NCIS is one of the longest running TV dramas, just finishing up its 15th season on air. The naval crime show has been a hit since it started, mainly due to Mark Harmon's endearing performance and the other regular cast members who bring an amazing chemistry to the screen.
Sadly, over the years, fans have had to say goodbye to many of their favorite characters, either because of behind-the-scenes drama or just because the actor felt it was time to move on.
It's becoming a little hard to keep track of who is staying and who is leaving on NCIS, but luckily fans can rest easy as one of the regular cast members has just signed a two-year contract!
Wilmer Valderrama, who plays special agent Nick Torres has been inked to a two-year deal that not only ensures his role on NCIS will be sticking around, but also includes some behind-the-scenes work.
The contract reportedly allows Valderrama's production company, WV Entertainment, to help make the programming on CBS more diverse than it currently is. The Colombian-Venezuelan actor will have creative freedom to produce both scripted and un-scripted projects, and bring more "culturally relevant and engaging dramas" to the popular network.
Valderrama opened up about his role on NCIS at the beginning of season 14, and he seemed thrilled to bring a new aspect to the show.
"The character is like nothing that NCIS has ever seen," he said. "He really challenges the other characters "” he really pushes the boundaries and the guidelines of what may be morally OK to do when cracking a case."
"There's going to be major clashing. Gibbs has really embraced the guidelines of the squadron and the rules for how he works. Nick just wants to do what it takes to get it cracking," Valderrama continued . "He's one of the first characters to really get in Gibbs' face, to voice his discomfort with certain methods."
Valderrama also credits his good friend of 10 years, fellow cast member Jennifer Esposito, for welcoming him and "never making him feel like the new guy."
"We have a blast and we're so silly and crazy on set together," he said. "The history between her and my character is she was the one who trained me. Now we find ourselves on the same team. And also we may have had some type of history in the past, too."
Currently, NCIS has only been renewed for a 16th season, which will premiere this fall. However, the ratings have stayed steady for over a decade, so there's a large chance they will get renewed for a 17th as well. Either way, Valderrama is locked in for both.