Category: NCIS

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?

NCIS Season 22 Finale Recap: Shocking Betrayals, Explosive Twists, and a New Villain Revealed

The NCIS Season 22 finale delivered one of the most dramatic and intense episodes in recent memory, continuing the high-stakes storyline involving Parker’s nemesis, Carla Marino. What began as a covert investigation into the Nexus cartel spiraled into betrayal, loss, and a sinister revelation that left fans stunned—and desperate for answers in Season 23.

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Double Agent LaRoche and the Nexus Threat

Picking up from the tense events of the penultimate episode, the team learned that Deputy Director LaRoche had been acting as a double agent for the Secretary of Defense. While they had another operative embedded with the Nexus cartel, his cover was blown—and his body later discovered in the Potomac River.

Understandably, Parker and Director Vance were furious at being excluded from the loop. However, they now had full control over the investigation into Nexus’s latest plan: stealing nuclear fuel rods. Despite the team’s previous efforts to stop such a heist, the threat had resurfaced—this time, with deadlier stakes.

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Carla Marino Returns—With a Shocking Twist

To their surprise, Parker’s old adversary Carla Marino stepped in to help. She provided intel that Nexus—now led by the shadowy figure known as “El Carnicero” (The Butcher)—was expanding beyond drugs and into nuclear materials. However, the team discovered a critical detail: “El Carnicero” wasn’t real. He was an AI-generated identity used to obscure the real mastermind.

Using a clue from a mysterious SD card LaRoche left for McGee, the team tracked Nexus communications through an online word game’s chat feature. This led Knight and Torres to an abandoned clinic, where they found radioactive materials and the body of Peter Mobley—a key link to the uranium heist.

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The Truth About Carla Marino and Nexus

As Knight and Torres pursued a suspected buyer, Parker teamed up with Carla and a couple of agents to meet “El Carnicero.” But things took a dark turn—one of the agents turned out to be working with Carla and shot their driver, taking Parker hostage.

In a jaw-dropping twist, the team realized the truth: Carla Marino wasn’t just helping—she was the true leader of Nexus. She had faked the identity of El Carnicero using AI, manipulated law enforcement, and plotted to eliminate rival crime syndicates to seize full control.

Although the team managed to stop a bomb from detonating, Carla escaped after releasing Parker. But the finale’s most devastating moment came when Parker returned home—only to find his father murdered. Two wine glasses sat ominously on the table—one bearing a lipstick print.

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Lingering Questions and Season 23 Set-Up

The final scenes raised new questions and teased what’s to come:

• Parker’s Father’s Death: Was it a warning? Or revenge?
• Carla’s Endgame: How far is she willing to go—and who is helping her?
• Parker’s Family Mystery: Jimmy Palmer noted something odd about Parker’s mother’s death certificate. Is there more to her story?

Season 22 ended on an emotional and suspenseful cliffhanger, with Parker determined to avenge his father—and uncover the full truth. As NCIS heads into Season 23, it’s clear the story is far from over.

Until then, catch up on all the action and emotion from previous episodes of NCIS on Paramount+.

Stay tuned to One Chicago Center for all your ongoing NCIS coverage and updates on what’s next for your favorite characters.

NCIS Season 22, Episode 19: Gibbs Returns in Spirit—and It’s Perfect

Even years after stepping away from the flagship series, NCIS still echoes with the legacy of Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs. His quiet strength, iconic rules, and unwavering moral compass continue to guide the team—and in Season 22, Episode 19, Gibbs makes an unexpected and brilliant return.

“Rule #45: Clean up your own mess.”
—Gibbs’ words, still shaping the team’s path

This episode doesn’t just mention Gibbs—it makes him the emotional anchor of the story, especially through Agent McGee’s personal crisis. It’s a tribute not just to Gibbs, but to the lasting bond between mentor and protégé.

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McGee’s Breaking Point Becomes a Tribute to Gibbs

Season 22 has seen Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) quietly unraveling a case that hits too close to home: a suspected mole inside NCIS. His suspicions focus on the newly appointed Deputy Director LaRoche (Seamus Dever), but in Episode 19, everything collapses.

After confronting LaRoche and witnessing a possible murder, McGee is struck by a truck—and that’s when it happens.

Gibbs appears.

Not physically, but in a vivid dream. And it’s everything fans could hope for.

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Gibbs’ Rules—and His Spirit—Guide McGee

In McGee’s dream, Gibbs is in uniform. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a powerful psychological moment. As Knight (Katrina Law) later explains, the dream reflects McGee’s internal struggle: trying to live up to Gibbs’ legacy while feeling overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility.

