For 14 adrenaline-fueled seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles offered viewers sun-soaked chases, undercover operations, and a loyal fan-favorite in Marty Deeks, played with humor and heart by Eric Christian Olsen. His chemistry with Daniela Ruah’s Kensi Blye was undeniable, and their love story—filled with witty banter, emotional depth, and hard-earned growth—anchored the procedural drama in humanity as much as action. So when the series wrapped in 2023, fans naturally assumed the charismatic LAPD liaison-turned-NCIS agent might reappear somewhere in the ever-expanding NCIS universe. Instead, Olsen surprised everyone by pivoting into an entirely different role—one that keeps him on CBS, but far away from a gun and badge.
Now, Olsen isn’t hunting criminals on-screen—he’s chasing a creative legacy behind the camera. And he’s doing it as executive producer of CBS’s Matlock reboot, a bold reimagining of the beloved legal drama that once starred Andy Griffith. This time, it’s Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates in the spotlight, and Olsen is the power player helping steer the ship.
The Goodbye That Didn’t Quite Feel Final
When NCIS: Los Angeles ended, it offered rare closure in a franchise known for open-ended exits. Deeks and Kensi, finally on solid ground after years of life-or-death missions, were preparing for parenthood and a calmer future—one that didn’t require tactical gear or interrogations. And yet, the fans weren’t ready to let go.
With LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna popping up in NCIS: Hawai’i, it seemed possible that other LA characters could follow. Social media buzzed with hopes of a Deeks-Kensi spinoff, exploring the duo as parents juggling diapers and danger. That fantasy, however, may remain just that—fantasy. Because Eric Christian Olsen had already moved on… to something radically different.
From Field Ops to Courtroom Drama: Olsen’s Career Pivot
Olsen’s new gig has nothing to do with federal agents or Navy crimes. Instead, he’s producing the high-profile reboot of Matlock, one of CBS’s cornerstone courtroom dramas from the 1980s and ’90s. But this is no simple remake. It’s a reimagined series led by none other than Kathy Bates, who plays Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a shrewd, seasoned lawyer with a disarming charm and an unshakable sense of justice.
For Olsen, the jump from actor to executive producer signals not just a career shift but a creative evolution. Producing allows him to shape stories on a macro level—from hiring talent and crafting tone, to influencing plot arcs and production style. And what better playground for this transition than a legacy CBS property refreshed for a modern audience?
Why Matlock? And Why Now?
In a television landscape dominated by reboots, Matlock stands out for its approach. It’s not trying to replicate the original—it’s reinventing it. Olsen has spoken candidly about the thrill of collaborating with Bates, whose gravitas gives the reboot instant credibility. “She brings so much nuance, so much quiet power to the role,” he said in an interview. “You don’t reboot Matlock unless you’ve got someone who can redefine it. And that’s exactly what Kathy does.”
Olsen’s passion for the project is palpable. His years in front of the camera have made him intimately familiar with what works in a procedural—and what doesn’t. His understanding of character rhythm, dialogue pacing, and audience expectation now informs his decisions behind the scenes. It’s the kind of second-act career move that not only makes sense but feels right.
The Deeks Question: Is That Door Truly Closed?
Naturally, Olsen hasn’t escaped questions about whether he’d ever return to NCIS: LA or appear in another franchise installment. And while he hasn’t outright said “never,” his priorities suggest that such a return—if it ever happens—would be brief, not central.
Interestingly, he has floated the possibility of guest-starring on Matlock, but not as Marty Deeks. If that happens, fans may see Olsen back on-screen sooner rather than later, just in a courtroom instead of a crime scene.
Still, Olsen’s focus is clear: he’s building a legacy behind the camera. And producing Matlock isn’t just a side hustle—it’s the new center of his professional universe.
Why This Move Matters—And What It Says About TV’s Next Era
Eric Christian Olsen’s shift reflects a broader industry trend. More actors—especially those with long-term success in procedural television—are trading starring roles for creative control. With over a decade on one of CBS’s most successful dramas, Olsen has the kind of insider insight that can shape the next generation of network hits.
In stepping away from Deeks, he’s doing what many actors struggle with: letting go of a fan-favorite role at its peak to avoid creative stagnation. And rather than chase another lead gig in front of the camera, he’s betting on his ability to shape culture from the producer’s chair. It’s a smart gamble—and one that could extend his influence well beyond any one character.
Final Verdict: A New Role, A New Legacy
For longtime NCIS: LA fans, it may be bittersweet to see Olsen put Deeks in the rearview mirror. But it’s also exciting. Matlock is a fresh opportunity not only for CBS, but for Olsen to leave his mark in a new way. And if the reboot succeeds—which it very well might—it could open doors for even more actor-producers to step into their own power.
So while Deeks and Kensi may be off raising their baby somewhere far from the chaos of the NCIS world, Eric Christian Olsen is busy parenting something else entirely: the next generation of TV drama.
And if we’re lucky? Maybe we’ll see him slip back into the spotlight just long enough to remind us why we loved Deeks in the first place.
