NCIS is celebrating a major milestone with its 1000th episode, and longtime fans are getting a special surprise — Daniela Ruah is returning as Kensi Blye.
Ruah, who played Kensi on NCIS: Los Angeles for all 14 seasons, will appear in a special cameo during the landmark episode airing April 15 on the original NCIS. Naturally, the news has sparked excitement among fans, many wondering if this means Kensi is returning to the franchise for good.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Ruah’s appearance will be a one-time cameo. The scene was reportedly filmed while she was already in Hawai‘i directing an episode of NCIS: Hawai‘i. Her moment in the episode happens through a Zoom call, and the production even used a matching version of Kensi’s car to keep the scene authentic.
Even though it’s brief, Ruah said she was happy to be part of such a historic moment for the series.
“I would never say no to being in the 1,000th episode of NCIS,” she shared.
Ruah isn’t the only familiar face fans will see. Joe Spano returns as Tobias Fornell, and Vanessa Lachey appears as Jane Tennant, with the episode packed with Easter eggs celebrating the franchise’s long history.
Although Ruah won’t be returning full-time on screen, she remains closely connected to the franchise behind the camera. She recently directed episodes for both NCIS and NCIS: Hawai‘i, describing the experience as “like coming home.”
So while Kensi Blye’s return may be short, it’s still a meaningful tribute — and a reminder that NCIS always honors its roots. The 1000th episode promises to be a heartfelt celebration of the characters and stories that made the franchise iconic.