Despite Rocky Carroll’s earlier prediction, NCIS continues to thrive, reaching a significant milestone in the 2024 TV schedule with its 1000th episode. Despite facing delays due to the WGA writers strike, the franchise celebrated this achievement with numerous cameos and remains a cornerstone of television.
Rocky Carroll, who has portrayed Leon Vance since joining the show in Season 5 back in 2008, reflected on his journey with NCIS. Initially, he doubted the show’s longevity and never imagined it would evolve into a multi-show franchise. He confessed to PopCulture.com:
“When I came on at the end of Season 5, there was no spinoff… I literally thought to myself, ‘If I’m lucky enough that this show goes to a Season 7, I will at least say I’ve been a part of a hit show.'”
However, NCIS defied expectations, spawning spinoffs like NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai’i, NCIS: Sydney, and NCIS: Origins. Carroll’s impending 17th season on the show is a testament to its enduring success.
Carroll expressed his disbelief at reaching 1000 episodes, highlighting the show’s immersive nature. Despite challenges such as production shutdowns and delays, NCIS remains consistent and captivating for its audience.
As NCIS: Hawai’i’s fate hangs in the balance, fans eagerly anticipate the show’s renewal and the upcoming NCIS: Origins spinoff. Regardless of the outcome, NCIS continues to dominate Monday nights, offering viewers thrilling episodes and engaging storylines.
In conclusion, Rocky Carroll’s early doubts about NCIS’s future have been proven wrong, and fans can look forward to more exciting content from the franchise. Don’t miss new episodes of NCIS Season 21 airing on CBS Mondays at 9 p.m. ET and stream past episodes on Paramount+.
