For over a decade, NCIS: Los Angeles was a staple of action-packed crime television, with its thrilling cases, dynamic characters, and heart-pounding undercover missions. When the show ended in 2023, many fans held onto hope that it might return in some form—perhaps as a revival series, a limited spinoff, or even a crossover event within the larger NCIS universe.
However, that hope has been all but crushed following a recent update from Chris O’Donnell, the beloved actor who portrayed Special Agent G. Callen. His latest career move suggests that his focus is now far removed from NCIS: Los Angeles, making a revival increasingly unlikely.
Chris O’Donnell’s New Career Path
Chris O’Donnell has officially announced his involvement in a major new project—and unfortunately for NCIS: LA fans, it has nothing to do with the show. Instead, he is shifting his attention toward producing and directing, a move that signals he is ready to leave Callen behind and explore new creative avenues.
O’Donnell’s decision is understandable. After spending 14 seasons as the lead of NCIS: LA, it makes sense that he would want to challenge himself with new opportunities. Reports indicate that he is working on projects that extend beyond television dramas, including potential film ventures and behind-the-scenes roles in the industry.
What This Means for NCIS: Los Angeles Fans
For those holding out hope for a NCIS: LA revival, this news is a significant blow. While some cast members, such as LL Cool J, have remained loosely connected to the NCIS universe—most notably through his guest appearance on NCIS: Hawai’i—Chris O’Donnell’s pivot away from acting in the franchise suggests that if a revival were to happen, it would likely be without him.
And let’s be honest: NCIS: Los Angeles without Callen wouldn’t feel the same. His dynamic with Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) was one of the core strengths of the show, and it’s difficult to imagine a continuation without his involvement.
Could an NCIS: LA Revival Still Happen?
While O’Donnell’s update makes an immediate revival unlikely, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. CBS has shown a willingness to revisit past franchises, and the success of NCIS: Sydney proves that audiences are still hungry for more stories in the NCIS universe*.
A potential NCIS: LA revival could take a different form—perhaps as a spinoff focusing on a new generation of agents, or a limited event series with returning cast members in guest roles. However, without Chris O’Donnell’s involvement, the chances of a true continuation of the original show seem slimmer than ever.
Final Thoughts
Chris O’Donnell’s latest career move is an exciting step for him as an artist, but for fans of NCIS: Los Angeles, it’s a bittersweet moment. While we want to support him in his new endeavors, it’s hard not to feel a little disappointed knowing that a revival is now even more of a long shot.
For now, it seems like we’ll have to cherish the 14 seasons we got—because the days of G. Callen leading the OSP team may truly be over.
