Marty Deeks, portrayed by Eric Christian Olsen, was a fan-favorite on NCIS: Los Angeles, serving as the LAPD liaison to the NCIS Office of Special Projects. Over 14 seasons, Deeks grew from a guest character in Season 1 into a core member of the team, winning hearts with his bravery, wit, and his enduring romance with Special Agent Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah). Despite the character’s popularity, it seems Deeks is not returning to the NCIS franchise anytime soon.
Deeks Got a Proper Goodbye
By the end of NCIS: Los Angeles, Deeks and Kensi were preparing for the next chapter of their lives: marriage and expecting their first child. Olsen has made it clear he has no interest in reprising the role, even when asked about potential crossovers with other NCIS spinoffs, like NCIS: Hawaii. While he keeps in touch with his former castmates — including LL Cool J, Daniela Ruah, and Renee Felice Smith — Olsen stated that returning to play Deeks “not so much” appealed to him.
After 14 seasons filled with near-death experiences, intense missions, and dramatic storylines, the timing felt right. Marty Deeks’ story reached a natural conclusion: happily married, starting a family, and stepping away from the dangers of fieldwork. Fans can take comfort in knowing he got a satisfying sendoff.
From Deeks to the Producer’s Chair
With his acting chapter on NCIS: Los Angeles complete, Olsen has shifted focus behind the camera. In 2024, he signed on as an executive producer for the Matlock reboot starring Kathy Bates. The show has already been renewed for a second season, and Bates earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
Although Olsen doesn’t appear on screen in Matlock, he enjoys imagining himself in some of the dramatic and comedic scenes, appreciating the storytelling from a producer’s perspective. The transition to producing is a new creative challenge for him, and with the show’s continued success, Olsen is likely setting the stage for more projects in the near future.
Looking Ahead
Eric Christian Olsen’s journey from playing Marty Deeks to producing a high-profile reboot shows his evolution in Hollywood. While fans may miss seeing Deeks in action, Olsen’s focus on producing ensures he’s still shaping compelling stories — this time from behind the camera.
