NCIS is celebrating a major milestone with its 1,000th episode, and longtime fans are getting a special surprise: Daniela Ruah is returning as Kensi Blye.
Ruah, who starred on NCIS: Los Angeles for all 14 seasons, will appear in a brief cameo during the landmark episode airing April 15. The exciting news has sparked one big question among fans: is Kensi coming back to the franchise for good?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Ruah’s appearance is a one-time cameo. The scene was filmed while she was already in Hawai‘i directing an episode of NCIS: Hawaiʻi, and the moment was added at the last minute. In the episode, Kensi appears via Zoom, even featuring a matching version of her character’s car to keep the detail authentic.
Still, Ruah was thrilled to take part in such a historic moment for the franchise.
> “I would never say no to being in the 1,000th episode of NCIS,” she said.
She won’t be the only familiar face making a return. Joe Spano reprises his role as Tobias Fornell, while Vanessa Lachey also appears as Jane Tennant. The special episode promises plenty of Easter eggs and callbacks for longtime viewers.
Although Ruah won’t be returning full-time on screen, she remains connected to the franchise behind the scenes. She recently directed episodes for both NCIS and NCIS: Hawaiʻi, describing her experience returning to the universe as “like coming home.”
So while Kensi Blye’s appearance may be brief, it serves as a heartfelt tribute—reminding fans that NCIS never forgets its legacy. Even without a full reunion, the 1,000th episode is shaping up to be a celebration of everything that made the franchise iconic.