After more than two decades on air, NCIS has seen countless cast changes. But one constant has been Sean Murray, who’s played Timothy McGee since Season 1. Now the show’s longest-running star is fueling speculation about McGee’s future, teasing that “no one is ever quite safe” on the series.

McGee’s journey has been one of steady growth – from probationary agent to senior field agent, and even stepping in as acting director when Leon Vance was absent. By Season 22, he seemed poised for another leap: Deputy Director.

The Deputy Director Twist

Season 22 set up McGee as the natural successor – only to pull the rug out when the job went to outsider Gabriel LaRoche instead. That loss puts McGee at the center of a growing power struggle inside NCIS, making him more important to the story than ever.

Season 23 Raises the Stakes

With Alden Parker finally getting closure on his family mystery, Season 23 is shifting toward bigger agency-level conflicts, including the unfolding NCIS: Elite storyline. That escalation puts McGee in the hot seat as the team’s steady leader during internal turmoil.

Ironically, the very storylines that create uncertainty about McGee’s safety also make him crucial to the show’s direction. Writing him out now wouldn’t feel like a twist – it would leave a major leadership gap.

As NCIS heads into its next batch of episodes, one thing is clear: McGee’s role has never been more central – or more at risk.