Chris O’Donnellis returning to the procedural landscape, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t regretful about his previous ventures. In an interview with TV Line’s Matt Webb Mitovich, the former NCIS: Los Angeles star mentioned efforts to revive the series after its 14-year-long run. In the NCIS spin-off, O’Donnell played G. Callen, the Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles office. The series also starred L.L. Cool J as Sam Hanna and Eric Christian Olsen as Marty Deeks. NCIS: LA had a decent run on CBS, though not quite as long as its predecessor, which concluded its 22nd season. When Mitovich raised the question of a television movie to depict the events following his time on the series, O’Donnell admitted he was on board.
“We suggested it, actually. But I don’t think that formula works real well for CBS,” O’Donnell noted. He added that during the recent writers’ strike, the NCIS cast had come together and raised the idea of hammering out a television movie in six weeks. Even so, it never came together.
“It was tough to leave because everyone just loved working with each other,” O’Donnell added. The NCIS: LA characters, such as Hanna, continue to live on in other franchise series. In the interview, O’Donnell learned that his character was still with his wife, and Sam Hanna was stuck in a DMZ. The actor was pleased to hear that Callen and Anna were having a baby, but he is also focused on the next phase in his career.
For over a decade, NCIS: Los Angeles stood as one of the most beloved spin-offs in the NCIS franchise, delivering thrilling cases, heartfelt team dynamics, and an irresistible mix of action and humor. But when CBS pulled the plug in 2023, many fans were left wondering why such a popular series had to end. Recently, Chris O’Donnell—who starred as Special Agent G. Callen—revealed that he and the cast didn’t go down without a fight. In fact, they even suggested ideas to keep the show alive.
This revelation sparked a wave of emotion among longtime fans. Let’s dive deeper into what really happened behind the scenes, O’Donnell’s attempt to save the show, and why NCIS: Los Angeles still holds such a special place in television history.
The Legacy of NCIS: Los Angeles
How the Spin-Off Carved Its Own Identity
When NCIS: Los Angeles premiered in 2009, many wondered if it could step out of the shadow of the original NCIS. Within weeks, it proved that it wasn’t just a copy—it was a reinvention. The show combined undercover operations, international espionage, and high-stakes missions, making it more of a spy-thriller than a procedural.
A Fan Favorite for 14 Seasons
For 14 years, fans tuned in weekly to watch Callen, Sam Hanna (LL Cool J), Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah), Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), and Hetty (Linda Hunt) take on cases that pushed the boundaries of law enforcement drama. By the time it wrapped, the series had aired over 300 episodes. That’s no small feat in today’s TV landscape.
Chris O’Donnell Speaks Out
The Shocking Admission
In a candid interview, Chris O’Donnell admitted that he and his co-stars didn’t want NCIS: LA to end so soon. “We suggested it,” he explained, referring to pitches they made to CBS about how to keep the show alive. Unfortunately, their efforts weren’t enough to sway the network.
Why It Matters to Fans
For longtime viewers, O’Donnell’s revelation confirms what many suspected: the cast wasn’t ready to say goodbye either. The actors weren’t just employees; they were deeply invested in the show’s legacy and its fans.
Behind the Cancellation
CBS’s Perspective
So why did CBS decide to cancel one of its longest-running hits? While the network didn’t reveal every detail, insiders pointed to rising production costs and shifting network priorities. The entertainment industry is evolving quickly, with streaming platforms changing the game. Even established shows aren’t immune.
Ratings Still Strong
Interestingly, NCIS: Los Angeles wasn’t struggling with viewership the way some canceled shows do. It continued to deliver solid ratings, proving that the fan base remained loyal. This makes its cancellation even more heartbreaking.
The Cast’s Attempt to Save the Show
Creative Pitches on the Table
According to O’Donnell, the cast suggested alternative ways to continue the series. These included shorter seasons, special event runs, or even moving the show to a streaming service. All of these ideas aimed to reduce costs while keeping fans engaged.
The Power of Fan Support
It’s worth noting that fans had also campaigned online to save the series. Hashtags trended on Twitter, petitions circulated, and many urged CBS to reconsider. While fan campaigns don’t always change corporate decisions, they showcased just how much love there still is for NCIS: LA.
Why NCIS: Los Angeles Still Matters
Breaking the Mold
Unlike other procedurals, NCIS: LA leaned into complex character backstories. Callen’s mysterious past, Hetty’s shadowy government ties, and Kensi and Deeks’ romance gave the show a depth that kept viewers hooked.
Representation and Diversity
The series also stood out for showcasing diverse characters and strong female leads in prominent roles. Daniela Ruah’s Kensi wasn’t just a sidekick—she was a powerhouse who stood toe-to-toe with her male counterparts.
Impact on the NCIS Franchise
NCIS: LA paved the way for other spin-offs like NCIS: New Orleans and NCIS: Hawai’i. Its success proved that the NCIS universe could expand in fresh, exciting ways.
Chris O’Donnell and His Emotional Goodbye
A Role That Defined His Career
Although Chris O’Donnell had an impressive career before NCIS: LA, playing Callen gave him a role that spanned over a decade—a rare achievement for any actor. His emotional connection to the show made his attempt to save it all the more heartfelt.
Friendships That Last Beyond TV
Beyond the scripts and the cameras, the cast became a family. O’Donnell often shared that his bond with LL Cool J was one of the most rewarding parts of the job. That chemistry translated on screen and became one of the series’ strongest foundations.
The Future of the NCIS Universe
Could NCIS: LA Return Someday?
Fans can’t help but wonder—could NCIS: Los Angeles return in some form? Reboots, revivals, and spin-offs are common in today’s television landscape. With O’Donnell’s admission that the cast was open to new ideas, hope remains alive.
Other Spin-Offs Still Thriving
While NCIS: LA has ended, the NCIS franchise continues strong with NCIS, NCIS: Hawai’i, and the newly announced NCIS: Sydney. The universe is expanding globally, proving there’s no shortage of stories to tell.
Lessons from NCIS: Los Angeles’ Ending
The Changing TV Landscape
The end of NCIS: LA is a reminder that even fan-favorite shows aren’t safe in today’s competitive TV environment. Streaming services, rising production costs, and evolving audience demands all play a role in such decisions.
The Legacy Lives On
Although the series ended, its legacy continues through syndication, streaming platforms, and fan devotion. For many, NCIS: LA wasn’t just a show—it was a weekly ritual, a comforting presence, and a reminder of teamwork, loyalty, and justice.
Conclusion
Chris O’Donnell’s heartfelt revelation that he and his castmates tried to save NCIS: Los Angeles highlights just how much the show meant to everyone involved—from the actors to the fans. While CBS may have closed the book on this chapter, the love for NCIS: LA lives on. Whether through re-runs, potential revivals, or the continued growth of the NCIS franchise, the spirit of Callen, Sam, Kensi, Deeks, and Hetty will never fade.
