NCIS is celebrating a huge milestone with its 1000th episode – and longtime fans are in for a treat. One of the biggest surprises? Daniela Ruah is back as Kensi Blye.
Ruah, who starred on NCIS: Los Angeles for all 14 seasons, will make a special cameo in the landmark episode airing April 15 on the original NCIS. Naturally, fans are wondering: does this mean Kensi is returning for good?
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Ruah’s appearance is a one-time cameo, filmed while she was already in Hawai‘i directing an episode of NCIS: Hawai’i. The scene was added last minute and features Kensi via Zoom – even using a matching version of her character’s car for authenticity. Still, Ruah said she was thrilled to be part of such a historic episode.
“I would never say no to being in the 1,000th episode of NCIS,” she shared.
She won’t be the only familiar face returning. Joe Spano reprises his role as Fornell, and Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant also appears, as the episode promises plenty of Easter eggs for longtime fans.
While Ruah won’t be back full time on screen, she continues to stay involved behind the camera. She recently directed an episode of NCIS and another for NCIS: Hawai‘i, calling her return to the franchise “like coming home.”
So while Kensi Blye’s return is brief, it’s a meaningful tribute – and a reminder that NCIS never forgets its roots. Fans may not get a full reunion, but the 1000th episode is shaping up to be a heartfelt celebration of everything that made the franchise iconic.