In a monumental milestone for CBS’ iconic NCIS franchise, the 1,000th episode, set to air on April 15, 2024, will feature a thrilling crossover event that brings together two major characters from the NCIS universe: Daniela Ruah’s Kensi Blye-Deeks from NCIS: Los Angeles and Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant from NCIS: Hawai’i. While Kensi and Jane won’t be physically present alongside the DC-based NCIS team, their involvement in the episode promises to be a fun and memorable part of the special installment. Fans of the franchise will be treated to appearances that connect the Los Angeles and Hawai’i offices to the NCIS mothership, expanding the scope of the celebration and deepening the sense of shared universe that the franchise has cultivated over the years.

The episode, which marks a historic moment for the long-running series, will not only feature Kensi and Jane but also introduce a new twist in the storyline. Director Leon Vance’s son, Jared, will make an appearance, portrayed by Spence Moore II (All American, Superman & Lois). As the episode unfolds, viewers can expect a major personal storyline centered around Director Vance, with the plot involving a beloved character being placed in grave danger. The co-showrunners, David North and Steven D. Binder, have teased that this installment will pull in characters and storylines from across the entire franchise, making for a unique and exciting crossover event. They’ve also hinted that the episode will pay homage to the past, with plenty of Easter eggs for long-time fans to spot and enjoy.

For Ruah, her return to the NCIS universe is not just as a fan favorite character but also in her new role as a director. Recently, she directed an episode of NCIS (Season 21, Episode 4) and will also direct the following episode of NCIS: Hawai’i on the heels of this special event. In her time away from acting on NCIS: Los Angeles, she’s continued to remain involved with the franchise, both in front of and behind the camera. When asked about the possibility of reprising her role as Kensi, Ruah shared that she would be open to returning if it made sense for the story. “If I get asked [to play Kensi again], I will certainly figure it out at the time,” she said, acknowledging that if the opportunity presented itself, she’d be ready to jump back into the role she held dear for over a decade. Meanwhile, Lachey’s Jane Tennant has already crossed over into the NCIS mothership three times, making her a familiar face to fans of the larger NCIS universe.

This crossover event is not just a celebration of the 1,000th episode but a reminder of the rich interconnected world that the NCIS franchise has built, bringing together characters from NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawai’i to share in this special moment. Whether it’s Kensi, Jane, or even the unexpected surprises that might emerge in this landmark episode, it’s clear that the NCIS universe continues to evolve, connecting past, present, and future stories for an unforgettable milestone. As the NCIS franchise continues to grow, with NCIS: Hawai’i celebrating its third season and NCIS heading into its 21st, fans can look forward to even more crossovers, surprises, and exciting developments in the coming years.