“You’re not him, McGee. And you’re not supposed to be.”
—Knight, putting it all into perspective

The dream gives fans a deeply emotional reminder of Gibbs’ role—not just in the series, but in McGee’s journey. It also marks a passing of the torch, as Sean Murray, now the longest-serving cast member, steps into a new kind of spotlight.

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Rule #45: The Message That Says It All

As the pressure mounts, McGee disappears from NCIS HQ—but not before leaving a single, haunting message: a notebook with one line—“Rule #45.”

This isn’t just a callback. It’s a turning point.

It means:

• McGee is taking ownership.
• He’s honoring the values Gibbs instilled in him.
• He’s determined to finish what he started.

And while McGee may try to go it alone, his team refuses to let him. They rally behind him—just like Gibbs would have.

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Legacy, Emotion, and Classic NCIS

Episode 19 is a masterclass in blending legacy with new narrative weight. It’s not just about uncovering a mole—it’s about how the past shapes the present. About how Gibbs, though physically gone, is still a guiding force.

This is NCIS at its most powerful: emotional, suspenseful, and rooted in deep character history.

For fans, it’s a poignant reminder—Gibbs never really left. His rules, his leadership, and his presence continue to live on through the team he built.

Season 22, Episode 19 doesn’t just honor Gibbs—it reminds us why his shadow still looms large over NCIS—and why that’s a very good thing.

NCIS Fans Outraged as CBS Hints at Major Shift—No Full-Time Return for Gibbs or Ziva

NCIS fans are reeling after CBS dropped a bombshell about the future of the iconic series. In a surprising announcement, the network revealed that Season 22 may signal a major turning point—one that doesn’t include the full-time return of beloved characters like Gibbs (Mark Harmon) or Ziva (Cote de Pablo).

For years, viewers have been holding out hope for a meaningful reunion between Tony and Ziva or a long-awaited comeback for Gibbs. But according to CBS’s recent press release, the upcoming season will pivot toward newer characters and storylines, leaving some of the show’s most loyal fans feeling sidelined.

The backlash was immediate. Social media lit up with frustration and disappointment. “NCIS without Gibbs feels empty,” one fan wrote. Another added, “If we don’t get closure on Tony and Ziva, what was the point of everything?” The decision has sparked intense debate, with many accusing the network of straying too far from what made the show a cultural staple.

While CBS has teased that Season 22 will still hold “plenty of surprises,” the lack of a clear plan to honor the show’s legacy has left fans uneasy. As the franchise moves into uncharted territory, the big question remains: Is NCIS losing touch with its roots, or can it still deliver the heart and history fans have come to love?

NCIS Season 22 Finale Teased to Feature Shocking Character Death—Fans Brace for Impact

NCIS fans are on high alert after Wilmer Valderrama revealed a bombshell about the upcoming Season 22 finale. In a recent interview, Valderrama teased that a major character death is looming—and it’s going to shake the show to its core. “It’s very earth-shattering,” he said, hinting at a finale filled with emotion and high-stakes drama.

The revelation has already sent shockwaves through the fanbase, igniting a storm of speculation about who might be leaving the series. With NCIS’ long history of jaw-dropping exits and dramatic twists, viewers are fearing the worst. “I’m not ready for this,” one fan wrote on social media, echoing the anxiety felt by many.

Valderrama, who plays Special Agent Nick Torres, described the episode as one fans will “never forget,” building anticipation for what could be one of the show’s most emotional and unforgettable endings yet.

As the finale approaches, fans are counting down the days with a mix of excitement and dread—bracing themselves for what could be a heartbreaking farewell to a beloved character.

NCIS Icon Linda Hunt Passes Away — Fans Devastated

The world of NCIS and television as a whole has lost a beloved icon. Linda Hunt, known for her unforgettable portrayal of Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles, has passed away. The news has left fans heartbroken, as Hunt’s unique presence and talent made Hetty one of the most memorable characters in the NCIS franchise.

Linda Hunt’s career spanned decades, but it was her role as the feisty, brilliant, and mysterious Hetty Lange that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. As the Operations Manager for the NCIS LA team, Hetty became a fan favorite, bringing a perfect balance of wisdom, tough love, and a sharp sense of humor. Hetty’s intricate relationships with her team, especially with Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam (LL Cool J), added a level of depth to the show that made it not only thrilling but emotionally resonant.

Hunt’s portrayal of Hetty was widely praised for its complexity and heart. Her ability to command a scene with just a glance or a quiet word made Hetty one of the most intriguing characters in the NCIS universe. Despite her absence from the later seasons due to health concerns, her legacy as the show’s heart and soul remains undeniable.

Fans have flooded social media with tributes, sharing their sadness and fond memories of the actress who made a lasting impact on television. Many have expressed their gratitude for the years of entertainment she provided, with one fan saying, “Linda Hunt was the embodiment of grace and strength. Hetty was more than a character, she was a mentor to us all.”

