Rocky Carroll may have closed his chapter as Leon Vance, but his journey with NCIS is far from finished. After exiting the series in March 2026 following 18 memorable seasons, the actor quickly returned to the production in a new capacity—director.
CBS confirmed Carroll directed Season 23’s episode “S.O.S.”, which follows the team investigating a Navy lieutenant believed lost in a plane crash that now appears suspicious. The episode aired April 14 and marks another milestone in Carroll’s evolving role on the series.
While many viewers associate him primarily with his commanding on-screen presence as Vance, Carroll has quietly built a strong directing portfolio over the years, previously helming 29 episodes of the drama.
His return behind the camera signals that even after his character’s departure, Carroll remains an essential creative voice helping shape the future direction of NCIS. 🎬