When NCIS: Los Angeles ended in 2023 after a remarkable 14-season run, fans — and the cast — were understandably disappointed. The series, which premiered in 2009, became the first and longest-running NCIS spin-off, starring the likes of Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Eric Christian Olsen, and Daniela Ruah.
Now, over a year since the show’s conclusion, Chris O’Donnell has shared that there were indeed efforts behind the scenes to continue the story — even if just for one final sendoff. In a recent interview with TVLine while promoting his upcoming series 9-1-1: Nashville, O’Donnell revealed that he and the cast pitched the idea of an NCIS: LA movie to tie up the storylines that were left open.
“We actually pitched it,” O’Donnell said. “But that kind of format doesn’t seem to be something CBS really favors.”
Reflecting on conversations during the 2023 Hollywood strikes, he said: “We were all sitting around thinking, ‘We could shoot one of these in six weeks — it’d be great.’” Unfortunately, the idea never moved forward. “It was hard to walk away,” he added, “because everyone genuinely loved working together.”
As O’Donnell turns the page, he’s now diving into a new role in 9-1-1: Nashville, a fresh addition to the hit 9-1-1 franchise. Alongside co-stars like LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Capshaw, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, O’Donnell will begin filming in June and says he’s excited about the opportunity — even if his experience with Nashville has been limited.
“I’ve only really driven through [Nashville] a few times,” he admitted, “but I have a lot of friends who’ve moved there from LA. I’m looking forward to the culture, the music — just soaking it all in. It’s a good time to go, especially after everything the area’s been through recently with the wildfires.”
As for his character, Captain Don Sharpe, O’Donnell kept the details close to the vest. “He’s married, has a son who also works at the firehouse,” he teased. “But honestly, I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to say.”
Looking back on his NCIS: LA years, O’Donnell reflected fondly: “Callen was such a great character to play for 14 years. That team felt like family. Now, I’m ready to build something new — with a new cast, a new network, and a whole new story.”
9-1-1: Nashville is expected to debut on ABC in fall 2025.
