“NCIS” has become one of the most exciting and expansive franchises in television. The long-running drama series began in its original form back in 2003 and has led to a number of spin-off series. There have been seven versions of “NCIS” to date which have aired on CBS and Paramount+. Whether it’s Los Angeles, New Orleans, or Sydney, Australia, the “NCIS” team has been there saving the day.
With so many decades of episodes and different iterations of the show, fans have loved the many characters that have appeared in the show’s universe over the years. The ladies of “NCIS” have proven to be intelligent investigators and professionals, captivating the screen with their charisma. While there is the occasional love story unfolding on the series, the women of “NCIS” have been lucky in love in real life as well. A number of them have been in long-term relationships, with many marrying their partners and starting families of their own. We’ve broken down the romances of “NCIS” actors who have made the greatest impact on the famous franchise.
The NCIS universe isn’t just about high-stakes investigations, edge-of-your-seat drama, and unforgettable characters. Over the years, it has also introduced us to some of the strongest, smartest, and most compelling female leads on television. But while fans know every detail about their on-screen lives, there’s one question that never goes away:
Who are these NCIS leading ladies in love with in real life? Let’s step away from the crime lab and into the real world as we explore the romantic partners behind the women who dominate the NCIS universe—from original series icons to franchise newcomers.
Why Fans Are Obsessed With the Love Lives of NCIS Stars
There’s something fascinating about seeing powerful on-screen characters step into normal, real-life relationships.
Why?
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It humanizes them
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It deepens fan connection
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And let’s be honest—it’s just fun to know
These women play agents, analysts, doctors, and leaders. But off camera? They’re partners, wives, mothers, and soulmates.
Cote de Pablo (Ziva David) – Love, Privacy, and Mystery
Ziva David: A Fan-Favorite Icon
Ziva David isn’t just a character—she’s a phenomenon. Played by Cote de Pablo, Ziva redefined what it meant to be a strong female lead in procedural television.
Cote de Pablo’s Real-Life Partner
Unlike her character’s intense romantic arcs, Cote de Pablo keeps her personal life fiercely private. She has previously been linked to actor Diego Serrano, though the two have largely stayed out of the spotlight.
Why Fans Respect Her Privacy
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No social media oversharing
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Rare public appearances
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Focus on craft over fame
Sometimes, mystery is the most powerful love story of all.
Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto) – Bold, Brilliant, and Unapologetically Herself
Abby Sciuto: The Heart of NCIS
With her gothic style and infectious optimism, Abby was the emotional center of NCIS for years.
Pauley Perrette’s Relationship History
Pauley has been open about her past relationships, including a marriage to musician Coyote Shivers. Since then, she has chosen to focus on self-growth, advocacy, and independence.
A Different Kind of Love Story
Her journey highlights an important truth:
Love doesn’t always look like romance—it can be survival, strength, and self-respect.
Emily Wickersham (Eleanor Bishop) – A Fresh Start On and Off Screen
Bishop’s Evolution
Eleanor Bishop started as an analyst and evolved into one of NCIS’s most capable field agents.
Emily Wickersham’s Real-Life Partner
Emily married musician Blake Hanley, though the relationship later ended. Today, she keeps her personal life mostly under wraps.
Life After NCIS
Much like her character, Emily embraces change, reinvention, and resilience.
Maria Bello (Jack Sloane) – Authenticity Above All
Jack Sloane’s Emotional Depth
Jack Sloane brought psychological nuance to NCIS, exploring trauma, healing, and humanity.
Maria Bello’s Partner
Maria Bello has been in a long-term relationship with chef and restaurateur Dominique Crenn. Their relationship is rooted in mutual respect, creativity, and shared values.
Why Fans Admire Her
Maria’s openness about love and identity resonates deeply in a franchise built on strength and truth.
Vanessa Lachey (Jane Tennant – NCIS: Hawai‘i)
Breaking Barriers as the First Female Lead
Jane Tennant made history as the first female Special Agent in Charge in the NCIS universe.
Marriage to Nick Lachey
Vanessa is married to singer and TV personality Nick Lachey. Together, they’re one of Hollywood’s most stable couples.
A Real Partnership
Their relationship feels like a perfect metaphor:
Two people navigating fame, family, and ambition—together.
Katrina Law (Jessica Knight) – Strength Meets Subtle Romance
Jessica Knight’s Rise
Knight quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her confidence and layered personality.
Katrina Law’s Real-Life Love
Katrina is married to actor Keith Andreen, and the two share a grounded, low-key relationship away from the spotlight.
Balance Is Everything
Career success and personal happiness don’t have to compete—they can coexist.
Why NCIS Leading Ladies Choose Privacy Over Publicity
Many NCIS stars intentionally shield their relationships from fame. And honestly? It makes sense.
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Protects mental health
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Keeps relationships authentic
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Separates character from reality
In an age of oversharing, privacy is power.
How Real-Life Relationships Shape On-Screen Performances
There’s a reason these women deliver such emotionally rich performances.
Love, loss, growth—real experiences bring depth to fictional roles. It’s like seasoning a dish: you don’t see it, but you taste the difference.
The NCIS Franchise and Its Progressive Female Representation
From forensic scientists to commanders, the NCIS universe continues to evolve.
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Women in leadership
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Emotional intelligence as strength
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Romance without dependency
And their real-life partners often reflect the same values.
Why Fans Connect So Deeply With These Stories
Because they’re not just characters.
They’re reflections.
We see ambition.
We see vulnerability.
We see love that isn’t perfect—but real.
What the Future Holds for NCIS Leading Ladies
As the franchise expands, one thing is clear:
Women will continue to lead both on screen and in life.
And their real-life partners? They’ll remain supportive figures—sometimes visible, sometimes not—but always meaningful.
Conclusion
The NCIS universe leading ladies are more than fictional heroes. They are women navigating fame, love, privacy, and purpose in the real world. Whether married, partnered, or choosing independence, their stories remind us that strength takes many forms—and so does love.
Behind every powerful performance is a real person with a real life, real relationships, and real choices. And that’s what makes these women unforgettable.
