Sean Murray holds the distinction of being the longest-running cast member in the NCIS franchise. Despite this achievement and his familial connection to the show’s creator, Donald Bellisario, Murray admits to feeling uncertain about his future on the series.
As CBS prepares to celebrate the 1,000th episode of the NCISVerse on Monday, it’s a significant milestone for a franchise that has expanded with several spinoffs, including those set in Hawaii and Sydney. Adding to the lineup are two upcoming series: the young Gibbs-focused Origins and a spinoff featuring Ziva and Tony in Europe.
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In a recent interview with People, the 46-year-old actor opened up about his feelings of insecurity, even after 21 seasons on the hit series. Murray acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the show, where characters have faced unexpected departures over the years, leaving no one feeling entirely secure in their role.
Reflecting on his tenure, Murray expressed gratitude for his time on the show but emphasized the uncertainty that comes with being a part of a long-running series. He admits, “Obviously, being here 21 years, [I] have enjoyed, immensely, being part of this show and continue to be incredibly grateful to be part of this show, but you never know what’s going to happen.”
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Despite recent departures from the NCIS cast, including Mark Harmon, Pauley Perrette, and Maria Bello, the core group remains intact, and Murray notes that everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. While he acknowledges that nothing is certain in the entertainment industry, Murray remains optimistic about the present state of the show, stating that the cast is having a “good time” and that things are “really good right now.”
As for the highly anticipated 1,000th episode, titled “A Thousand Yards,” it is set to premiere on Monday, April 15, at 9 p.m. Eastern on CBS, with subsequent availability on Paramount+. The episode will feature a crossover event with NCIS: Hawai’i star Vanessa Lachey and NCIS: Los Angeles alum Daniela Ruah as guest stars, adding to the excitement surrounding this landmark occasion.
