NCIS: Los Angeles had quite the memorable season 10. Honestly, we’re not even convinced they can top Hetty’s triumphant return, Deeks and Kensi’s wedding, and the JAG reunion, all which occurred in 2019 alone. But knowing the NCIS franchise, the showrunners will do their best to outdo themselves once again when season 11 debuts this fall. (Hopefully the premiere won’t be as dramatic as that Mexico episode…)
Rumors are always circulating about cast exits, and this year viewers were worried that Eric Christian Olsen, Renee Felice Smith, and Barrett Foa weren’t planning to return to the CBS series. Currently, none of the above actors have announced they’re leaving the show, so we can rest easy—at least, for now. Here’s a run-down of the stars of NCIS: Los Angeles, who are believed to be coming back this September.
Linda Hunt as Hetty Lange
Michael YarishLinda had a rough year after her involvement in a scary car accident. She went on hiatus from NCIS: LA and her character, Hetty, while she recovered, and finally made a comeback when #Densi got married. It’s unclear if operations manager Hetty will be back full time in season 11, but we can definitely hope.
Chris O’Donnell as G. Callen
CBSChris has played Callen since the show kicked off in 2009. Callen is a senior member of the team, but his personal life plays almost as important a role as his professional one. Callen’s recently been battling many challenges relating to his two ex-girlfriends, and his family. Outside of NCIS, Chris has starred in shows like The Company, Grey’s Anatomy, as well as films like The Three Musketeers, and Batman & Robin.
LL Cool J as Sam Hanna
CBSHanna is a former Navy SEAL, as well as Callen’s partner and good friend. Hanna can always be counted on to take the risks necessary to solve a case, or save a co-worker. LL rose to fame first as a rapper, with hits like “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “I Need Love.” His acting career took off with the thriller, Deep Blue Sea, which he followed up with Charlie’s Angels, Mindhunters, and a Halloween sequel.
Eric Christian Olsen as Marty Deeks
CBSThe show’s go-to funny man Deeks always seems to keep his teammates, and the audience, laughing. But don’t let his nice-guy persona fool you: Deeks is a seriously talented LAPD liaison, and in real-life, Eric doesn’t take any nonsense from haters, either.
Daniela Ruah as Kensi Blye
CBSKensi had quite the year, as she and her now-husband Deeks, finally tied the knot after many dramatic ups and downs. Off the small screen, Kensi loves to spend time with her husband, David Paul Olsen, their two kids, and their extended family, which includes her brother-in-law and co-star Eric and his wife Sarah.
Barrett Foa as Eric Beale
CBSBarrett plays tech operator Eric, who was thinking about moving to San Francisco with Nell in season 10. The finale didn’t do much to clear up concerns that the characters were leaving for good, so we’ll have to see if they followed through with their plans later this year. Barrett has yet to give any clues on social media, so we’ll just stay glued to our seats until we hear more.
Renée Felice Smith as Nell Jones
CBSThe NCIS intelligence analyst is one of the most beloved characters on the show, but she’s dealing with a personal crisis. Last we saw, Nell had rushed off to be by her ailing mother’s side, and fans aren’t sure if she and Eric will ever return. Renée’s real life is a tidge less dramatic—she likes to spend time and travel with her boyfriend, Chris Gabriel.
