Category: NCIS

What Happened to Hetty on NCIS: Los Angeles? Why Linda Hunt’s Absence Still Has Fans Talking

An era has officially ended. NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped its 14-season run in May 2023, closing the chapter on the franchise’s first spin-off. But for longtime fans, one burning question still lingers: What happened to Hetty?

Linda Hunt’s iconic character, Henrietta “Hetty” Lange, has been a cornerstone of NCIS: LA since the very first episode in 2009. Mysterious, witty, and endlessly resourceful, Hetty wasn’t just the Operations Manager—she was the heart and soul of the team.

But as the show marched toward its finale, Hetty’s presence faded. Here’s everything we know about her reduced role, her fate, and why she didn’t appear in the final episode.

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A Gradual Goodbye: Why Hetty Was Missing More and More

Linda Hunt began stepping back from the series around Season 10, largely due to personal circumstances and health concerns. In July 2018, she was involved in a car accident and needed extended time to recover. Fans were hopeful for a quick return, but Hunt later shared that her recovery took longer than expected.

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, producers took extra precautions to protect Hunt, who was in her 70s at the time. Showrunner Scott Gemmill confirmed that her appearances were limited to keep her safe:

“Linda was away a lot more this season because of COVID… but once she was fully vaccinated, she came back for the finale [in Season 12],” he told TV Line.

Writers wove Hetty’s absences into the storyline, often sending her off on mysterious missions abroad. One long-running arc had Hetty operating out of Syria, while others hinted at classified side projects only she could handle.

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Season 13 & Beyond: A Voice, But No Appearance

While fans hoped for a stronger return in Season 13, Hetty appeared only once—in the season premiere, “Subject 17.” That marked her final on-screen appearance before the series concluded.

Her voice, however, made a surprise cameo in the NCIS universe crossover event in January 2023. In true Hetty fashion, she sent a cryptic encrypted message to Callen and Sam, proving she was still pulling strings behind the scenes.

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Did Hetty Die in the Finale?

No—Hetty is still alive. Though she didn’t physically appear in the NCIS: LA finale, the writers made sure her spirit was felt.

After Callen and Anna’s wedding, a courier delivered an envelope sealed with Hetty’s initials. Inside was a heartfelt letter congratulating the couple and reminding Callen of the “family” they’d built together at NCIS. The letter also included a gift: a honeymoon in Mykonos and a secret side mission invitation.

Hetty’s final message:

“Most people think I never had a family of my own, but I beg to differ… I’ve been blessed with the greatest family one could ever have wished for… and so have you.”

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Why Hetty Wasn’t in the Final Episode

The reason for Hetty’s absence was simple: Linda Hunt wasn’t available.
Showrunner Scott Gemmill revealed to TV Insider in May 2023:

“If Linda had been available, the finale might’ve been a rescue mission for Hetty. But given the circumstances, we honored her in the way we could.”

In an interview with TV Line, he added:

“Her relationship with Callen has always been like a mother-son bond, so we knew she had to be part of the ending somehow. Even if just in spirit.”

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What’s Next for Hetty?

While NCIS: Los Angeles has ended, the door is technically still open for Hetty. She’s alive, working on a secret side project, and—true to form—still one step ahead. Whether she resurfaces in another NCIS series or simply lives out her days off the grid, one thing’s for sure:

Hetty Lange is never truly gone.

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NCIS’s Leading Ladies: Why Fans Still Can’t Agree on the Show’s Most Iconic Woman

For over 20 years, NCIS hasn’t just solved crimes—it’s built a legacy of unforgettable female powerhouses. From forensic goths to elite agents, the women of NCIS didn’t just support the story—they were the story. But ask any fan who the most iconic female character is, and you’re guaranteed a fiery debate.

Abby Sciuto: The Fan-Favorite Forensic Queen

With pigtails, lab coats, and a heart of gold, Pauley Perrette’s Abby Sciuto was unlike anything on TV. Her quirky charm and unbreakable bond with Gibbs made her the emotional center of the team. For many, Abby didn’t just leave the show—she took a piece of it with her.

