After 14 seasons of thrilling missions and unforgettable moments, NCIS: Los Angeles signed off in May 2023 with a finale that didn’t just close a chapter—it celebrated the entire book. The show, a cornerstone of the NCIS franchise, promised its fans a final send-off filled with “love, friendship & celebration”—and it delivered, according to cast teases and fan reactions alike.
While many shows choose drama or tragedy to end their runs, NCIS: LA opted for something more profound: a tribute to its characters, its journey, and the loyal audience who made it all possible.
The Countdown to Goodbye
When CBS announced the show’s cancellation in early 2023, the news hit longtime viewers hard. Though it had been a strong performer throughout its run, the end felt sudden. Thankfully, the early heads-up gave the writers a chance to craft a real finale—one with emotional weight, closure, and gratitude.
The sentiment from the cast was clear: this wasn’t just about wrapping a storyline—it was about honoring family. “We’ve all grown together,” one star noted. “This ending had to reflect that.”
What the Finale Promised: And Delivered
A teaser from one of the show’s leads promised fans that the end would be centered on love, friendship, and celebration. It wasn’t empty marketing—it was a mission statement.
❤️ Love
Romance was always part of NCIS: LA’s DNA, and the finale delivered emotional payoffs fans had waited years for. G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Anna Kolcheck (Bar Paly) finally walked down the aisle in a heartfelt ceremony that brought tears and joy in equal measure. For “Densi” fans—Kensi and Deeks—the news that they were expecting a biological child was a beautiful full-circle moment after seasons of infertility struggles and the adoption of Rosa.
🤝 Friendship
Few shows portray camaraderie like NCIS: LA. From the first episode to the finale, the bond between the team—Callen, Sam, Kensi, Deeks, Fatima, Rountree—remained rock solid. The final episodes showcased flashbacks, quiet conversations, and moments of laughter that reminded viewers why they fell in love with these characters in the first place.
🎉 Celebration
More than just a farewell, the finale was a tribute to a job well done. With successful missions, life milestones, and characters finding peace with their pasts, the show emphasized victory—not loss. For fans, it was reassurance that their beloved agents were heading into the next chapter of their lives with purpose and pride.
The Final Episodes: “New Beginnings”
Split across two parts, “New Beginnings” aired on May 14 and May 21, 2023. The episodes tied up major arcs while leaving the door slightly ajar for future possibilities.
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Callen & Anna’s wedding was heartfelt, understated, and deeply satisfying.
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Deeks and Kensi’s baby news gave hope and joy to a fan-favorite couple.
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Sam Hanna’s path forward hinted at a leadership role—and a surprise crossover into NCIS: Hawai’i, keeping his story alive beyond the show.
What Could Have Been Tragic Became Uplifting
Unlike many finales that aim for shock value or melancholy, NCIS: LA prioritized gratitude, connection, and evolution. There were no deaths, no heartbreak-heavy departures—just character growth, reflection, and new horizons.
And that choice made all the difference.
A Legacy Cemented
The series finale captured the core of NCIS: LA: a family of agents navigating life, loss, and loyalty together. While the series has ended, its influence echoes through the NCIS universe—with Sam Hanna’s continuation and potential spinoff opportunities still on the table.
As one cast member put it, “This isn’t just the end of a show. It’s the celebration of a journey—one we took with our fans, every step of the way.”
Final Thoughts: A Proper Goodbye
NCIS: Los Angeles didn’t go out with a bang—it went out with a heart. And for a show that has always balanced action with emotion, that was the perfect ending. The words “love, friendship & celebration” weren’t just a tease. They were the truth. And fans wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
