Eric Christian Olsen Almost Didn’t Become Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles — CBS Wanted Someone Else
Before Marty Deeks became one of the most beloved characters on NCIS: Los Angeles, the role nearly went to someone else. Eric Christian Olsen recently revealed that CBS executives were initially not interested in casting him as the fan-favorite agent.
During an appearance on the NCIS: Partners & Probies podcast, Olsen shared that the network had rejected him early in the process.
“They didn’t want me as Deeks,” Olsen explained. “They just didn’t want me period.”
However, series creator Shane Brennan saw potential in Olsen from the beginning and strongly supported his casting. During their first meeting, the two worked through scenes and explored how Deeks would interact with Daniela Ruah’s character, Kensi Blye.
Olsen decided to bring humor, confidence, and playful energy to the character — a choice that eventually became a defining part of Deeks and Kensi’s chemistry.
Despite Brennan’s support, CBS reportedly continued searching for other options before finally agreeing to bring Olsen on board. The actor first appeared in a limited guest role near the end of Season 1 before becoming a full-time cast member in Season 2.
Over the show’s 14-season run, Deeks grew into one of the franchise’s most recognizable characters, with his relationship with Kensi becoming one of the most popular love stories in the entire NCIS universe.
Today, fans look back at Olsen’s casting as one of the best decisions the series ever made — even though it almost never happened.
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