Ziva David: The Warrior Who Left a Mark

Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David redefined badass. A deadly Mossad agent with a mysterious past, Ziva brought danger, depth, and unforgettable chemistry with Tony DiNozzo. Her internal struggles and explosive story arcs made her a fan obsession—and her brief return only poured fuel on the fire.

Ellie Bishop: The Underdog Who Rose

Stepping in after Ziva was no easy task, but Emily Wickersham’s Ellie Bishop carved her own path. Soft-spoken but sharp, Bishop’s evolution from outsider to elite agent won over skeptics and proved that strength doesn’t always shout—it endures.

Caitlin Todd: Gone Too Soon, Never Forgotten

Sasha Alexander’s Caitlin “Kate” Todd was only with us for two seasons—but her death was one of NCIS’s most shocking moments. Her intelligence, sarcasm, and quiet leadership left a blueprint for every female lead that followed. Her legacy still echoes.

Why Fans Just Can’t Choose

Every woman brought something unforgettable:
– Abby’s heart
– Ziva’s fire
– Bishop’s resilience
– Kate’s lasting impact

And that’s why the debate never ends. Each one defined an era of NCIS—and without them, the show wouldn’t be the global juggernaut it is today.

So… who’s your favorite?

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Once a fan favorite, NCIS has taken a steep dive in the ratings — and could even face cancellation. Now, reports claim original star Mark Harmon is plotting a major return to give the show a much-needed boost. But after all these years, some wonder: is it worth it?

The naval crime drama, which first hit screens in 2003, dominated TV for years — especially during its peak run from 2009 to 2014, when it was the top-rated scripted series for five straight seasons. In 2012–2013, it even outperformed American Idol and NBC Sunday Night Football.

But without beloved original cast members like quirky Pauley Perrette, Michael Weatherly, and Harmon’s own Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the series has been struggling. Many fans feel the replacements are stuck in a tired formula, and the magic just isn’t there anymore.

These days, NCIS doesn’t even crack the top 10. In a last-ditch effort to revive interest, producers have moved it from Mondays at 9 p.m. to Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

For Harmon, letting go isn’t easy. Before NCIS, the former UCLA football star had a modest Hollywood career — dabbling in romantic comedies and landing a notable role alongside Sean Connery and Meg Ryan in 1988’s The Presidio. But it was NCIS that turned him into a household name — and he may be ready to step back in to save it once again.

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Tony & Ziva’s Return Could Spark the Biggest NCIS Crossover in Franchise History

For years, NCIS fans have hoped for the day Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David would reunite on-screen—and that long-awaited moment is finally here. But this isn’t just a nostalgic cameo. Their return could be the launchpad for something far bigger: a franchise-wide crossover that brings the entire NCIS universe together like never before.

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Where We Last Saw Tony & Ziva

Ziva’s Shocking Comeback – Season 17
After being presumed dead, Ziva made a dramatic return, revealing she’d been undercover—separated from her daughter, Tali—to keep her safe.

Tony’s Off-Screen Reunion
Though fans never witnessed it, the show confirmed Tony and Ziva eventually reunited in Paris and have been living quietly as a family with Tali.

…Until Now.

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Why Their Return Matters

Tony and Ziva’s reappearance isn’t just emotional fan service—it’s a strategic move that could:

• Reunite old fan-favorite characters
• Introduce new, high-stakes threats
• Set the stage for a massive NCIS crossover
• Expand the franchise with interconnected storylines

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All Signs Point to a Massive Crossover

1. The Timing Is Spot-On

• NCIS just celebrated its 1,000th episode
• New spinoffs like NCIS: Origins and the upcoming Tony & Ziva European series are in the works
• Unified storytelling is dominating TV—CBS has the perfect opportunity to follow suit

2. The Universe Is Already Intertwined

Characters regularly move between:

• NCIS (D.C.)
• NCIS: Hawai’i
• NCIS: Sydney
• NCIS: LA (before cancellation)

A multi-show storyline is the logical next step.

