I am worried about NCIS: Los Angeles’ reboot chances after Chris O'Donnell's casting in this much-anticipated procedural

*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author.*

When NCIS: Los Angeles was canceled in 2023, the show’s fans, including me, were highly disappointed as we thought it still had a lot to offer. The series marked the first NCIS spin-off, and its success paved the way for other offshoot shows.

Even though the series ended after 14 seasons, I had been hoping that CBS could revisit it in the future with the same cast members. After all, there have been instances in the past where popular series have been brought back from cancellation due to popular demand.

However, my hopes are kind of shattered now that I've learned about Chris O'Donnell’s next career move. The actor, who played the lead G. Callen in all 14 seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles, has signed up to star in another procedural drama.

O'Donnell is confirmed to headline 9-1-1: Nashville, the highly anticipated spin-off of ABC’s 9-1-1. Since the actor has joined a potentially successful show on a rival network, he certainly can not return as G. Callen in the near future, which has put NCIS: Los Angeles’ revival chances in jeopardy.

Why I am worried about NCIS: Los Angeles’ revival chances

9-1-1: Nashville marks the third installment in the 9-1-1 franchise. The project was announced by ABC in February 2025, and Chris O'Donnell's casting was confirmed the following month. While the opportunity is great for the actor, it certainly is a piece of bad news for NCIS: Los Angeles fans.

Ever since the show was canceled, I have hoped that CBS could look back at it and revive it for another season. The NCIS universe continues to expand with the addition of shows like Sydney and Origins, and hence, it would not have been surprising for the network to bring back an iconic show on popular demand.

Long-running network dramas like Law & Order and The X-Files have faced a similar fate, as they were initially canceled, but were renewed for more seasons down the line owing to their popularity.

However, with O'Donnell moving to 9-1-1: Nashville, the chances of an NCIS: Los Angeles reunion or revival have dwindled significantly. The show is incomplete without G. Callen, and I don’t think the creators would like to bring it back without the main lead.

9-1-1 is also a long-running franchise, with the original show having aired eight seasons, and its first spin-off, Lone Star, ending after five seasons. 9-1-1: Nashville is expected to follow the same trend and continue for years.

Hence, O'Donnell would barely have time to reprise his role as G. Callen, even if the NCIS: Los Angeles creators decide to come up with another season. That is why I am worried about NCIS: Los Angeles’ reboot chances now more than ever.

Meanwhile, O'Donnell will be playing a fire captain named Don Sharpe in 9-1-1: Nashville. As per the official description of the character by TVLine, Don is ‘a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who runs Nashville’s busiest firehouse with his beloved son. Don’s a devoted husband and family man but he has his secrets.’

While plot details about the upcoming series have been kept under wraps, it is expected to follow its predecessors and revolve around the lives of first responders and firefighters.

The city of Nashville would add a musical element to the narrative, which could set the show apart from other procedurals. Apart from O'Donnell, Grey’s Anatomy actress Jessica Capshaw has been confirmed to star in the spin-off. The show is expected to premiere on ABC later this year.

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