For years, NCIS has been defined by legends like Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Anthony DiNozzo. But now, a new generation is taking the reins — and Wilmer Valderrama’s Agent Nick Torres is right at the center of this powerful shift.
In Season 21, Torres’ emotional rollercoaster hit new heights. From confronting his traumatic past in prison to navigating his shaky place in the team, Valderrama delivered one of the most nuanced and gut-wrenching performances of the entire series. And fans noticed.
“Torres is the most layered character since Ziva,” one viewer posted on Reddit. “He’s broken, brave, and brilliantly played.”
What makes Valderrama’s portrayal so gripping is his raw vulnerability. Torres isn’t just a tough guy — he’s a deeply wounded soul still learning how to trust, how to lead, and how to heal. And Wilmer has embraced that journey with fearless honesty.
Behind the scenes, he’s also making moves — producing, mentoring younger cast members, and continuing to develop his own Zorro reboot. But on NCIS, he’s found something deeper: a legacy.
If the future of NCIS rests on anyone’s shoulders, Torres is ready to carry it — scars and all.
