For thirteen seasons, Eric Christian Olsen was the quick-witted, big-hearted Marty Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles, delivering banter, bravery, and the kind of screen chemistry with Daniela Ruah’s Kensi Blye that kept fans glued to their TVs. When the series wrapped in 2023, viewers mourned the end of an era—but Olsen wasn’t about to fade from Hollywood’s spotlight. Instead, he’s stepped into a role that’s earning him just as much acclaim as his acting days: executive producer of CBS’s hit Matlock reboot, starring none other than the incomparable Kathy Bates.
The Power Play Behind the Camera
Olsen’s creative ambitions have long stretched beyond acting. Through his company, Cloud Nine Productions, he quietly honed his producing skills while still suiting up as Deeks. Now, with Matlock’s 2024 debut, he’s proven those behind-the-scenes instincts were right on target.
Rather than chasing another leading role, Olsen took a calculated leap into production—and it paid off. The reimagined Matlock, with Bates playing a brilliant, unconventional septuagenarian lawyer, has been hailed for its smart writing, contemporary edge, and gripping mysteries. Ratings are strong, critics are impressed, and CBS has a bona fide prestige drama on its hands.
Matlock Mania and Industry Praise
The series hasn’t just won over audiences; it’s drawing hardware-worthy attention. Kathy Bates earned two Golden Globe nominations for her role, with many in the industry acknowledging that the show’s polish, pacing, and emotional punch stem from a rock-solid production team—Olsen included.
At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, Bates took a moment in her acceptance speech to thank Olsen personally, praising his leadership even while navigating personal challenges, including losing his home in the Los Angeles wildfires. It was a rare and heartfelt nod to a producer’s quiet but pivotal role in a hit show’s success.
Fans Still in His Corner
Though many NCIS: LA loyalists admit they miss seeing Deeks on screen, they’ve embraced Olsen’s new chapter. Social media is awash with fans crediting him for Matlock’s fresh feel, sharp dialogue, and compelling cases. The sentiment is clear: whether he’s catching criminals on-screen or crafting stories behind the scenes, Olsen has a knack for delivering what audiences want.
A Strategic Next Act
Olsen’s move into producing keeps him close to the CBS family while broadening his creative reach. He’s hinted at a willingness to return to acting, but for now, his focus on shepherding Matlock’s success signals a career entering an exciting, diversified phase.
The verdict? Eric Christian Olsen has successfully shifted from fan-favorite detective to Hollywood power player, proving that sometimes the best way forward is behind the camera. And while Marty Deeks may be gone, Olsen’s influence on prime-time TV is stronger than ever.
