The Road Not Taken: Chris O’Donnell Sheds Light on Missed Opportunities for an ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Revival
The cancellation of NCIS: Los Angeles in 2023, after a remarkable 14 seasons, was a difficult pill for many loyal fans to swallow. The series, which followed the high-stakes exploits of Special Agents G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) as they navigated the shadowy world of undercover operations, had cultivated a devoted following over its long run. While the show delivered a definitive series finale, star Chris O’Donnell has recently offered a candid update to fans, revealing that there were indeed attempts from the cast and crew to revive the beloved spin-off, specifically through a TV movie. Unfortunately, these efforts, driven by a desire for more storytelling and a proper send-off for lingering mysteries, did not ultimately come to fruition.
The decision to end NCIS: Los Angeles came down to a combination of factors, primarily the escalating production costs associated with a long-running drama featuring an A-list cast, and CBS’s strategic shift to introduce new content into its schedule. Despite the network’s reasoning, the news was met with disappointment by the cast, who had forged a strong bond over their many years working together.
The Pitch: A TV Movie to Address Lingering Questions
In a recent interview, Chris O’Donnell, currently embarking on a new chapter with the upcoming ABC spin-off 9-1-1: Nashville, shed light on the behind-the-scenes discussions that took place regarding a potential continuation of NCIS: LA. When asked about the possibility of a television movie, particularly one that could resolve the enduring mystery surrounding Linda Hunt’s character, Hetty Lange, O’Donnell confirmed that the idea was not just a fan dream, but a real proposal from within the show’s ranks.
“We suggested it actually,” O’Donnell revealed, indicating that the concept of a TV movie was brought forward by the cast and potentially other members of the production team. He elaborated that the idea gained significant traction during the dual Hollywood strikes of 2023 (SAG-AFTRA and WGA), which put a temporary halt on most industry productions. “When we were all sitting around during the strike,” O’Donnell recalled, “we were like we could crank one of these out in about six weeks, and it would actually be great.” This statement speaks volumes about the cast’s enthusiasm and their strong desire to continue working together, even after the series had officially concluded. The idea of a short, intense production to give fans more of what they loved was clearly appealing to them.
However, the network ultimately decided against pursuing this path. O’Donnell explained, “But I don’t think that formula works really well for CBS.” This suggests that, from a business standpoint, CBS may not view TV movies as a viable or profitable extension for their long-running procedural franchises. Network strategies often prioritize continuous series runs or full season orders, making one-off specials a less common choice, regardless of fan demand or cast enthusiasm. This commercial reality highlights the challenges faced by even successful shows when facing cancellation.
The Unresolved Hetty Mystery: A Major Point of Fan Frustration
One of the most significant reasons fans yearned for a continuation, and a key driver behind the TV movie pitch, was the unresolved fate of Hetty Lange. The enigmatic Operations Manager of the Office of Special Projects, played by the legendary Linda Hunt, was largely absent from the final seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles. Her whereabouts and safety remained a persistent question mark, with only brief, cryptic updates offered throughout Season 14.
Fans had a deep emotional connection to Hetty, a character who served as a mentor, surrogate mother, and formidable force within the NCIS: LA team. Her diminished role in the final seasons due to Linda Hunt’s personal circumstances (including a car accident and the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited her on-set appearances) meant that her story lacked a truly satisfying conclusion. A TV movie would have provided the perfect opportunity to bring Hetty back for a final mission, offering closure to her long and storied career and giving fans the proper farewell they desperately wanted.
Interestingly, O’Donnell himself learned about recent updates to his character Callen’s life (expecting a baby with Anna) and Hetty’s current status (stuck in a DMZ) through LL Cool J’s recent appearance on NCIS: Hawaiʻi. This further emphasizes how, once a show wraps, the actors may not be fully in the loop about their characters’ continued existence within the broader NCIS universe, highlighting the unique space a TV movie could have filled to bridge these gaps.
The Strong Bond of the ‘NCIS: LA’ Family
O’Donnell’s comments powerfully convey the deep camaraderie that existed among the NCIS: Los Angeles cast. His statement, “It was tough to leave because everyone just loved working with each other,” is a testament to the strong professional and personal relationships forged over 14 years. This genuine bond translated directly to the screen, making the team’s chemistry one of the show’s most enduring strengths.
The willingness of the cast to reconvene and “crank out” a TV movie, even amidst the industry-wide strikes, speaks volumes about their dedication not just to their craft, but to each other. For them, it was more than just a job; it was a cherished working environment and a family. This shared desire to continue the story and work together is what makes the network’s decision not to proceed all the more heartbreaking for those involved.
What Comes Next for the Cast?
While the door for an NCIS: Los Angeles TV movie seems to be closed for now, the cast members have all moved on to new ventures. Chris O’Donnell is set to lead the cast of ABC’s upcoming spin-off, 9-1-1: Nashville, playing Captain Don Sharpe, a fire captain and rodeo rider. He expressed excitement about taking on a different character and finding a “new family” on a different network.
LL Cool J has seamlessly transitioned into recurring appearances as Sam Hanna on NCIS: Hawaiʻi, keeping his character alive within the NCIS universe. Daniela Ruah has explored directing opportunities within the NCIS franchise and taken on new acting roles. Eric Christian Olsen has been actively involved in producing content through his own production company.
These new projects underscore the talent and versatility of the NCIS: LA cast, but for many fans, the idea of a dedicated reunion for the original team will always linger. The continued references to the NCIS: Los Angeles characters within the wider franchise offer a small comfort, allowing fans to imagine that Callen, Sam, Kensi, and Deeks are still out there, tackling cases, even if their adventures are now off-screen.
Conclusion: A Farewell, But Memories Endure
Chris O’Donnell’s recent update on the attempts to revive NCIS: Los Angeles through a TV movie provides a candid, albeit disappointing, insight for fans. While the cast’s proactive efforts to continue the story and provide closure for beloved characters like Hetty were ultimately unsuccessful, it speaks volumes about their dedication and the strong bond they shared. The show’s cancellation, driven by network economics, was a tough pill for everyone involved. However, the legacy of NCIS: Los Angeles remains strong, etched in the memories of its millions of viewers. Even without a revival, the passion of its cast, exemplified by O’Donnell’s revelations, ensures that the spirit of the OSP team will continue to resonate for years to come.
