NCIS: Los Angeles is getting a proper send off for its upcoming finale, and it is about to get very emotional. The hit CBS show – which has been on the air for fourteen years and is both the first and the longest running spin-off from the popular franchise – is coming to an end in May.
The finale will be split up into two parts, which will air on its usual Sunday slots on May 14 and May 21, and the latter will also feature a finale send-off to air right after the very last episode, which will reflect on its run and bittersweet ending. Its star Daniela Ruah recently looked back on her time on the show, which you can see in the video below. Titled A Salute to NCIS: Los Angeles, the one-hour farewell special will air at 10pm EST on May 21st and is set to be hosted by Kevin Frazier, who is known for co-hosting Entertainment Tonight. It will feature old and new interviews with the cast members, and plenty of behind-the-scenes footage from the last 14 years.
Showrunner and executive producer R. Scott Gemmill reflected on the incoming conclusion to the show, and per Variety, he said: “Wrapping up a series is always bittersweet. We were blessed to have 14 seasons together, so bringing it to a satisfying end was extremely challenging after so many years.” He added: “Fortunately, CBS was gracious enough to give us an extra episode in order to send off our characters in a way befitting their stories that hopefully the fans find both satisfying and hopeful.”
When a beloved show like NCIS: Los Angeles wraps up after more than a decade, fans expect to cry a little—but the finale ended up being even more heartbreaking than anyone anticipated. After 14 thrilling seasons, the show didn’t just say goodbye to its characters—it left viewers with a raw, emotional conclusion shaped by unexpected challenges. So, why exactly did this finale hit fans so hard? Let’s break down the real reasons behind the emotional rollercoaster that was the NCIS: Los Angeles series finale.
The Weight of 14 Seasons Coming to a Close
It’s no small thing when a show runs for 14 years. That’s over a decade of fans growing with the characters, watching their favorite storylines evolve, and feeling part of something bigger. Ending a series like this isn’t just a “goodbye.” It’s like closing a chapter of your own life.
Think of it this way: when you’ve spent week after week with the same people, even fictional ones, they start to feel like family. That’s exactly what happened with Callen, Sam, Kensi, Deeks, and the rest of the NCIS: LA team.
An ‘Extremely Challenging’ Production Journey
Behind the scenes, the NCIS: LA finale wasn’t an easy one to pull off. Cast and crew admitted that the last stretch of filming came with obstacles. From scheduling conflicts to emotional goodbyes, the atmosphere on set was heavy.
But the word that kept surfacing? Challenging. And not just technically, but emotionally, too. Filming those final episodes was like running a marathon with tears in your eyes.
Cast Struggles: More Than Just Acting
While actors are trained to slip in and out of roles, closing the door on a character they’ve lived with for over a decade isn’t something you can do overnight. Take Chris O’Donnell (Callen) and LL Cool J (Sam Hanna), who carried the show from day one. Saying goodbye to their on-screen partnership was like losing a brotherhood that defined the series.
For others like Daniela Ruah (Kensi) and Eric Christian Olsen (Deeks), it wasn’t just about leaving their characters—it was about stepping away from a workplace that had been their second home.
Fan Expectations Made It Tougher
Let’s be real—when you have millions of loyal fans hanging onto every detail of the finale, the pressure skyrockets. Writers and producers had to craft an ending that wasn’t just satisfying but also respectful of the legacy the show built.
This wasn’t just “another episode.” It was the final goodbye, and fans expected nothing less than perfection. That weight made the conclusion even more emotional.
Unresolved Stories Made It Bittersweet
While the finale gave closure to many characters, some storylines didn’t get the neat little bow fans were hoping for. Certain relationships, future missions, and even character arcs were left a little open-ended.
But maybe that’s the beauty of it—life doesn’t always tie everything up perfectly. In a way, leaving those doors open kept the world of NCIS: LA alive, even after the cameras stopped rolling.
Behind-the-Scenes Bonds Deepened the Emotions
When you spend 14 years working side by side, your castmates become family. That’s why the last day on set felt less like a wrap and more like a farewell party with tears. Cast members shared heartfelt social media posts, reminiscing about the journey, which only deepened the emotions for fans who followed along.
A Tribute to the Fans
The finale wasn’t just for the characters or the actors—it was for the fans. The writers cleverly sprinkled in callbacks to earlier seasons, nostalgic references, and emotional nods to the people who had stuck with the show since 2009.
Fans weren’t just watching the end of a TV show—they were watching the end of an era they had invested in for years.
The Legacy of NCIS: Los Angeles
Even though the series wrapped, its legacy is undeniable. NCIS: LA wasn’t just a spin-off; it became a powerhouse of its own, carving out its place in television history. It gave us complex characters, thrilling cases, and heartwarming relationships that kept viewers coming back year after year.
How The Finale Differed from Other NCIS Endings
Unlike some abrupt cancellations, NCIS: LA had the chance to wrap up its story intentionally. Still, compared to other NCIS series finales, this one felt more personal and emotional. It wasn’t just about solving one last case—it was about saying goodbye with dignity and gratitude.
The Role of Music in Amplifying Emotions
The soundtrack of the finale played a massive role in tugging at heartstrings. Music has always been a quiet but powerful force in NCIS: LA, and the finale leaned into that, making certain moments unforgettable.
Why Fans Are Still Talking About It
Weeks after the finale aired, social media still buzzed with reactions, theories, and emotional posts. The finale wasn’t just an episode—it became a cultural moment.
People weren’t only mourning the end of a show. They were mourning the end of a weekly ritual that had been part of their lives for years.
Lessons From the NCIS: Los Angeles Ending
What can we take away from the finale? That goodbyes are tough, but they also remind us of the joy we had along the way. The finale taught fans that while stories may end, the memories and emotions tied to them live on.
The Emotional Ripple Effect on the NCIS Universe
Even though NCIS: LA has ended, its impact continues across the NCIS franchise. Characters could still pop up in other spin-offs, reminding us that while one chapter closed, the book isn’t fully shut.
A Goodbye That Feels Like Forever… But Isn’t
Sure, NCIS: Los Angeles is off the air, but reruns, streaming platforms, and fan communities keep the show alive. And who knows? Spin-offs, reunions, or even surprise cameos could bring familiar faces back down the line.
Conclusion
The NCIS: Los Angeles finale wasn’t just emotional—it was gut-wrenching because it combined the weight of 14 years, the behind-the-scenes struggles, the fan expectations, and the deep personal bonds between cast and crew. It wasn’t just about saying goodbye to a TV show; it was about closing a chapter of life that millions of fans had been a part of. Even though it’s over, the finale proved one thing: the spirit of NCIS: LA will never truly fade.
