NCIS Legend’s Record Shattered? New Star Set to Pass David McCallum’s 459 Episodes!

NCIS Veteran Sean Murray Set to Break Series Record

After more than two decades on the air, NCIS continues to evolve, but one longtime cast member is on the brink of making franchise history. Sean Murray, who plays Special Agent Timothy McGee, is poised to become the most-featured character in the show’s history.

For years, that distinction belonged to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, portrayed by the late David McCallum, who appeared in 459 episodes before his character’s peaceful farewell in Season 21. Now, Murray is closing in on that milestone.

Having joined NCIS in Season 1 and becoming a series regular in Season 2, McGee has grown from a green, tech-savvy agent into a central figure on the team. Over the years, he’s worked under several leaders, including the legendary Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), and earned a devoted fan following through his steady evolution.

Murray has now appeared in 452 episodes, surpassing Harmon’s total of 435. With his return confirmed for Season 22, he is all but certain to overtake McCallum’s record and become NCIS’s most-featured character—a testament to both McGee’s enduring popularity and Murray’s lasting impact on the franchise.

Would you like a full timeline of McGee’s key moments in the series?