When NCIS first aired in 2003, no one could have predicted it would become one of the longest-running and most beloved dramas on television. Now, as the show prepares for Season 23, fans are looking back at its early days with nostalgia. Recently, one of the original pilot actors was asked about returning-and their answer was refreshingly realistic.
The NCIS pilot, aired as a backdoor episode within JAG, introduced Gibbs, DiNozzo, Kate, Abby, and Ducky. For longtime fans, those early episodes remain sacred, setting the tone for the humor, action, and heart that would define the series. But a lot has changed since 2003, and the actor admitted that while the idea of returning sounds fun, it’s not very likely.
They explained that NCIS has evolved far beyond its original lineup. Characters have died, moved on, or been replaced, and the story today centers on Alden Parker’s team rather than Gibbs’ old crew. While acknowledging the nostalgia, they emphasized the importance of letting the new generation shine.
The honesty is refreshing. Many actors tease “never say never,” but this response recognized that 23 years is a long time-long enough that a return now would feel more like a cameo than a true continuation. NCIS has lasted this long by embracing change, and relying too heavily on the past risks holding it back.
That doesn’t mean a return is impossible. As the actor admitted, anything can happen on TV-whether through a flashback, a cameo, or even a one-off storyline. But realistically, fans shouldn’t expect a major comeback.
In the end, their grounded response is a reminder of why NCIS has thrived: it honors its roots but doesn’t live in them. The pilot will always be part of the show’s legacy, but its future depends on fresh stories and characters carrying it forward.
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