The NCIS franchise is a global juggernaut. With several successful spinoffs under its belt — NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and now NCIS: Hawai’i — the universe continues to expand. But not every offshoot got the time or recognition it deserved. Some spinoffs fizzled out too soon, taking compelling characters down with them. Still, true fans haven’t forgotten.
These are the 10 standout NCIS spinoff characters whose stories were cut short — and who deserve another shot in the spotlight.
Why These Characters Should Make a Comeback
Great characters don’t always get the screen time they deserve. Whether their shows were shelved early or they exited without closure, these individuals left a mark. Bringing them back could spark fresh narratives, bridge unfinished storylines, and reenergize the franchise with familiar (and missed) faces.
1. Lara Macy – NCIS: LA Backdoor Pilot
Played by Louise Lombard, Lara Macy briefly appeared as the commanding officer of an NCIS investigative unit. Smart, composed, and a born leader, Macy held her own in scenes with Gibbs — not an easy feat. Her disappearance from the franchise remains baffling. She could be the perfect addition to NCIS: Hawai’i or even return as a mentor figure in the flagship series.
2. Dominic “Dom” Vail – NCIS: Los Angeles
Adam Jamal Craig’s Dom was a promising young agent whose sudden departure early in Season 1 left fans stunned. His untimely exit always felt abrupt and unresolved. What if he wasn’t really gone? The NCIS world has revived characters under far stranger circumstances.
3. Roy Haines – NCIS: Red
John Corbett brought veteran swagger and warmth to Roy Haines in the NCIS: Red pilot episodes. Though the show never took off, Roy had instant chemistry with his team and could easily be slotted into a recurring mentorship role elsewhere. Imagine him guiding new recruits or helping an overstretched NCIS office during a crisis.
4. Paris Summerskill – NCIS: Red
Kim Raver’s Paris had the right balance of strength and emotional depth. She led with her head and her heart — a rare combo. Her return to the NCIS universe could bring a much-needed female leadership presence, especially in a franchise known for strong women like Jenny Shepard and Jane Tennant.
5. Dave Flynn – NCIS: Red and NCIS: LA
Played by Scott Grimes, tech expert Dave Flynn is one of the few NCIS: Red characters who made the jump to NCIS: Los Angeles — albeit briefly. But there’s so much more to explore. With his hacking skills and sarcastic charm, Flynn could easily fill the shoes of someone like Eric Beale in any ongoing or future NCIS show.
6. Claire Hanna – Unaired NCIS: New Orleans Pilot
Though her screen time was limited, Claire Hanna had the makings of a fan favorite. Smart, intuitive, and grounded, she deserved more than being left behind in an unaired pilot. Her reappearance in the main series or a cameo in NCIS: Hawai’i could give this underused character new life.
7. Kai Holman (Original Concept) – NCIS: Red
Not to be confused with the Hawai’i character of the same name, the original Kai Holman was pitched as a haunted, complex operative with deep field experience. While the role didn’t make it to series, the concept behind him could easily be revived and reimagined, especially as a wildcard addition to an active NCIS team.
8. Special Agent Dot Tucker – NCIS: Red
Dot stood out as a sharp-witted profiler with a knack for analyzing people and situations five moves ahead. In a world packed with field agents and tech whizzes, a seasoned behavioral expert like Dot would be an invaluable addition to the NCIS team dynamic — and a fresh pairing for someone like Alden Parker or Jane Tennant.
9. Cade Lambert – Early NCIS: New Orleans Draft
Cade never made it into the final NCIS: New Orleans series, but his early character description — cool-headed, fearless, emotionally steady — made him the type of anchor every team needs. A comeback could offer balance in a unit filled with hotheads and overachievers.
10. Jason King – NCIS: Red
Dean Cain portrayed Jason King as a mysterious agent with a past, brimming with charm and layers to uncover. Though the show was scrapped, Jason’s potential was undeniable. With the right storyline, he could be woven into an undercover op or black-ops thread in NCIS: Sydney or beyond.
How These Characters Could Be Reintroduced
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Cameos in major crossover events
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Flashback-heavy episodes exploring old missions
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Team reinforcements during crises in the flagship series
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Spin-off revivals (or new ones entirely)
Bringing them back wouldn’t just be fan service — it would deepen the worldbuilding and add continuity to the sprawling NCIS timeline.
Final Thoughts
The NCIS universe has always thrived because of its characters. Some were lucky enough to stick around for years. Others barely got a chance. But their impact — even in a few scenes — has stuck with fans. Whether it’s a cameo, a recurring role, or a full-circle arc, these forgotten heroes deserve another shot.
In a franchise where no one’s ever truly gone, the possibilities are endless.
🔍 FAQs
Q: Which canceled NCIS spinoff had the most wasted potential?
A: NCIS: Red introduced multiple promising characters who never got the development they deserved.
Q: Has NCIS ever revived a long-gone character before?
Yes. Characters like Hetty and even Ziva David made surprising returns, proving anything is possible.
Q: Why didn’t NCIS: Red get picked up?
Many viewers felt the chemistry was lacking, and it deviated too much from the formula that made NCIS successful.
Q: Could any of these characters return in future crossovers?
Absolutely! With the franchise exploring more global stories, there are plenty of chances for old faces to resurface.
Q: Which current series could best host a character revival?
NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: Sydney offer fresh ground for legacy characters to make memorable returns.
