As fans of NCIS: Los Angeles continue to come to terms with the end of the beloved procedural after 14 action-packed seasons, a new wave of hope is rippling across the fandom. Could we see fan-favorite Kensi Blye back on our screens, this time under the tropical skies of NCIS: Hawai’i?
While LL Cool J has already made the leap, reprising his role as Sam Hanna for the next chapter of the franchise, viewers are now turning their attention to Daniela Ruah — the Portuguese-American actress who portrayed the resilient, fearless, and emotionally complex Kensi Blye from the show’s 2009 debut to its 2023 conclusion. And according to Ruah herself, she’s not ruling out anything.
Kensi’s Story Isn’t Over Yet
Ruah has made it clear that the door is still open. In a post-finale interview with TVLine, she was asked directly if she’d ever return to the franchise. “If I get asked, I will certainly figure it out at the time,” Ruah said. “If it makes sense, why not, right?”
That answer was enough to send the NCIS fandom into a frenzy. Kensi, after all, wasn’t just another agent. She was a survivor, a mentor, a fierce fighter, and a deeply layered character whose growth over 14 seasons was one of the most compelling arcs on NCIS: LA.
Ruah portrayed Kensi through years of trauma and healing, from losing her father at a young age and living on the streets as a teen to joining the elite Office of Special Projects and forging a powerful romantic and professional partnership with Marty Deeks (played by Eric Christian Olsen). Fans watched her navigate injury, near-death missions, fertility struggles, and ultimately, the joy of discovering she and Deeks would become parents in the show’s finale.
“I was elated,” Ruah said of the final scene where Kensi learns she’s pregnant. “These characters deserve everything and more. They’ve grown and matured so much. They’re good people who fight for the betterment of the world.”
From Set Life to Real Life
Ruah’s deep emotional connection to the show is undeniable — and incredibly personal. “My whole life, Matt, happened on this show,” she told TVLine. “I met lifelong friends. I met my husband. I had my children, bought my first house, got to live in an incredibly crazy city…”
Indeed, the cast of NCIS: LA wasn’t just a crew — it was a family. Ruah married David Paul Olsen, the brother and stunt double of her on-screen partner Eric Christian Olsen. Her pregnancies were celebrated on set, and fellow cast members attended her wedding. “We’re all very, very close,” she said. “I love the team we have. I love the cast. I love the crew. We’re a family.”
Following in LL Cool J’s Footsteps?
With LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna officially joining NCIS: Hawai’i as a recurring guest star in Season 3, fans are wondering: could Kensi follow?
LL Cool J’s casting was announced with excitement by CBS and his co-stars alike. Vanessa Lachey, who leads NCIS: Hawai’i as Jane Tennant, welcomed him with open arms. “One of the most beautiful things about working on NCIS: Hawai’i is the show’s ability to bring the franchise together,” she said in a statement. “Now, we have the amazing opportunity to bring Sam Hanna to Hawai’i to help the island solve some cases and maybe have a few laughs in the process. Welcome to the ohana, Todd! It’s going to be a fun ride!”
Given that NCIS: Hawai’i has already embraced crossovers — including a memorable triple-crossover event with NCIS and NCIS: LA — it’s not far-fetched to imagine Kensi stepping off a plane in Oahu, ready for action. Especially since the series is set to explore more interconnected storylines across the NCIS universe.
Behind the Scenes: Why Kensi’s Future Was Left Open
Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill revealed that he held off on Kensi’s pregnancy storyline until the very end for one key reason: “Probably because I would have had to deal with it next season in terms of what that means — if they have a baby, what’s the reality of having two people in a dangerous job where you could lose both parents in any single episode?” he said.
By ending NCIS: LA with a moment of hope for Kensi and Deeks, the show left their futures full of possibility — including the potential for a return.
What’s Next for Daniela Ruah?
Since the end of NCIS: LA, Ruah has taken time to focus on other projects and her family life. She’s hosted Portuguese television events, directed several episodes of NCIS: LA, and has hinted at wanting to pursue more behind-the-camera work. Still, for many fans, her return to the NCIS world — even in a limited or guest capacity — would be a welcome gift.
Whether we see her don her tactical vest again or simply check in on Kensi, Deeks, and their growing family, one thing’s certain: Kensi Blye remains one of the most beloved characters in NCIS history, and Daniela Ruah is still very much a part of the franchise’s future.
NCIS: Hawai’i returns with Season 3 on CBS this fall — and who knows? The next case might just require a little help from Kensi Blye.
