Daniela Ruah's Return to NCIS Franchise: Directorial Debut and Kensi's Possible Comeback

Daniela Ruah's Directorial Debut

NCIS season 21 is right around the corner, and fans of the franchise have something special to look forward to. Daniela Ruah, best known for her portrayal of Kensi Byle in NCIS: Los Angeles, is set to make her directorial debut in the NCIS franchise. After bidding farewell to the character of Kensi Byle following the conclusion of the LA-set spinoff in May 2023, Ruah is returning to the CBS franchise in a new role - as a director. According to Deadline, Ruah will be directing two episodes, one for NCIS season 21 and the other for NCIS: Hawai’i season 3. Her directorial journey began with NCIS: Los Angeles season 12, and she has since directed six episodes of the spinoff, as well as an episode of the miniseries Contado por Mulheres.

Daniela Ruah as Kensi in NCIS LA

In a statement, Ruah expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying, "Kensi was born as a character on NCIS, 15 years ago, so now to be able to step onto that set again, as a director, with that incredible cast and crew, is an absolute honor. So many familiar faces and people I love and they’ve welcomed me with open arms. It’s like coming home." This marks a significant moment in Ruah's career, and fans are eager to see her creative vision come to life on screen. With the premiere of NCIS season 21 approaching, the anticipation for Ruah's directorial work is at an all-time high.

Speculation about Kensi's Return

With Daniela Ruah's return to the NCIS franchise in a directorial role, fans have been speculating about the possibility of Kensi Byle making a comeback to the screen. In the NCIS: LA series finale, it was revealed that Kensi and Marty Deeks have a baby on the way, leaving viewers with unanswered questions about their future. The inclusion of LL Cool J's Sam Hannah in NCIS: Hawai’i season 3, following an unannounced season 2 finale cameo, has sparked hope for the return of other NCIS alums.

Ruah has previously addressed the possibility of returning to NCIS, expressing openness to reprising her role under the right circumstances and if she's asked to do so. While her focus is currently on her directorial responsibilities, her close ties to the CBS franchise have left room for optimism among fans. The legacy of NCIS: Los Angeles, which concluded with 323 episodes, has solidified the show's place in the hearts of its loyal audience. Despite the series ending, the connections between the LA ensemble and the wider NCIS franchise continue to create possibilities for beloved characters to make guest appearances.

NCIS Season 21 Premiere and Beyond

As NCIS season 21 gears up for its premiere on Monday, February 12 at 9 PM ET on CBS, fans are eagerly anticipating the new chapter in the franchise. Following the premiere of NCIS season 21, viewers can look forward to the debut of NCIS: Hawai’i season 3, which will air at 10 PM ET. The return of Daniela Ruah to the NCIS franchise, combined with the excitement surrounding the upcoming premieres, has generated buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. The possibility of familiar faces reappearing on screen and the creative direction brought by Ruah's directorial vision have set the stage for an exciting season ahead.