“Bittersweet,” “Grateful,” “Family”: NCIS: Los Angeles Cast Reacts to News That Season 14 Will Be Show’s Last
After an impressive fourteen seasons of thrilling missions, deep camaraderie, and unforgettable characters, the news that NCIS: Los Angeles would conclude with its fourteenth season sent a wave of emotion through its dedicated fanbase. For the cast who brought the agents of the Office of Special Projects to life, the announcement was met with a mixture of sadness, gratitude, and reflection on the incredible journey they had shared. As the final episodes approached their air date in May 2023, the stars took to social media and interviews to share their heartfelt reactions to the show’s ending.
A Family Forged Over Fourteen Years: The Cast’s Deep Connection
The longevity of NCIS: Los Angeles fostered a strong bond among its cast members, who often spoke of themselves as a family. This genuine connection translated onto the screen, contributing significantly to the show’s enduring appeal. The news of the final season prompted an outpouring of love and appreciation amongst the actors for their colleagues and the shared experience.
Daniela Ruah, who portrayed the fierce and compassionate Kensi Blye since the show’s inception, shared a poignant message on Instagram, reflecting on her personal journey alongside her character. Posting a then-and-now photo, she wrote about the “absolute dream” of being part of the NCIS: LA family from the age of 24 to 39. Her words conveyed a deep sense of gratitude for the experience and the fans who supported the show for so long.
Eric Christian Olsen, who joined the cast as the charming and witty Marty Deeks in Season 2 and became Ruah’s on-screen husband, echoed this sentiment of familial connection. His Instagram post, featuring a picture of him in action gear, was simply captioned: “What a spectacular journey we all shared.” This concise yet heartfelt message resonated with the show’s fans, acknowledging the incredible ride they had all been on together.
Reflecting on a “Spectacular Journey”: Gratitude and Pride
The cast members also expressed immense pride in the show’s remarkable 14-season run and the impact it had on audiences worldwide. The announcement of the final season came after the series had surpassed 300 episodes, a testament to its consistent popularity and the dedication of everyone involved.
LL Cool J, one of the original stars who brought the cool and collected Sam Hanna to life, acknowledged the show’s impressive run and the success of a recent crossover event with the flagship NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i. On Instagram, he stated that after 14 seasons, it was “the perfect time to end @ncisla on top of our game!!!” His message conveyed a sense of accomplishment and optimism for future endeavors.
Chris O’Donnell, the steadfast G. Callen, another constant presence since the beginning, kept his message brief but heartfelt on Instagram, simply writing: “What an amazing 14-year ride with my @ncisla family.” His words encapsulated the deep connection he felt with his fellow cast members and the journey they had undertaken together.
Acknowledging the Fans: The Driving Force Behind the Success
The cast of NCIS: Los Angeles consistently recognized the crucial role that their dedicated fanbase played in the show’s long-term success. Many of their reactions to the news of the final season included heartfelt acknowledgments of the viewers’ unwavering support.
Caleb Castille, who joined the series later as the earnest Devin Rountree, took to Twitter to express his gratitude. He wrote: “Incredibly sad about the news that @NCISLA won’t be coming back to give you guys another season but man what an amazing accomplishment 14 seasons! Shoutout to the best fans & crew in the world! I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity. Special Agent Devin Rountree signing off.” His message highlighted the bittersweet nature of the news while emphasizing the incredible achievement of the show’s lengthy run.
Linda Hunt’s Presence: A Legacy Remembered
While Linda Hunt, who played the iconic and enigmatic Hetty Lange, had a reduced on-screen presence in later seasons due to health reasons, her impact on the show and the cast was undeniable. While she didn’t issue an immediate public statement on the cancellation, her character’s enduring legacy was felt in the heartfelt messages shared by her co-stars, many of whom had worked alongside her for over a decade.
Looking Towards the Future: Endings and New Beginnings
Despite the sadness surrounding the show’s ending, many cast members also expressed a sense of looking forward to new opportunities and the next chapters in their careers. LL Cool J, in his statement, hinted at continued collaborations with CBS, showcasing a forward-looking perspective.
The final episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles aimed to provide a satisfying conclusion for the beloved characters, offering closure to long-running storylines and celebrating the bonds that had been forged over the years. The cast and crew were committed to giving the show and its loyal fans the send-off they deserved.
Conclusion: A Fond Farewell from the NCIS: LA Family
The reactions from the cast of NCIS: Los Angeles to the news of the show’s ending were a testament to the strong bonds they shared and the deep appreciation they felt for the opportunity to be part of such a successful and enduring series. Words like “bittersweet,” “grateful,” and “family” echoed throughout their messages, reflecting the complex emotions of saying goodbye to a significant chapter in their lives. As the final season aired, fans joined the cast in celebrating the incredible journey of NCIS: Los Angeles and the unforgettable characters who became a part of their own families for fourteen remarkable seasons. The legacy of the OSP team would undoubtedly live on in the hearts of viewers and the memories of the talented actors who brought them to life.
