Noah Mills is trading in palm trees and tactical gear for the gritty streets of Pittsburgh—well, on screen at least. The NCIS: Hawai’i star, best known to fans as the steadfast and heroic Agent Jesse Boone, is stepping into an entirely different arena for Season 2 of CBS’s medical detective drama Watson. And this time, it’s not about solving crimes in paradise—it’s about navigating the dangerous psychology of human relationships.
For NCIS: Hawai’i fans still feeling the sting of the show’s unexpected cancellation, Mills’ new gig is a welcome sight. While many would have preferred a fourth season to tie up lingering storylines, the actor’s latest project proves he’s not slowing down—and he’s not afraid to take risks with his career.
According to Deadline, Mills will appear in a recurring guest role as Beck Wythe, a man whose once-glittering Silicon Valley career has crashed and burned due to reckless choices. Now back in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Beck crosses paths with Ingrid Derian (Eve Harlow) in a group therapy session for individuals managing Cluster B personality disorders. But here’s the twist—while Ingrid is notorious for her manipulative streak, Beck’s motives are murkier. Is he truly seeking help, or does he see the group as a playground for his own agenda?
Their unlikely bond could be intoxicating—or dangerous. And if viewers have learned anything from Ingrid’s past, trouble isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
While CBS hasn’t revealed exactly how many episodes Mills will appear in, the nature of the role suggests he’ll be around long enough to make a lasting impression… and possibly leave some chaos in his wake.
For Mills, it’s a striking departure from the clean-cut, by-the-book characters that have defined much of his TV career. Aside from his three-season run on NCIS: Hawai’i, he’s also been seen in NBC’s The Brave and The Enemy Within, often playing men on the right side of the law—even if they operate in morally complex arenas.
But Watson gives him the chance to explore the other side of the moral compass—a character with questionable ethics, hidden motives, and potentially self-destructive tendencies. For an actor with Mills’ screen presence, that’s the kind of dramatic challenge that can be career-defining.
“Actors love to stretch, and Noah’s new role sounds like the perfect chance to do just that,” says one industry insider. “Fans who know him as Jesse Boone are going to be surprised.”
The shift is also a win for fans of the NCIS franchise, many of whom have been keeping tabs on their favorite actors since the end of NCIS: Hawai’i. With fellow cast members like Vanessa Lachey and Tori Anderson also pursuing new projects, the post-cancellation landscape is shaping up to be a fascinating one.
Watson Season 2 premieres Monday, Oct. 13 at 10/9c on CBS, and if Beck Wythe turns out to be as unpredictable as he sounds, Mills might just steal the show.
One thing’s certain—viewers won’t be seeing Jesse Boone’s easy charm in this role. Instead, they’ll be getting something darker, more dangerous, and possibly a little bit addictive.
