Fans of the NCIS franchise might need to adjust their expectations regarding the return of Special Agent Marty Deeks. Eric Christian Olsen, who played Deeks for all 14 seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles, has made it clear that he has no desire to reprise his role in any upcoming NCIS series.
In a recent interview with TVLine during a press event for the new CBS series Matlock, on which Olsen serves as an executive producer, he shared his sentiments about the franchise. While he expressed affection for his former co-stars, including LL Cool J and Renée Felice Smith, he stated, “I find myself ‘not so much’ wanting to play Deeks again.” Instead, Olsen seems content focusing on Matlock, where he appreciates the opportunity to engage with compelling dramatic and comedic scenes.
NCIS: Los Angeles, which premiered in September 2009, was the first spinoff in the NCIS franchise, showcasing the efforts of Special Agents Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) and Grisha Callen (Chris O’Donnell) as they tackle military-related crimes. The series concluded in May 2023, having established itself as a strong performer for CBS, becoming the second longest-running show in the franchise after the original NCIS.
While Olsen won’t be returning to the NCIS universe, fans can look forward to the return of another beloved character. Mark Harmon, who portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs, is set to make his first onscreen appearance in three years—not on NCIS, but in the upcoming prequel series NCIS: Origins. This series will delve into Gibbs’ early career as a special agent, showcasing his formative experiences with a team led by the legendary Mike Franks.
As the NCIS franchise continues to evolve, showrunner Steven D. Binder hinted at intriguing storylines for the upcoming seasons, including a unique episode exploring the challenges faced by former espionage experts in retirement homes. With such developments on the horizon, fans of the NCIS universe will have plenty to look forward to, even without Deeks