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The Tiva Spinoff: The Catalyst

The upcoming Paramount+ series starring Tony and Ziva—set in Europe—will show them raising Tali while solving international crimes. But this new show might do more than just tell their story.

What if the threat they’re facing is too big for just the two of them?

Imagine this:

• NCIS D.C.: Parker’s team uncovers an arms deal linked to Europe
• Tony & Ziva: Discover the heart of a global syndicate
• NCIS: Sydney: Tracks dangerous tech crossing the Pacific
• Former NCIS: LA agents: Come out of retirement to join the fight

One mission. Multiple teams. One epic storyline—spanning several episodes or a major TV event.

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Who Could Return?

Highly Likely:

• Gibbs: A powerful cameo or mentor moment
• McGee, Torres, Knight: Still active and central at HQ
• Sam Hanna: Already bridging NCIS series—perfect for a return
• Dr. Mallard (Ducky): A tribute or archival appearance if the event turns emotional

Long Shots (But Worth Dreaming):

• Abby Sciuto: A brief tech-support cameo or breakthrough moment
• Tony, Ziva & Abby on-screen together: The holy grail of NCIS reunions

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When Could It Happen?

Fall 2025 or Spring 2026
With the Tiva spinoff in development, a late 2025 event aligns perfectly. CBS and Paramount+ could build anticipation across each series with subtle setup episodes, eventually culminating in one explosive event.

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Cast & Creator Hints

Michael Weatherly (Tony) and Cote de Pablo (Ziva) have both teased that this is bigger than just them.

“It’s not just about the two of us,” Weatherly said.
“We’re part of something bigger,” de Pablo added.

Combine that with behind-the-scenes chatter, and it’s clear: something major is in the works.

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What Could Pull the Teams Together?

1. A Threat to Tali
A kidnapping or targeted attack could force Tony and Ziva to reach out for help—reuniting the team under urgent, emotional stakes.

2. A Global Crime Syndicate
Think NCIS meets Mission: Impossible—a shadowy organization with tendrils in every country, requiring global cooperation to take down.

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The Bottom Line:

Tony and Ziva’s return is just the beginning. If the stars align, the NCIS universe could be headed for its most ambitious and emotional storyline yet—one that unites beloved characters across continents, pays tribute to the past, and sets the stage for the franchise’s future.

NCIS Star Wilmer Valderrama Opens Up About Sleep Training, Parenting, and Strengthening His Relationship

NCIS actor Wilmer Valderrama is getting real about the challenges and rewards of parenting. In a candid interview with Parents.com, the 41-year-old opened up about his journey with sleep training his daughter, Nakano, and how it impacted both his fatherhood and relationship with fiancée Amanda Pacheco.

Valderrama admitted he initially struggled with the idea of teaching a newborn to self-soothe. “It was tough,” he shared. “You feel guilty not rushing to comfort them.” But over time, his perspective shifted. He now calls sleep training an “empowering” step—one that not only helped Nakano rest better but allowed him and Amanda to reconnect as a couple. “It lets you focus on your partner and stay connected,” he explained. “That’s so important in parenthood.”

The couple welcomed Nakano in February 2021. Amanda chose to breastfeed, and Valderrama made sure to be hands-on in every way—handling diaper changes, tracking feedings, and ensuring Amanda stayed hydrated and supported. “There’s always something you can do,” he said, stressing the importance of being a present, helpful partner.

Wilmer and Amanda’s love story began three years ago through mutual friends while she was considering a move to Miami—Valderrama’s hometown after immigrating from Venezuela as a child. A life-changing trip to Japan brought them even closer, and on January 1, 2020, just nine months after they started dating, he proposed. Though the pandemic delayed their wedding plans, the arrival of baby Nakano on February 15, 2021, marked a beautiful new chapter.

From actor to father, Valderrama’s journey is a powerful reminder that parenting is about teamwork, communication, and growth—both as individuals and as a couple.

NCIS Hit With Streaming Blow as Another Show Surges Ahead on Paramount+

Paramount+ just dropped its latest streaming rankings — and for fans of NCIS, it’s not great news. The long-running military procedural has been bumped down to the No. 3 spot on the streamer’s Top 10 TV Shows list in the U.S., marking the second time in a week it’s lost its usual place.