As we reflect on Hunt’s extraordinary legacy, we also remember her other notable roles, including her Academy Award-winning performance in The Year of Living Dangerously and her work in The Practice and Polar Express.

Though her passing leaves a hole in the NCIS family, Hetty Lange will live on in the hearts of fans forever. We extend our deepest condolences to Linda Hunt’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her incredible talent. She may be gone, but her memory and the mark she left on television will never fade.

Tony & Ziva Are Back! First Look at Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo’s NCIS Return

Fan favorites Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are officially back in action in the first look at NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The sneak peek reunites the beloved duo ahead of their new spinoff series.

The full trailer will premiere during the NCIS Season 22 finale, airing Monday, May 5, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva is set to premiere this fall exclusively on Paramount+, marking a long-awaited return for the iconic agents.

NCIS Brings Back Sam Hanna—And May Finally Reveal What Happened to Hetty Lange

The NCIS franchise has slimmed down in recent years, with NCIS: Los Angeles concluding and NCIS: Hawaii unexpectedly canceled in 2024. While fans have seen crossovers—most notably a 2023 event that united characters across the franchise—there’s still one lingering mystery: the fate of Hetty Lange.

Now, a familiar face is returning. LL Cool J is reprising his role as Sam Hanna, this time on the flagship NCIS series.

When Is Sam Hanna Returning?

According to TVLine and LL Cool J’s own Instagram post, Sam Hanna will appear in NCIS Season 22, Episode 18, airing Monday, April 21. Plot details are under wraps, but Hanna is expected to assist on a high-stakes case, bringing his signature style and experience.

Fans are especially eager to see if this episode will resolve the cliffhanger from NCIS: Hawaii, where Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) confronted a dangerous figure from her past. But perhaps the bigger question surrounds another long-missing character.

The Fate of Hetty Lange

Linda Hunt’s beloved Hetty Lange has been mostly absent from NCIS: Los Angeles since the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the actress’s health concerns. In the LA series finale, a storyline teased that Callen and Hanna were preparing to search for her overseas—but the mission was never shown, and Hetty’s fate remained unclear.

Now that Hanna is reentering the fold, this guest appearance might finally offer an update. Even if Linda Hunt doesn’t appear on screen, fans are hoping for some long-overdue answers about where Hetty is—and whether she’s safe.

With NCIS continuing to honor its rich shared universe, this return could help tie up one of the franchise’s most enduring storylines. Could closure for Hetty Lange finally be on the horizon?

NCIS Fans Heartbroken as Beloved Star Announces Departure

Fans of NCIS are grappling with emotional news following the unexpected departure of one of the show’s most beloved stars. After years of captivating viewers with thrilling cases and unforgettable character moments, the long-running CBS drama has confirmed that a key cast member is stepping away—sending shockwaves through its loyal fanbase.

The announcement, which came as a surprise to many, revealed that the exit stems from personal reasons rather than any creative differences. For fans who have followed the character’s journey over the years, the news feels like the close of a meaningful chapter. Tributes have poured in across social media, with fans sharing favorite scenes and expressing their gratitude for the impact this actor and their character have had.

In a heartfelt statement, the departing star thanked the audience for their unwavering support. “This show has been my home, and leaving it behind is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” they shared—leaving fans with a mix of sadness and appreciation.

Despite the loss, the NCIS cast and crew remain dedicated to delivering powerful storytelling and honoring the legacy of the character. While saying goodbye is never easy, the enduring spirit of NCIS and the memories left behind continue to unite its global community.

As the show looks ahead to its next chapter, fans can find comfort in knowing that some goodbyes never truly mean the end.

NCIS Season 23: What Fans Can Expect from the Next Chapter

After more than 20 years on the air, NCIS continues to be one of television’s most-watched and enduring crime dramas. With anticipation building for Season 23, fans are eager to know when their favorite series will return. While CBS has yet to announce an official release date, the show is expected to follow its traditional schedule and premiere in fall 2025.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the upcoming season is the cast. Gary Cole (Alden Parker), Sean Murray (Tim McGee), and Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres) are all expected to return. However, speculation continues to swirl about a potential surprise comeback from Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Though no official confirmation has been made, fans remain hopeful.

Season 22 ended with a dramatic cliffhanger, paving the way for major shifts within the team. Writers have teased that Season 23 will delve deeper into character development and deliver more unexpected twists—promising to keep audiences hooked.

While CBS is keeping most plot details tightly under wraps, one thing is certain: NCIS is far from finished. With new stories on the horizon and plenty of intrigue ahead, the series is gearing up for another thrilling chapter.

Stay tuned for more updates as the fall premiere draws closer.