From Deeks to Development: Olsen Finds New Ground at CBS
For over a decade, Eric Christian Olsen lit up primetime as the spirited, wisecracking Marty Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles, becoming one-half of one of television’s most beloved crime-fighting duos alongside Daniela Ruah’s Kensi Blye. His blend of humor, vulnerability, and steadfast loyalty made Deeks a standout in the long-running procedural. But as the sun set on NCIS: LA in 2023, Olsen wasn’t preparing to ride into the franchise sunset—he was already paving the way for his next big chapter.
And it’s not a spin-off. It’s a reboot. And not just any reboot.
Olsen is now stepping into a new role entirely—as executive producer of CBS’s bold reimagining of the legendary legal drama Matlock, with none other than Oscar-winner Kathy Bates in the titular role.
The Legacy of Deeks, and the Longing for More
When NCIS: LA wrapped its 14-season run, it was more than the end of a show—it was the close of a chapter for a passionate fanbase that had watched Deeks evolve from quirky LAPD liaison to a full-fledged NCIS agent, husband, and soon-to-be father. The finale gave Deeks and Kensi a hopeful farewell, hinting at a peaceful family life beyond the high-stakes cases.
But for fans, that wasn’t quite enough.
Speculation swirled around possible spin-offs or crossover appearances—especially after LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna popped up in NCIS: Hawai’i. The hope lingered: could Deeks and Kensi return as part of a new NCIS storyline? The appetite was there. But Olsen had his eyes on a different prize.
Rewriting Courtroom History: The Matlock Reboot
Olsen’s new gig sees him trading tactical takedowns for trial tactics. As executive producer of the Matlock reboot, he’s helping revive one of television’s most iconic legal minds. This time, the role is reimagined as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant, unorthodox lawyer played by Kathy Bates. It’s a fresh take for a modern audience—one that combines courtroom drama with the razor-sharp wit and warm eccentricity Bates has perfected over her illustrious career.
For Olsen, it’s a deliberate shift behind the camera, allowing him to take creative control and shape the storytelling from the top down.
“This isn’t just about nostalgia,” Olsen said in a recent interview. “It’s about honoring the spirit of a classic while making something bold, smart, and new.”
The Creative Thrill of Producing
Olsen’s transition to executive producer isn’t just a career pivot—it’s a passion move. Having spent years in front of the camera, he now brings that on-set experience to a new arena: developing compelling characters, guiding tone, and curating a world audiences will want to return to week after week.
“I’ve learned so much from being part of a big ensemble and working with incredible showrunners,” Olsen shared. “Now, I want to be part of building something from the ground up.”
And while he’s no longer wielding a badge as Deeks, there’s still a possibility of seeing him on screen. Olsen has hinted he may appear on Matlock—but not as the lovable NCIS agent fans know and miss. It would be a fresh role, in a new world, offering him a chance to explore different creative dimensions.
Is the Deeks Door Really Closed?
Not entirely. Olsen hasn’t ruled out returning to the NCIS universe someday. But for now, his focus is firmly on Matlock, and his evolution from actor to producer suggests he’s building a future where he controls the narrative, rather than simply playing a part in it.
Fans longing for more Deeks content may have to be patient. In the meantime, Matlock offers them something just as exciting: a new frontier for Olsen’s talent—and perhaps, an entirely new kind of CBS hit.
Conclusion: A New Era for Eric Christian Olsen
Eric Christian Olsen has long proven he can anchor a hit series. Now, he’s setting out to create one. His move from star of NCIS: Los Angeles to executive producer of Matlock marks a bold and exciting reinvention—one that showcases his storytelling savvy and positions him as a creative force to watch in television’s next chapter.
For fans, it may not be the return of Deeks—but it is the return of Eric Christian Olsen. And in many ways, that’s just as thrilling.