According to data from FlixPatrol, NCIS slipped behind The Chi, which made an impressive five-spot leap to claim the No. 2 position. NCIS previously held that rank steadily, with SpongeBob SquarePants traditionally close behind at No. 3. But now, both NCIS and SpongeBob have been pushed down a peg as The Chi surges in popularity — raising the question: could The Chi soon challenge Criminal Minds, the current No. 1?

First debuting in 2003 after a backdoor pilot on JAG, NCIS has built a massive following over its 22-season run. The series originally starred Mark Harmon as the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who led the Washington-based NCIS unit until his departure early in Season 19. Gary Cole stepped in as Alden Parker, leading a refreshed team that now includes Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Sean Murray, and Rocky Carroll.

Despite the dip in ranking, the NCIS franchise continues to expand. The original series, along with NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney, have all been renewed for the 2025-26 season. NCIS and Origins will return this fall, airing back-to-back on Thursdays, while Sydney awaits an official premiere date.

Meanwhile, fan excitement is growing for NCIS: Tony & Ziva, the spinoff reuniting Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo. Their long-awaited return as DiNozzo and Ziva is set for September 4 on Paramount+.

So while NCIS may have stumbled in the rankings this week, the franchise itself is far from slowing down.

NCIS Season 23 Promises a More Character-Driven Approach — Inspired by NCIS: Origins

Good news for fans who watch NCIS as much for the characters as for the crime-solving: Season 23 is shaping up to be one of the most personal yet.

Traditionally, NCIS has led with action, often placing character development in the background. But after more than two decades on air, the showrunners are shifting focus. Inspired in part by the emotional depth of its recent spin-off NCIS: Origins, the upcoming season will put its beloved characters front and center.

Speaking with TVLine, longtime showrunner Steven D. Binder teased what’s ahead:

“We really want to get to everybody in a big way. I know people always say, ‘I watch the show for the characters’ — that was always our thing — and I really want to make this a character-forward show in a way we haven’t seen before. So if you’re invested in these people, this is going to be the season for you.”

The franchise has already ventured deeper into character storytelling with NCIS: Origins, which premiered last year and explores the early years of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Played by Austin Stowell, this younger Gibbs offers fans a glimpse into the formative moments that helped shape the legendary agent made famous by Mark Harmon.

Though Origins has plenty of action and tension, its true focus is on relationships, identity, and the personal cost of duty—elements that clearly influenced the direction of NCIS Season 23.

Stowell recently opened up to Deadline about the challenge of portraying a character with such an iconic legacy.

“I was scared for so many reasons. First time doing a network show, first time playing a character already portrayed, and first time being number one on the call sheet,” he admitted.
“I like pressure. I want the ball in my hands at the bottom of the ninth. But at the end of the day, Gibbs will always be Mark Harmon’s character. I don’t think I’ll ever get fully comfortable with that.”

Though Harmon doesn’t appear on screen in Origins, he plays a vital role as both narrator and executive producer, maintaining the connection between the prequel and the flagship series.

NCIS: Origins is currently gearing up for its second season, while NCIS Season 23 is set to premiere this fall on CBS — and this time, expect more heart, more backstory, and more of what fans love most: the people behind the badges.

Liverpool & Portugal Mourn Tragic Loss of Diogo Jota, 28, and Brother André After Fatal Crash

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at 28 following a car crash in Cernadilla, Zamora, Spain. The accident, at about 12:30 a.m. local time, also claimed the life of his younger brother, André Silva (25), who played for Portuguese second‑division club Penafiel.

Spanish authorities say a burst tire during an overtaking maneuver caused the Lamborghini to leave the road and catch fire. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed the news on Thursday morning.

Jota had married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, just two weeks ago. The couple shared three young children.

“Apart from being a fantastic player with nearly 50 caps, Diogo was an extraordinary person whose joy was contagious,” the FPF said.

