According to TVLine, the special episode is set to feature at least one main character from both NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawai’i. Daniela Ruah will reprise her role as Special Agent Kensi Blye-Deeks, returning to the franchise after her 14-season run on the hit spinoff show NCIS: Los Angeles. Joining her for the special is Vanessa Lachey, who currently leads the cast of NCIS: Hawai’i as Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant. However, there’s a twist – neither Kensi nor Jane will appear “in person” with the NCIS characters. Despite this, the appearances are teased as “quite fun,” although the exact nature of their involvement remains unclear. The episode is scheduled to premiere on April 15 on CBS.
While this marks Kensi’s return to the franchise, Ruah has remained involved with NCIS. She directed the episode of NCIS that aired on March 4, and she also helmed an NCIS: Hawai’i episode set to debut on April 15 — directly after the 1000th episode special. Regarding a possible return to the role, Ruah recently teased to TVLine, “If I get asked, I will certainly figure it out at the time. If it makes sense, why not, right?”
As for Lachey, she has previously appeared in NCIS crossover specials. Jane was featured in two separate crossovers in 2022, which were followed by the three-show crossover event in 2023 that wrapped up NCIS: Los Angeles.
It has also been disclosed that another character will make a return for the 1000th episode, but with a different actor in the role. The episode will feature an appearance from Jared, the son of Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll). In previous episodes, the role was portrayed by Khamani Griffin and Akinsola Aribo. However, in the special, he’ll be played by Spence Moore II (Superman & Lois).
Joe Spano’s Tobias Fornell Will Join the Special Episode
In a recent set photo reveal, it was announced that Joe Spano will be reprising his role as fan favorite character Tobias Fornell. However, whether Mark Harmon will make an appearance as Leroy Jethro Gibbs remains unknown at this time. Notably absent in the David McCallum tribute episode, the show’s producers later clarified that they’re reserving Gibbs’ potential return for something much bigger than a brief cameo.
The 1000th episode special is set to premiere on Monday, April 15 on CBS.
