A Chapter Closes, But the Story May Not Be Over
After 14 action-packed seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles signed off in May 2023 with a two-part finale that was equal parts heartwarming send-off and subtle setup for future adventures. While the series gave fans long-awaited resolutions and emotional payoffs, it also left behind tantalizing threads—hints that the Office of Special Projects (OSP) team’s story might not be entirely finished.
Here’s where every major character landed—and what possible futures still lie ahead in the NCIS universe.
💍 Callen and Anna: Finally Saying “I Do”
The series culminated in a surprise yet deeply satisfying moment—G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Anna Kolcheck (Bar Paly) exchanging vows in a spontaneous wedding surrounded by their team-family. For Callen, a man who spent his life searching for identity and belonging, this union marked a long-awaited personal milestone. It was more than a wedding—it was the beginning of peace and permanence.
👶 Kensi and Deeks: Growing the Densi Family
Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) and Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) got the future they fought so hard for. The finale revealed that the couple, after years of infertility struggles and adoption, are now expecting a baby. Fans of the iconic “Densi” duo were rewarded with a heartfelt, full-circle moment—love, commitment, and now, the joys of parenthood.
🧠 Sam Hanna: Fighting for Family
Sam (LL Cool J) faced perhaps his most personal mission yet—supporting his father Raymond (Richard Gant) through Alzheimer’s. His search for an experimental treatment showed Sam’s determination not just as a soldier or agent, but as a devoted son. It added new emotional depth to a character long admired for his strength under pressure.
⚖️ Rountree: Cleared for a Fresh Start
Devin Rountree (Caleb Castille) resolved his legal troubles involving a controversial shooting and the LAPD. With that cloud lifted, he stands ready to fully embrace his role on the team and pursue the next chapter of his career with a clean slate.
🔍 The Mystery That Lingers: Hetty’s Fate
The most unresolved storyline? The fate of Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt). Absent from the finale but not forgotten, Hetty sent a cryptic note to Callen and Anna, referencing her top-secret “side project.” In the closing moments, Sam and Callen were dispatched to Morocco—on a covert mission to rescue her.
There, they reunited with familiar faces: Nell Jones (Renée Felice Smith), Nate Getz (Peter Cambor), and Vostanik Sabatino (Erik Palladino). The mission ends in a cliffhanger—Hetty’s rescue remains off-screen. It was a bold narrative choice that didn’t tie every bow, and it leaves the door wide open for a return to her mysterious storyline.
✨ What Could Be Next?
Even though NCIS: Los Angeles has officially wrapped, its legacy—and loose ends—leave room for future storytelling across the NCIS franchise.
🔁 Guest Appearances and Crossovers
We’ve already seen Sam pop up in NCIS: Hawai’i, confirming that the door isn’t entirely closed. Crossovers are the franchise’s bread and butter, so don’t be surprised if characters like Callen, Deeks, or Kensi make surprise returns—especially for Hetty-related missions or special cases.
🎬 A Limited Series or TV Movie
Hetty’s fate is unfinished business—and it’s ripe for a mini-series or one-off movie. A special event could bring back the fan-favorite characters for one last rescue mission. With high stakes and familiar faces, it’s the kind of reunion fans would rally around.
👥 A Next-Gen Spin-Off?
Could the torch be passed? Possibly. Characters like Rountree and Fatima could headline a new generation of NCIS: LA agents. Add in occasional appearances from the OG cast, and the franchise could maintain continuity while exploring fresh angles.
🕰️ Unlikely but Intriguing: A Prequel Route
A long shot, but not impossible—what about a young Hetty series? Exploring her origins, CIA roots, or early days with OSP could offer a spy thriller vibe. While no plans exist, the franchise has never shied away from bold pivots.
🚫 A Full Revival? Not Likely (For Now)
Chris O’Donnell’s recent casting in 9-1-1: Nashville makes a full-scale revival of NCIS: LA unlikely in the near term. Leading a new series is a big commitment, and it seems O’Donnell—and by extension, Callen—is turning the page.
🌟 Conclusion: The Spirit of OSP Lives On
NCIS: Los Angeles gave its characters—and fans—a fitting farewell. Weddings were celebrated. Families were formed. Bonds were reaffirmed. But with Hetty still out there, and team members popping up in other NCIS shows, it’s clear: the story isn’t over.
While we may not return to the OSP offices anytime soon, the legacy lives on—in the loyalty of fans, in the franchise’s interconnected universe, and in the unbreakable spirit of the team.
Because when it comes to NCIS: LA, goodbye doesn’t always mean the end.
