Fans of NCIS: Los Angeles hoping to see Special Agent Marty Deeks make a return in the NCIS franchise will be disappointed by recent comments from Eric Christian Olsen. The actor, who portrayed Deeks across all 14 seasons of the popular CBS series, has made it clear that he has no desire to return to his breakout role. Speaking to TVLine at a press event for his new series Matlock—a CBS drama where Olsen not only stars but also serves as an executive producer—the actor explained his decision not to reprise Deeks. Olsen acknowledged that he misses the NCIS: LA family, mentioning that he regularly keeps in touch with former co-stars, including texting with Renée Felice Smith and spending time with Daniela Ruah. However, he emphasized that while he cherishes the bonds he formed during his time on the show, he is not eager to return to playing Deeks.
Instead, Olsen appears to have found new passion and fulfillment in his work on Matlock, a role that allows him to explore fresh creative territory. He explained that as an executive producer on the show, he is involved in shaping meaningful and entertaining scenes that range from dramatic to humorous. Olsen expressed his satisfaction in the work, highlighting how the show gives him an opportunity to engage with stories that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. It’s clear that Matlock represents a new direction for Olsen, allowing him to channel his talents into a different aspect of the entertainment industry.
While Olsen is stepping away from NCIS: LA for now, his decision comes as the NCIS universe continues to evolve. The franchise, which has been a mainstay on CBS for over a decade, has already seen multiple spin-offs, and while Olsen won’t be returning to his iconic role, there are still plenty of familiar faces making waves within the broader NCIS world. Notably, Mark Harmon, who portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the original NCIS series, is set to make his return, albeit not on the flagship show. Harmon will appear in the upcoming prequel NCIS: Origins, which will explore Gibbs’ early career as a special agent and offer a glimpse into his formative years at the Naval Investigative Service. In addition to his on-screen appearance, Harmon will narrate the series and serve as an executive producer, further solidifying his continued influence within the franchise.
As NCIS continues to evolve with new projects and storylines, Olsen’s decision to step away from his role as Marty Deeks marks the end of one chapter while signaling the beginning of another for both him and the broader NCIS universe. Fans may be disappointed that Olsen is no longer pursuing a return to his iconic role, but they can look forward to seeing him in new creative projects that allow him to explore different facets of storytelling and entertainment
