navy SEAL turned NCIS agent, Sam brought a mix of tough action skills and personal warmth to the show.
• Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) – As a sharp, talented agent, Kensi quickly became a fan favorite for her tough persona and emotional depth.
• Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) – Deeks’ quick wit and laid-back attitude made him an instant hit, and his relationship with Kensi evolved over the years.
• Nell Jones (Renee Felice Smith) – Nell was introduced later in Season 1, but her tech-savvy skills and quirky personality made her a perfect fit for the team.

Their early days on the show were full of exploration, with the actors gradually settling into their roles and forming the tight-knit bond that NCIS: LA fans would come to love.

How the Cast Evolved Over the Seasons

From season to season, the cast of NCIS: Los Angeles grew both personally and professionally. The characters went through a lot of changes—some more dramatic than others—each one reflective of the actors’ growth as performers.

Chris O’Donnell as Callen

Chris O’Donnell’s role as the enigmatic G. Callen was one of the most central arcs of the show. In the first season, Callen was a character shrouded in mystery, with much of his past left unknown. Over the years, the character became more grounded and introspective, and the actor’s portrayal matured alongside his character.

LL Cool J as Sam Hanna

LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna was an essential part of the team, blending military expertise with a deep emotional connection to his colleagues. In the first season, Sam’s backstory was still being developed, but his relationship with Callen was immediately apparent. By the series finale, Sam had become a seasoned veteran, showing how much the character—and LL Cool J’s performance—had evolved.

Daniela Ruah as Kensi Blye

Kensi Blye’s journey from rookie agent to experienced NCIS operative was one of the most compelling arcs on the show. Daniela Ruah’s portrayal of Kensi was one of the key reasons for the character’s popularity. Over the seasons, Kensi faced her share of professional and personal challenges, and fans loved watching her character grow, especially in her evolving relationship with Deeks.

Eric Christian Olsen as Marty Deeks

Eric Christian Olsen brought Marty Deeks to life with a perfect mix of humor and vulnerability. His growth as an agent and his evolving romance with Kensi became central to NCIS: LA’s storyline. The contrast between his early days on the team, where he was more of a jokester, and his later role as a deeply committed partner and father-to-be, was striking.

The Final Season – How the Cast Has Changed

As the final season of NCIS: Los Angeles aired, the cast looked drastically different from the young, fresh agents of season one. But their transformation wasn’t just physical; their characters had grown and evolved over 14 seasons, each actor bringing more depth to their portrayal.

The Maturity of the Characters

By the end of the series, the NCIS: LA team had become a well-oiled machine, with Callen, Sam, Kensi, Deeks, and Nell all playing integral roles in the team’s success. While the action sequences remained a highlight, it was the personal stories—the family bonds, the emotional growth—that defined the series’ final moments.

Family and Legacy in the Final Moments

In the final season, characters like Kensi and Deeks took on new roles as parents, while Callen and Sam reflected on their legacies and future. The show’s shift toward family-oriented narratives, as well as its focus on the bonds that had formed over the years, marked the show’s maturation and resonated deeply with long-time fans.

See the Transformation: First & Last Season Photos of the Cast

Nothing shows the transformation of the NCIS: LA cast better than a side-by-side comparison of their first and last season photos. From the youthful energy of the first season to the seasoned and experienced team in the final episodes, it’s clear that the cast members have grown just as much as their characters.

G. Callen – Chris O’Donnell

In his first season, Chris O’Donnell’s portrayal of Callen was one of mystery and determination. Fast-forward to the final season, and Callen has become more vulnerable and introspective, with a strong sense of family. His evolution reflects not only the changes in his character’s backstory but also Chris O’Donnell’s own growth as an actor.

Sam Hanna – LL Cool J

LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna started off as a tough, no-nonsense SEAL, but over time, his character softened and became more emotionally engaged with his team. His growth from the first to last season is visible not only in his performance but also in his physical transformation, showing the wear and tear of years of high-stakes missions.

Kensi Blye – Daniela Ruah

Daniela Ruah’s Kensi started off as a young, tough agent, but by the final season, she had become a seasoned, mature operative and a mother-to-be. Ruah’s personal evolution mirrored that of her character, and her emotional range was on full display in the final episodes.

Marty Deeks – Eric Christian Olsen

Eric Christian Olsen’s Deeks brought much-needed humor to the show, and his character’s journey from laid-back detective to a more serious and responsible partner was one of the most compelling arcs. In the final season, Deeks had evolved into a loving husband and father, showing how far he had come from his first days on the job.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Growth and Change

The cast of NCIS: Los Angeles has undergone significant transformations over the years, both in terms of character development and personal growth. As the show concludes, it’s clear that the actors, along with their beloved characters, have left an indelible mark on fans. The first and last season photos highlight the journey they’ve all taken together, from rookies to seasoned agents. Fans will forever remember the iconic moments, relationships, and evolution of the NCIS: LA team.

FAQs

1. How have the characters of NCIS: L.A. evolved over the seasons? The characters have grown emotionally and personally, with deepened relationships, professional expertise, and family bonds, especially in the final season.

2. What changes were seen in Kensi and Deeks over the seasons? Kensi and Deeks’ relationship evolved from colleagues to partners, eventually culminating in their journey to parenthood, showcasing their growth as individuals and a couple.

3. Why is the final season of NCIS: L.A. so emotional for fans? The final season brings closure to long-running character arcs, focusing on family, legacy, and the deep connections within the team.

4. How has Chris O’Donnell’s portrayal of Callen changed over the years? Chris O’Donnell’s portrayal of Callen evolved from a mysterious, somewhat solitary character to a more emotionally grounded and introspective leader, especially in the final season.

5. What impact did the series finale have on fans? The series finale gave fans the emotional closure they had hoped for, especially with personal moments for beloved characters like Kensi and Deeks, highlighting their growth and transformation.