It’s been over two years since fans last saw Hetty Lange on-screen, but NCIS Season 22 is finally starting to shed light on the long-standing mystery of her disappearance.
Portrayed by the legendary Linda Hunt, Hetty was the heart and soul of NCIS: Los Angeles for years. As her appearances dwindled in the later seasons, curiosity—and concern—about her fate only grew. When the series concluded after Season 14, with CBS choosing not to move forward with a fifteenth season, Hetty’s story was left unresolved, leaving fans without a proper farewell.
Until now, NCIS has remained largely quiet about Hetty’s status, even as the broader franchise teased updates through its various spin-offs. But Season 22 has finally offered a glimmer of hope—and a subtle clue—as to what may have happened to the enigmatic agent.
The last confirmed sighting of Hetty placed her on a covert mission in Syria, an off-screen assignment that reflected both Linda Hunt’s reduced filming schedule and Hetty’s signature air of secrecy. Even absent from the screen, her presence continued to echo throughout the final seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles, with her covert work often referenced and small revelations sprinkled throughout the finale.
Now, as the main NCIS series revisits her story, it appears the franchise isn’t finished with Hetty Lange. While details remain intentionally vague, these recent developments hint at the possibility of closure—or even a long-awaited return. For fans who have followed Hetty for over a decade, it’s an exciting sign that her story may still have another chapter left to tell.
