NCIS first hit television screens in 2003, launching the now widely recognizable franchise, which continues to be popular with audiences. With its 22nd season currently running. NCIS helped to consolidate the re-emerging popularity of American police and crime television in the 2000s, becoming iconic. The show follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, sometimes injecting comedy into quite a serious police procedural drama.

In 2003, audiences were introduced to the well-loved group of characters, who all, during the now 21-year run, have parted with the original series in their own ways. With the lead, Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, (Mark Harmon), Special Agents Caitlin Todd, (Sasha Alexander), Anthony DiNozzo, (Michael Weatherly), as well as Forensic Specialist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard (David McCallum), each character brought their charm to the show. We will look at the original cast and a few seasons beyond to see where the actors are now.

Where Is Mark Harmon?

To the joyous surprise of fans of the 2003 comedy Freaky Friday, Mark Harmon is scheduled to return to the recently announced sequel, Freaky Friday 2. Reprising his role as Ryan, who eventually marries Jamie Lee Curtis’ character, Tess, at the end of the film, there are many mixed feelings concerning the project as it goes forward. More in line with his NCSI roots, however, Harmon acts as a narrator in NCSI: Origins and is an executive producer on the show. This is not his first producer gig either, as back in 2008, he became producer and executive producer for the original NCIS and another project for CBS.

Where Is Sasha Alexander?

In 2023, Sasha Alexander made guest appearances on some big shows, such as the ‘golden era’ show Law & Order, where she played a member of Congress, Kristin Bartell. Alexander also appeared on The Morning Show, where she portrayed the character Salma for just one episode. Interestingly, Alexander appeared on the podcast “Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch” ahead of the release of the NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff; some fans speculate she may make an appearance on the show or act as a director of an episode to pay homage to her time with NCIS.

Where Is Michael Weatherly?

After leaving the show in 2016, Michael Weatherly would return to NCIS, appearing in a cameo in February 2024 for the tribute episode to David McCallum. Shortly after this appearance, the announcement of NCIS: Tony & Ziva has him set to return to the NCIS franchise. Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo act as co-hosts of the “Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch” podcast, where they go over stories from the set and the lore of the show; the last episode of the weekly podcast was released on November 12, 2024, with some uncertainty about the future status of the show with the upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva.

Where Is Pauley Perrette?

Unlike some of her other co-stars, Pauley Perrette has not been as active in her acting career since her departure in 2018 compared to others. Perette’s departure followed a rift between her and Harmon, partly due to Harmon’s dog biting a crew member on set. Following that, she appeared on the CBS show Broke, which only lasted one season. Parette directed and produced the documentary Citizen Lane in 2013 and has remained an outspoken activist for LGBTQ+ and social issues. Parette suffered a stroke in 2021, announcing it a year after the event to the public; she has since been reported feeling healthy after the incident.

Where Is David McCallum?

McCallum did maintain his popular role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard for 20 seasons. Unfortunately, David McCaalum died in 2023. His career began in 1946, when he was just 13 years old, when he was doing voice work on BBC radio. His on-screen career started in 1953, and he would find great success starring in The Great Escape (1963) and throughout The Man From U.N.C.L.E franchise as Illya Kuryakin.

McCallum also appeared in several video game titles, including an NCIS game released in 2011, acting as both the narrator and his character “Ducky.” His career remained relatively consistent until his death on September 25, 2023. In February 2024, a special tribute episode of NCIS was released dedicated to McCallum, which was received well among fans.

Where is Sean Murray?

First appearing as a guest star in eight episodes of the first season of NCIS as Special Agent Timothy “Tim” McGee, Sean Murray would return in subsequent seasons as a regular cast member. Of course, Murray is still going strong, getting the ‘promotion’ in season twenty to the main character and still leading the show. Murray is now the most-tenured actor on the show, having been with the series for over two decades. NCIS remains the actor’s main focus, as other than guest appearances on other TV shows, his role as Timothy “Tim” McGee remains his most significant.

Where is Brian Dietzen?

Brian Dietzen first appeared in a guest spot in season 1, episode 21, as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, an assistant to Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. Dietzen made a mark with his performance and slowly transitioned from a regular character in season 10. With time, Dietzen, became more involved with the program and began co-writing episodes starting in season 19. Dietzen and Sean Murray have been with the show for over two decades. The actor appeared recently in NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: New Orleans, acting to cement his legacy with NCIS further.

Where is Cote de Pablo?

While Cote de Pablo would not join NCIS as Ziva David until season 3, she became an integral cast member. Her only notable absence was a brief hiatus between seasons 11 and 17. A fan-favorite character, Cote de Pablo, is set to return as Ziva David in NCIS: Tony and Ziva. Pablo co-hosted the previously mentioned “Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch” podcast. However, her career outside NCIS has mainly been guest appearances on other TV shows and supporting film roles.

Where Is the NCIS Series at the Moment?

The immensely popular show has continued to capitalize on its success over the years, renewing the series for its 22nd season. At this point, the show also has several spin-offs. The first of these spin-offs was NCIS: Los Angeles, which ran from 2009 to 2023 and followed a similar style. Next was NCIS: New Orleans, which ran from 2014 to 2021. Then NCIS: Hawai’i which ran from 2021 to 2024.

Heading Down Under, NCIS: Sydney continues to focus on American military personnel. NCIS: Origins started in November 2024 and is going strong, and NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which is set to focus on Ziva and Tony’s reunion after Ziva’s apparent death, is expected to be released this year. NCIS is available to stream on Paramount+, with the upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva also set to come to the streaming platform.