For over a decade, Eric Christian Olsen was a fan-favorite on NCIS: Los Angeles, bringing charm, wit, and emotional depth to the role of LAPD liaison Marty Deeks. But since the series wrapped in May 2023, Olsen has taken a quieter—yet equally impactful—path behind the scenes. And by the looks of it, he’s found his new calling.
From Scene-Stealer to Story Shaper
Olsen’s journey from on-camera charisma to behind-the-scenes creative force feels like a natural evolution. After 14 seasons on the CBS procedural, Olsen didn’t just walk away from Hollywood—he stepped into a different spotlight. He’s now executive producing CBS’s Matlock reboot, a bold reimagining of the 1980s classic, starring none other than Oscar-winner Kathy Bates.
“This was an incredible opportunity,” Olsen shared in a recent interview with Soaps. “I spent 13 years working with CBS, and it just made sense to take everything I learned and start building stories from the ground up.”
That gamble is already paying off. The Matlock pilot pulled in strong numbers just days after its release, proving Olsen’s instincts are as sharp off screen as they were in the interrogation room.
Will Marty Deeks Ever Make a Comeback?
With Olsen still part of the CBS family, fans can’t help but wonder: could Marty Deeks ever return in a guest spot or special crossover? According to TVLine, Olsen isn’t too keen on stepping back into his NCIS persona—at least not for now.
Instead, he’s enjoying his creative freedom on Matlock, joking that he’s found a new niche playing “terrible lawyers” whenever the writers need a scene read. “Every time there’s a horrible lawyer, a mean lawyer, they’re like, ‘Eric, will you read this?’” Olsen laughed. “I think there’s an opportunity for a big villain role sometime in the future.”
While his return to Deeks may not be in the cards at the moment, fans still hold out hope—especially since Olsen remains close to his NCIS: LA co-stars, particularly Daniela Ruah, who played his onscreen wife, Kensi Blye.
Family Ties & Possible Reunions
Olsen and Ruah share a bond that extends far beyond the screen—literally. Ruah is married to Olsen’s real-life brother, stunt performer David Paul Olsen, making the pair actual family. And though they’re no longer sharing scenes together, a collaboration might still be on the horizon.
Ruah has been busy directing episodes of NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i, carving out a new path in her post-Kensi career. Olsen teased the possibility of her stepping behind the camera for Matlock one day.
“I’m sure at some point that we will [reunite],” he shared. “The first season is always a challenge, and she’s been working on the mothership and NCIS: Hawai’i. But with success, I think there’ll be lots of opportunities for Dani to come in and direct.”
What’s Next?
As Matlock gears up for its official premiere on CBS, Olsen seems more energized than ever. His days may no longer be filled with car chases and undercover missions, but his creative fire is burning just as bright—this time from the producer’s chair.
Catch the premiere of Matlock on CBS and tune in for the next episode airing October 17. As for Olsen’s return to NCIS? Never say never—but for now, he’s exactly where he wants to be.
