For over a decade, NCIS: Los Angeles was one of CBS’s most reliable hits. Anchored by Chris O’Donnell’s stoic yet layered portrayal of G. Callen and LL Cool J’s fan-favorite Sam Hanna, the series built a loyal audience across 14 seasons before signing off in 2023. Ever since, viewers have held onto hope that a reunion or revival might someday bring the beloved team back together.
But O’Donnell’s latest career move might have just made that dream nearly impossible.
From Callen to Captain: O’Donnell Heads to Nashville
The big news? Chris O’Donnell is trading in the NCIS badge for a firefighter’s helmet. ABC has officially cast him as the lead in 9-1-1: Nashville, the newest installment in the hit first-responder franchise.
O’Donnell will play Captain Don Sharpe, described as a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who runs Nashville’s busiest firehouse alongside his son. Insiders tease that while Don is a devoted family man, he carries secrets that will shape the show’s dramatic arcs.
It’s a fitting role for an actor who has spent years mastering the blend of action and personal drama on television. But it also signals something fans of NCIS: Los Angeles were hoping not to hear: O’Donnell has fully moved on.
Why This Hurts Chances for a Revival
When CBS canceled NCIS: Los Angeles in 2023, the ending was left open-ended enough for a potential return. The team was still alive and kicking within the larger NCIS universe, even referenced in small Easter eggs on the flagship show.
But with O’Donnell now leading another high-profile procedural, the logistics of mounting a revival become complicated, if not impossible. It’s rare—if not unheard of—for an actor to headline two different network dramas at the same time.
And let’s face it: a revival without G. Callen wouldn’t really be NCIS: Los Angeles.
Callen’s Legacy in the NCIS Universe
From day one, Callen was at the heart of NCIS: Los Angeles. His mysterious backstory, ties to undercover operations, and complex family history gave the show its darker, more serialized edge compared to the flagship. Watching Callen wrestle with his identity while leading his team through high-stakes missions made him one of the most compelling characters in the NCIS franchise.
Without him, the chemistry of the ensemble would be off balance. As much as fans love Sam, Kensi, and Deeks, NCIS: Los Angeles was Callen’s story just as much as it was theirs.
Could the Team Return Without Him?
The NCIS universe has proven to be flexible, often finding ways to reintroduce characters years after their exits. Technically, a Los Angeles revival could happen without O’Donnell—especially with LL Cool J currently recurring on NCIS: Hawai’i before its cancellation.
But let’s be honest: a half-reunion wouldn’t satisfy fans. As one longtime viewer put it on social media, “If you don’t have Callen, you don’t have NCIS: LA. Period.”
Looking Ahead
For now, all signs point to Chris O’Donnell building his next chapter around 9-1-1: Nashville. The series is set to premiere in fall 2025 and could easily run for several seasons if it matches the success of 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star.
That means the chances of a proper NCIS: Los Angeles revival grow slimmer by the year. Still, the NCIS franchise is nothing if not unpredictable. Crossovers, surprise cameos, and legacy character returns are part of its DNA.
So while fans may have to accept that Callen and his team aren’t returning to primetime anytime soon, there’s always the hope that somewhere down the line, the call will come again.
