NCIS’ Sean Murray Remembers Telling Mark Harmon He Had ‘Hope’ He’d Get Asked Back In Season 2. He’s Now Been In The Role For More Than 20 Years

As a long-time fan who has witnessed the evolution of TV shows, I must say that it’s simply astounding to see how far “NCIS” has come. From its humble beginnings back in 2003, this series has not only survived but thrived, reaching an unprecedented 22 seasons and approaching a staggering 450 episodes! It’s incredible to think that Sean Murray, who portrays Special Agent Timothy McGee, initially just hoped for a spot in Season 2. Now, he’s breaking franchise records and still going strong.

In its impressive run, spanning over two centuries on television and surpassing 450 episodes, “NCIS” remains a strong contender with the upcoming 22nd season slated for fall in 2024. This long-standing CBS series has featured a changing cast, but Sean Murray consistently plays Special Agent Timothy McGee. Interestingly enough, he initially aimed only to make it to Season 2.

The actor debuted on NCIS seven episodes into its first season, and he’s close to setting a franchise record by appearing in the highest number of episodes. Prior to the upcoming season, he reminisced with Variety about his tenure on the show, revealing that he had expressed hope to Mark Harmon that he would be invited back for Season 2.

Reflecting back on our triumphant end of Season 1, chatting with Harmon and the whole crew, I couldn’t help but express my optimism: “Here’s to hoping we reunite next year!” The positive vibes were palpable, and lo and behold, I dived headfirst into Season 2 as a full-time player. Guess it’s safe to say the plan paid off!

Things have consistently worked out for Murray, as he’s been promoted to series regular and has stayed a key figure ever since. It seems there was a particular purpose behind his full-time hiring, leaving me to ponder how different NCIS might have turned out. Fortunately, we don’t have to speculate, and it’s clear he was the ideal choice for playing McGee. The actor added:

Essentially, McGee initially appeared as a temporary cast member, serving as a probationary rookie officer at the Virginia Norfolk base. He gradually became more prominent, almost seamlessly integrating into the team much like a slice of pizza enhancing the whole. It was as though there was an empty spot within the group that McGee filled slightly, introducing fresh dynamics to the team dynamics.

An actor’s tenure on a show is not always predictable, and while some characters may have departed through death or moving away, Murray remains a constant presence. So far, there’s no hint that he’ll be leaving anytime soon, but unexpected events can occur. Since the series seems to go on forever and the franchise keeps growing, there could be numerous opportunities for him to reappear if he ever leaves the main show – as long as it’s not in the immediate future.

Reflecting on the past, I find it astonishing that Sean Murray was merely a recurring character in the first season and his return for Season 2 wasn’t guaranteed. Some even speculated that Mark Harmon’s departure would be the downfall of NCIS, but this remarkable series continues to defy expectations. It’s comforting to know that we still have McGee to look forward to as a fan favorite. As for the upcoming season, details remain scarce, but with our beloved Senior Field Agent leading the charge, there’s plenty to anticipate!

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Murray remains a part of NCIS for some time, as it will be intriguing to watch how the show develops new plotlines if he departs. In the meantime, fans can catch the Season 22 premiere of NCIS on Monday, October 14 at 8 p.m. ET, which will be followed by the debut of the prequel series, NCIS: Origins. With over a thousand episodes spanning more than two decades, this franchise shows no signs of slowing down and there are many more tales to unfold with various characters.

2024-08-13 00:37

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