When a TV show runs for more than a decade, the lines between cast and family tend to blur. That’s exactly what happened with NCIS: Los Angeles, and nothing proves it better than the heartwarming joint family holiday celebration shared by Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen. Long after the cameras stopped rolling, their bond is still going strong—and fans can’t get enough of it.
This wasn’t just a casual holiday hangout. It was a full-on family affair that reminded everyone why the NCIS: LA cast chemistry felt so real on screen. Let’s dive into why this reunion matters, what it reveals about their off-screen relationship, and why fans are still emotionally invested years later.
Why NCIS: LA Still Matters to Fans
A Show That Became a Second Home
For 14 seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles wasn’t just another crime procedural. It was comfort TV. It was the show you turned on after a long day, knowing the team would always have each other’s backs.
Characters That Felt Like Family
Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks weren’t just fictional partners. They felt real. Their banter, loyalty, and slow-burn romance created one of the most beloved dynamics in the franchise.
Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen: More Than Co-Stars
From On-Screen Chemistry to Real-Life Family
Here’s the fun twist fans love: Daniela Ruah is married to Eric Christian Olsen’s real-life brother, David Paul Olsen. That makes Daniela and Eric actual family—not just TV partners.
A Bond That Outlasted the Show
When NCIS: LA ended, many expected the cast to drift apart. Daniela and Eric did the opposite. They leaned into their connection, proving that some relationships don’t fade when the final episode airs.
Inside Their Joint Family Holiday Celebration
A Cozy, Love-Filled Gathering
The joint holiday celebration was intimate, warm, and refreshingly real. No flashy red carpets. No overproduced glam shots. Just families coming together, kids laughing, and adults enjoying a rare moment of calm.
Why Fans Noticed Immediately
Once photos surfaced, fans instantly recognized the vibe. This wasn’t a publicity move. It was genuine. And that authenticity is exactly why it resonated so strongly.
Social Media Reactions: Fans Couldn’t Get Enough
Comments Filled With Nostalgia
Fans flooded comment sections with messages like:
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“This makes my heart so happy.”
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“Deeks and Kensi forever.”
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“NCIS: LA family never ends.”
Why Nostalgia Hits So Hard
Seeing Daniela and Eric together instantly transports fans back to iconic episodes, emotional storylines, and years of shared TV memories. It’s like running into old friends unexpectedly.
The Power of Long-Term Cast Relationships
Hollywood Friendships Rarely Last—But This One Did
Let’s be honest. Hollywood friendships can be fleeting. That’s why this one stands out. Daniela and Eric didn’t just stay friendly; they stayed family.
Built on Trust and Shared History
Fourteen seasons create a deep well of trust. You don’t just forget late-night shoots, emotional scenes, and inside jokes that span more than a decade.
Daniela Ruah: A Star Who Values Family First
Balancing Fame and Real Life
Daniela has always been vocal about prioritizing family. Whether she’s acting, directing, or producing, her personal life remains grounded.
Why Fans Relate to Her So Much
She doesn’t present a filtered, unrealistic version of celebrity life. She shows the messy, beautiful reality—and that makes fans root for her even more.
Eric Christian Olsen: The Heart of NCIS: LA
A Character Fans Fell in Love With
Marty Deeks wasn’t just comic relief. He was heart, humor, and humanity rolled into one. Eric brought vulnerability that made the character unforgettable.
Off-Screen Personality Matches the Role
What fans love most? Eric off screen feels just as warm and genuine as Deeks on screen.
Why This Holiday Moment Feels Bigger Than It Is
A Reminder That TV Families Can Be Real
This celebration wasn’t newsworthy because of luxury or drama. It mattered because it confirmed something fans hoped was true all along—the bond was real.
Comfort in Familiar Faces
In uncertain times, familiar faces bring comfort. Seeing Daniela and Eric together again feels like revisiting a safe place.
NCIS: LA’s Legacy Lives On
Syndication and Streaming Keep It Alive
With reruns and streaming platforms keeping NCIS: LA accessible, new fans are discovering the show while longtime viewers are rewatching their favorite moments.

Moments Like This Keep the Flame Burning
Every reunion, photo, or shared memory adds another chapter to the show’s legacy.
What This Means for Future Reunions
Could We See More Cast Get-Togethers?
If Daniela and Eric’s holiday celebration is any indication, future reunions aren’t out of the question.
Fans Are Ready for Anything
A reunion special? A guest appearance on another NCIS series? Fans would show up in a heartbeat.
Why Fans Still Care So Deeply
Emotional Investment Matters
People don’t just watch shows—they invest in them. NCIS: LA became part of weekly routines and personal milestones.
Shared Memories Create Lasting Bonds
When actors honor those memories, fans feel seen and appreciated.
A Lesson Hollywood Could Learn
Authenticity Always Wins
No marketing campaign can replicate genuine connection. Daniela and Eric didn’t try to impress—they just showed up as family.
Why Fans Reward Realness
In an era of curated perfection, authenticity stands out like a lighthouse in fog.
What Made This Holiday Celebration Special
No Scripts, No Cameras, Just Love
That’s the magic. No lines to memorize. No marks to hit. Just real people enjoying real moments.
Why That’s Rare—and Precious
Those moments remind us why we fell in love with these actors in the first place.
Behind the Scenes of a Lasting Friendship
Years of Shared Growth
They grew as actors, professionals, and people together. That kind of shared evolution creates lifelong bonds.
Respect That Goes Both Ways
Mutual respect is the foundation of any lasting relationship—and theirs clearly has it.
Why This Story Keeps Trending
It’s Relatable
At its core, this story is about family, connection, and staying close to the people who matter.
It Feels Good to Read
In a world full of heavy headlines, this one feels like a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning.
Conclusion
The joint family holiday celebration between NCIS: LA alums Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen is more than a feel-good story—it’s a testament to authenticity, loyalty, and the kind of bonds that don’t fade when the spotlight dims. Long after the final episode aired, their connection continues to remind fans why NCIS: Los Angeles wasn’t just a show. It was, and still is, a family.