A Celebrated Career

• Portugal: 49 caps, UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025
• Liverpool (joined 2020): Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup champion; six goals and four assists in last season’s title‑winning campaign
• Club Journey: Paços de Ferreira → Atlético Madrid → Porto → Wolverhampton Wanderers → Liverpool

Liverpool FC said it was “devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota” and asked for privacy for the family.

Tributes From the Football World

• Cristiano Ronaldo: “It does not make sense… Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”
• Darwin Núñez: “There are no words of comfort for so much pain… I will always remember your smile.”
• Steven Gerrard: “RIP Diogo 💔 Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.”

The entire football community is united in grief at this unimaginable loss.

Inside the Real-Life Families of Your Favorite NCIS Stars

NCIS has been a fan-favorite for over 20 years, with its gripping storylines, unforgettable characters, and multiple spin-offs, including NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawai’i. While Mark Harmon once described the cast and crew as “one big family,” many fans are curious about the real families behind the actors who bring these characters to life.

Here’s a closer look at the partners, children, and off-screen lives of the stars from the NCIS universe:

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Vanessa Lachey (Jane Tennant, NCIS: Hawai’i)

Vanessa has led NCIS: Hawai’i since 2021. Off-screen, she’s married to singer Nick Lachey. The couple tied the knot in 2011 and have three children: Camden (10), Brooklyn (8), and Phoenix (6).

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Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs)

A Hollywood legacy, Harmon is the son of football star Tom Harmon and actress Elyse Knox. He’s been married to Mork & Mindy star Pam Dawber since 1987. They share two sons, Sean and Ty. Sean has even portrayed a young Gibbs in NCIS flashback episodes.

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Katrina Law (Jessica Knight)

Katrina joined NCIS in Season 18 and became a regular in Season 19. She’s married to actor Keith Andreen, whom she met in 2010 on the set of The Resistance. They welcomed their daughter, Kinley, in 2018.

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Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer)

Brian is known for keeping his personal life private. He and his wife Kelly have two children. In a rare 2022 post, Brian revealed their names: Clover and Satchel—engraved on his personalized golf wedges.

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Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo)

Michael left NCIS in 2016 to focus on family. He’s married to Bojana Jankovic, with whom he shares two children: Olivia (10) and Liam (9). He also has a son, August (27), from a previous marriage to actress Amelia Heinle.

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Sean Murray (Timothy McGee)

Sean has two children, Caitlyn and River, with his wife Carrie. Fun fact: Pretty Little Liars actress Troian Bellisario is his real-life stepsister—and played his sister on NCIS.

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Wilmer Valderrama (Nicholas Torres)

Wilmer got engaged to model Amanda Pacheco in 2020. The couple welcomed daughter Nakano Oceana in 2021. Her name honors both a meaningful trip to Japan and legendary female samurai Takeko Nakano.

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Emily Wickersham (Ellie Bishop)

Emily left NCIS in Season 18, but soon stepped into a new role—motherhood. She and partner James Badge Dale welcomed their son Cassius on December 30, 2021.

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Maria Bello (Jack Sloane)

Maria shares a 21-year-old son, Jackson, with ex Dan McDermott. She came out as gay in 2013 and is currently engaged to French chef Dominique Crenn. The couple went public in 2020 and got engaged in Paris.

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LL Cool J (Sam Hanna, NCIS: Los Angeles)

LL has been married to Simone I. Smith since 1995. They have four adult children: Najee (33), Italia (32), Samaria (27), and Nina (22). Nina is following in her dad’s footsteps with a budding music career.

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Daniela Ruah (Kensi Blye, NCIS: Los Angeles)

Daniela met husband David Olsen on the NCIS: LA set—he’s the stunt double (and real-life brother) of Eric Christian Olsen. The couple has two kids: River and Sierra.

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Chris O’Donnell (G. Callen, NCIS: Los Angeles)

Chris has been married to Caroline Fentress since 1997, and they have five children: Lily (23), Christopher (22), Charles (19), Finley (16), and Maeve (15). Several family members, including Maeve, have made cameos on NCIS: LA.