Emily Wickersham has made a welcomed return to the cast of the long-running television series NCIS, reprising her role as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop in a recent episode of Season 23. The actress had initially bid farewell to her character in 2021 during the show’s eighteenth season, marking the end of an eight-year tenure that began when she joined the series in its eleventh season. Wickersham’s latest appearance aired on March 3, 2026, bringing back a character that had garnered significant fan affection.
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Wickersham’s departure from NCIS in 2021 concluded in a dramatic fashion. In the final episode of Season 18, titled “Rule 91,” her character was implicated in a scandal involving the leaking of classified documents. Bishop confessed to this charge, leading to her resignation from the team. However, the narrative took a twist when it was revealed that her actions were part of a covert operation orchestrated by CIA officer Odette Malone, allowing her to undertake a deep-cover mission.
Announcing her exit from the series through an emotional Instagram post, Wickersham reflected on her time with NCIS. She described her years on the programme as a remarkable journey filled with camaraderie and learning experiences. Wickersham expressed gratitude for the cast and crew, praising their professionalism and skill. At the time, she conveyed her readiness to transition from the show. “This business is finicky and weird,” she acknowledged, stating, “I was ready to leave the show. … It was time and I was ready to move on.”
Following her departure, Wickersham stepped away from the acting scene to focus on her family life. Since leaving the series, she has celebrated several personal milestones. Alongside her husband, actor James Badge Dale, she welcomed their first son, Cassius, on December 31, 2021, and later added a second son, Zephyr, to the family on October 2, 2024. In a heartfelt revelation, Wickersham shared that she discovered her pregnancy with Cassius just a month after exiting NCIS.
In addition to embracing motherhood, Wickersham and Dale wed on September 27, 2024, marking another significant chapter in her life. The actress has since moved from Los Angeles to New York City, opting for a change of scenery, which has further allowed her to decompress after years of demanding filming schedules.
Wickersham’s return to NCIS has not gone unnoticed by fans. Her reappearance came as a delightful surprise when she featured in the episode “Heaven and Nature,” which aired on December 16, 2025. In her subsequent guest appearance in the March 3 episode, titled “Her,” the show’s storyline delved into Bishop’s character, suggesting that she had become embroiled in cyber crime. This episode also explored the dynamics of her past romance with fellow agent Nick Torres, portrayed by Wilmer Valderrama, which added depth to her character’s story arc.
Valderrama remarked on the unexpected direction of the storyline, emphasising the show’s willingness to push boundaries and explore new narratives. The episode also provided a reunion for Bishop with other NCIS team members, including Special Agent Jessica Knight, who was introduced at the end of Season 18.
However, as exciting as her return has been, Wickersham is not rejoining the cast as a permanent member. She has expressed her openness to returning for future episodes, indicating, “I would never close the door on that at all.” This sentiment was echoed by NCIS executive producer Steven D. Binder, who noted that while Wickersham’s reappearance is welcomed, it remains a one-off for the time being.
Reflecting on her time with NCIS, Wickersham has conveyed a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for her experiences. As the series continues to evolve, her potential for future guest appearances remains an exciting prospect for fans eagerly awaiting further developments in the show’s long-running storylines.