As the beloved CBS franchise gears up for its 22nd season, Eric Christian Olsen, who famously portrayed Marty Deeks on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” has addressed the possibility of reprising his role. The LA spinoff, which concluded after a remarkable 14-season run and over 300 episodes, ended primarily due to the high costs associated with maintaining such a long-running series. Despite the show’s conclusion, fans have been eager to see some of its key cast members reappear in the broader NCIS universe.
In a recent conversation with TVLine, Olsen reflected on his time with the franchise and the connections he still maintains with co-stars like LL Cool J, Renee Felice Smith, and his sister-in-law Daniela Ruah. While he expressed a nostalgic longing for his former colleagues—jokingly contemplating his own role in the new “Matlock” reboot featuring Kathy Bates—he candidly stated that he isn’t particularly eager to step back into Deeks’ shoes at this moment. “I actively miss Todd, and I was texting with Renee this morning, and I see Daniela all the time… but when it comes to playing Deeks again, I’m not so much interested,” he said.
Olsen’s comments come during a transformative time for the NCIS franchise. Following the cancellation of “NCIS: Hawai’i,” where LL Cool J reprised his role as Sam Hanna, and with other spin-offs like “NCIS: Origins” set to debut, the franchise is navigating a period of change. While Ruah has made her return by directing episodes, the urgency for characters like Deeks and Kensi to return seems less pressing, although Olsen reassured fans that the characters are not gone for good—they may just need a bit more time before making a comeback.
The series finale of “NCIS: Los Angeles” wrapped up the characters’ arcs satisfactorily, with personal developments that left fans feeling hopeful. Deeks and Kensi, who are expecting a child, along with the rest of the team, were depicted moving forward in their lives, hinting at a bright future for them even if viewers won’t get to witness it right away. Given the rich storylines and emotional journeys established throughout the series, there’s potential for a future reunion to check in on how Deeks and Kensi are adjusting to impending parenthood, something fans would undoubtedly welcome.
As NCIS continues to expand its universe, the possibility remains that Olsen’s Marty Deeks could one day rejoin the fold, making it a scenario worth keeping an eye on as new seasons unfold.
