For fans of NCIS: Los Angeles, the dream of a revival has been hanging on by a thread since the series took its final bow in 2023. That thread may have just snapped. Chris O’Donnell, the man who embodied Special Agent G. Callen for 14 seasons, has signed on to lead 9-1-1: Nashville—an unexpected career pivot that could all but close the book on the Office of Special Projects, at least for the foreseeable future.
From Federal Agent to Fire Captain
According to TVLine, O’Donnell will headline the latest installment of ABC’s 9-1-1 franchise as Captain Don Sharpe, “a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider” who leads Nashville’s busiest firehouse alongside his own son. Beneath his tough exterior lies a family man guarding closely held secrets. It’s a meaty role—and a dramatic departure from Callen’s calm, calculated presence in the NCIS universe.
It’s also a role that requires O’Donnell’s full commitment. Leading a network procedural is no small feat, and 9-1-1: Nashville, set to premiere in Fall 2025, will likely demand the kind of schedule that leaves no room for another full-time gig—especially one as action-heavy as NCIS: LA.
A Door Once Left Ajar Now Feels Closed
When CBS announced NCIS: LA’s cancellation, it softened the blow with a finale that avoided tying up every storyline. Fans could imagine G. Callen and Sam Hanna still chasing leads somewhere out in the field, ready to pop back up for a crossover or limited series.
But O’Donnell’s new contract changes the calculus. Not only would it be nearly impossible to film two demanding network dramas simultaneously, but his creative focus will now be centered entirely on a new fictional world—one that has nothing to do with the NCIS universe.
For those still hoping to see the OSP team—Callen, Sam, Kensi, and Deeks—back in action together, this latest news feels like a quiet but definitive goodbye.
The NCIS: LA Legacy Still Echoes
It’s not as if the show has been erased from the NCIS canon. In NCIS Season 22’s episode “Bad Blood,” a sly Easter egg confirmed that the LA squad is still active off-screen, donating to a school fundraiser for McGee’s kids. It was a small nod, but one that reassured viewers that these characters haven’t been forgotten entirely.
A cameo in another NCIS series remains possible. But a full-scale revival without O’Donnell? It’s a tough sell—and fans know it. Callen was the linchpin, the steady force holding the team together through betrayals, undercover missions, and explosive showdowns. Without him, the show wouldn’t just look different; it would be different.
What to Expect From 9-1-1: Nashville
The spinoff itself promises plenty of drama, set against the rich backdrop of Music City. Expect the signature 9-1-1 blend of high-stakes rescues, emotionally charged subplots, and an ensemble cast dealing with both personal and professional crises. O’Donnell’s Don Sharpe will carry echoes of Callen’s guarded nature, but with a distinctly Southern twist—cowboy hats and all.
While fans may spot familiar shades of intensity and quiet resilience in Sharpe, one thing is certain: he’s not Callen, and 9-1-1: Nashville is not NCIS: Los Angeles.
The Final Verdict
Chris O’Donnell’s leap into the 9-1-1 franchise is a win for viewers who love to see him in action. But for NCIS: LA loyalists, it’s also a bittersweet confirmation: the reunion they’ve been waiting for is no longer just delayed—it’s drifting further into the realm of wishful thinking.
The OSP team could always resurface one day. TV has a funny way of resurrecting beloved worlds when the timing is right. But until then, the closest fans may get is an occasional wink from another NCIS series—or the comfort of binge-watching the episodes where G. Callen was still calling the shots.
