NCIS star Wilmer Valderrama recently discussed how the cast bonds while filming the long-running police procedural, especially ahead of its 1,000th episode milestone.
“We have a blast on set!” he told People, emphasizing the enjoyment of working alongside people who are passionate about their work. Valderrama shared that despite the show’s darker storylines, the set is often filled with laughter. “The funny thing is that the darker the case, the funnier the set. We laugh our asses off. And it doesn’t hurt that the world comes along and enjoys it with us.”
Valderrama, who joined NCIS in 2016 as Agent Nick Torres and has since become a series regular, expressed his gratitude: “It’s been such an honor to contribute to a show that understands itself and continues to listen to its fans.”
Since its premiere in 2003, NCIS has maintained its popularity, currently airing its 21st season alongside spin-offs like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawai’i. The franchise’s future looks promising, with the main series recently renewed for a 22nd season and the newest spin-off, NCIS: Sydney, confirmed for a second season.
Meanwhile, Torres, Valderrama’s on-screen character, faced a dramatic start to season 21, with his arrest for murder during the premiere episode after confronting a childhood tormentor. The season also paid tribute to David McCallum, who portrayed Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard for over 20 years on the show, following his passing on September 25, 2023, at the age of 90.
