When NCIS: Los Angeles aired its final episode in May 2023, viewers said goodbye to a beloved crew of West Coast agents who mixed intense action with deeply human stories. But few characters carved out a place in fans’ hearts quite like Marty Deeks, the wisecracking, fiercely loyal former LAPD detective turned NCIS agent. Portrayed by Eric Christian Olsen, Deeks brought levity and grit to a procedural landscape that often veered heavy—and his on-screen love story with Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) became one of the most enduring in the NCIS franchise.
Now, with whispers of new spin-offs and reboots echoing throughout the CBS universe, Eric Christian Olsen is no longer whispering—he’s advocating. Loudly.
“Deeks still has more stories to tell,” Olsen said in a recent interview. “I’d jump back in. There’s so much more to explore.”
Deeks: More Than Just Comic Relief
Introduced in Season 1 as a liaison from the LAPD, Marty Deeks wasn’t supposed to stay long. But Olsen’s chemistry with Ruah—and his layered portrayal of a man who used humor to mask past trauma—made him indispensable. Over 14 seasons, Deeks evolved from wildcard to family man, navigating shootouts, betrayal, and a long-awaited adoption journey with Kensi. Fans saw him at his best and worst, and they never stopped rooting for him.
“He wasn’t your typical agent,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “That’s why we loved him.”
The Franchise’s Future — and Where Deeks Fits In
The NCIS brand is still going strong. With the flagship series renewed, a prequel titled NCIS: Origins in production, and murmurs of international spin-offs, CBS has made it clear that the franchise isn’t done expanding. The question is—could Marty Deeks find his way into one of these next-gen versions?
From Olsen’s perspective, absolutely.
“There’s something really compelling about a guy like Deeks thrown into a new world,” Olsen said. “Different rules, different team—but same heart.”
East Coast, West Coast… or Something New?
Speculation is rife. Could Deeks resurface in NCIS: Origins? Might he show up in a surprise cameo on NCIS: Sydney or help launch an entirely new series? One popular theory is that Deeks, now a seasoned agent and dad, could serve as a mentor figure in a spin-off centered around younger agents. Another fan dream? A Deeks & Kensi limited series exploring parenthood and crime-solving side by side.
“There’s something about those two—domestic bliss but still kicking down doors,” one Reddit user joked. “We’d watch a Parenthood meets NCIS show in a heartbeat.”
The Actor Becomes the Advocate
While Olsen has remained busy behind the camera as a producer (and yes, occasionally as a director), his heart hasn’t strayed far from NCIS: LA. His public support for Deeks’ return isn’t just lip service—it’s backed by ideas, intention, and most importantly, a willingness to return.
“I owe a lot to this character,” he shared. “And I think there’s more fun to be had—more emotional punches to land.”
Fan Power: Could It Make a Difference?
In the age of social media campaigns and surprise revivals, the passionate NCIS fanbase could be the tipping point. Hashtags like #BringBackDeeks and #DeeksDeservesMore have popped up across platforms, and polls routinely place Deeks among the top characters fans want to see return.
For a franchise that thrives on loyalty and legacy, listening to the audience might be the smartest next move.
The Verdict: Never Say Never
While CBS has made no official announcements, the stars may be aligning. With Olsen willing, fans eager, and the franchise still hungry for fresh-yet-familiar content, the return of Marty Deeks isn’t just a nostalgic dream—it’s a strategic opportunity.
After all, as Deeks himself might say:
“You can take the detective out of the precinct, but you can’t take the instinct out of the guy.”
And in the world of NCIS, instincts always find their way home.
Up Next in the Franchise:
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NCIS: Origins casts a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs
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Daniela Ruah directs again — this time for The Equalizer
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Could LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna and Deeks reunite in a crossover?
