Eric Christian Olsen’s Bold Pivot: From Beloved ‘NCIS: LA’ Star to Executive Producer of CBS’s ‘Matlock’
For over a decade, Eric Christian Olsen endeared himself to millions of fans as the witty, free-spirited, and deeply loyal Investigator Marty Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles. As the beloved CBS spin-off concluded its impressive 14-season run in May 2023, many wondered what would be next for the charismatic actor. While some might have expected him to jump into another on-screen role, Olsen has made a significant and celebrated career move that takes him largely behind the camera: he is now a successful executive producer on the highly anticipated CBS reboot of the classic legal drama, Matlock, starring Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates.
This transition marks a deliberate and exciting new chapter for Olsen, one that allows him to leverage his extensive experience in network television and his passion for storytelling in a new and impactful way. His move away from a primary acting role in a long-running series demonstrates a strategic shift in his career, highlighting his ambition to build and shape narratives from the ground up.
The Genesis of a Producing Career: Cloud Nine Productions
Eric Christian Olsen’s foray into producing isn’t a sudden post-NCIS: LA decision. He quietly founded his production company, Cloud Nine Productions, in 2016. For years, even while still portraying Marty Deeks, Olsen was actively developing projects, honing his skills behind the scenes. His production company’s mission is to “develop complex character-driven television shows across all genres, for both broadcast and cable/streaming platforms,” striving to “tell unique stories with hyper-specific characters whose journeys are universally relatable.”
Cloud Nine Productions has already seen success, setting up shows in development with various networks and platforms, including CBS, Skydance TV, Sony, Peacock, FX, TBS, Roku, NBC, and Paramount+. This groundwork laid during his NCIS: LA tenure provided the perfect springboard for his current major undertaking.
‘Matlock’: A Grand New Challenge
The Matlock reboot, which premiered on CBS in 2024, is arguably Olsen’s biggest producing triumph to date. It reimagines the iconic 1980s legal drama, originally starring Andy Griffith, with a modern twist. In this new iteration, Kathy Bates takes on the titular role of Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a sharp and unassuming septuagenarian who rejoins the workforce at a prestigious law firm, using her wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within.
Olsen serves as an executive producer on the show, working alongside powerhouse talents like Jennie Snyder Urman (creator of Jane the Virgin), who is the showrunner. This collaboration signifies a high level of trust and respect from CBS, entrusting Olsen with a major network reboot featuring a celebrated star like Kathy Bates.
Olsen’s involvement goes beyond a nominal credit. He has spoken enthusiastically about the creative process, from developing the show’s philosophy to working with the writers’ room. He revealed that he “begged” Jennie Snyder Urman to come on board, recognizing her genius. He also shared his personal connection to the original series, recalling “that sense memory overload of what it felt like to watch that show in my grandparents’ house with shag carpeting in Rockford, Illinois,” highlighting his passion for bringing that feeling of “truth and justice” to a new generation.
Why the Shift? Embracing a New Creative Path
For an actor who spent 14 seasons as a beloved character, the decision to step away from a primary acting role might seem surprising. However, Olsen’s move reflects a common trajectory for successful actors who develop a deeper interest in the creative control and long-term vision that producing offers.
He has openly discussed the demands of executive producing a major network show, acknowledging that it requires a significant amount of time and energy. This commitment led him to focus full-time on his producing duties once Matlock was greenlit by CBS, making it difficult to simultaneously pursue acting roles.
Olsen views this as an “incredible opportunity and platform to find stories that I was passionate about, and then help build them from the ground up.” He expressed excitement about the “ability to pivot and help tell stories that I’m so proud of from a producing standpoint and solving complex problems with communication and grace and empathy.” This perspective highlights a desire for creative influence and the satisfaction of shaping a project from its nascent stages to its on-screen realization.
While he has admitted to occasionally “deeply yearn[ing] to be in a scene with” Kathy Bates due to her incredible talent, Olsen largely abstains from acting in projects he produces. He has playfully mentioned that he sometimes fills in for various characters, often villains, during table reads for Matlock scripts, but a full-time return to acting, particularly as Deeks, is not on his immediate horizon.
The Enduring Relationship with CBS
Olsen’s career pivot also solidifies his long-standing and positive relationship with CBS. After 14 successful seasons on NCIS: LA, the network clearly recognized his talent and potential, providing him with a platform to develop and produce new content. This mutual respect and trust have been instrumental in launching Matlock and position Olsen as a key creative force within the CBS ecosystem.
The success of Matlock itself, which has received positive reception and secured a second season, further validates Olsen’s move. It demonstrates that his instincts for compelling storytelling and his ability to assemble a strong creative team are paying off.
Beyond ‘Matlock’: A Broadened Horizon
While Matlock is currently Olsen’s primary focus, his production company continues to develop a diverse slate of projects across various genres. This includes other dramas and comedies, showcasing his wide range of interests and his commitment to bringing fresh narratives to screens.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Olsen remains deeply committed to his family. He and his wife, Sarah Wright Olsen, recently announced they are expecting their fourth child, adding another joyful dimension to his already busy life. His public persona continues to balance his professional ambition with his authentic appreciation for his family, resonating with fans who have followed his journey from day one.
Conclusion: A New Chapter, A Lasting Impact
Eric Christian Olsen’s celebrated career move from beloved ‘NCIS: LA’ star to executive producer of CBS’s Matlock signifies a bold and strategic new chapter. This transition showcases his evolution from a captivating on-screen presence to a powerful creative force behind the scenes. Leveraging his extensive experience and his passion for storytelling, Olsen is not just making a new show; he’s building a new legacy. As Matlock gains traction and Cloud Nine Productions continues to develop diverse projects, Eric Christian Olsen is proving that his talent extends far beyond the badge, cementing his status as a formidable player in the television landscape.
