Emily Wickersham, known for her role as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop, is set to rejoin the beloved CBS series NCIS, further solidifying her legacy within the long-running franchise. After portraying Bishop for eight seasons from 2013 to 2021, Wickersham took a hiatus from acting but is now making her comeback, much to the delight of fans.
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Wickersham first entered the NCIS universe during its eleventh season, embarking on a journey that would lead her through numerous compelling storylines until her departure at the conclusion of season 18 in 2021. Following her exit, Wickersham took time off to focus on her personal life, and she and her husband, actor James Badge Dale, welcomed two sons into their family. The couple married in September 2024, shortly after the arrival of their second child.
Her return to the franchise is particularly noteworthy, as Wickersham will appear in an episode of the spinoff series, NCIS: Origins, which is set to air on 27 October. This follows her cameo in season 23 of NCIS earlier this year, where she reprised her role, generating excitement among devoted viewers.
In a recent social media post, Wickersham shared a playful selfie with former co-star Mark Harmon, hinting at her return. “A little bit of my origin story… I love this show, these people, and getting to be a tiny part of it,” she wrote. This sentiment reflects her longstanding affection for the series and its cast, which she highlighted when announcing her departure in 2021.
Wickersham’s exit from NCIS was dramatic, with her character facing serious allegations in the season 18 finale. Bishop was wrongfully accused of leaking classified documents, leading to her resignation. However, it was later revealed that this was a façade orchestrated by a CIA officer, enabling Bishop to go undercover on a covert mission. This plot twist added layers to her character and offered a thrilling exit for Wickersham.
In her farewell Instagram post, Wickersham expressed gratitude for her time on the series, acknowledging the supportive cast and crew she had the pleasure of working with for nearly eight years. “This business is finicky and weird and consistency is a rarity,” she noted. The actress articulated her need for closure, stating, “I was ready to leave the show… It was time and I was ready to move on,” during an interview on the Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch podcast.
Post-NCIS, Wickersham embraced motherhood and focused on personal milestones, reflecting on how her life had changed since stepping away from the demanding schedule of the show. “Your life is all NCIS when you’re on that show… and you’re not really left with much time to do many things outside of that,” she shared, illustrating the intensity of her experience on the series.
In her brief return for NCIS season 23, Wickersham’s character’s storyline delved into her past, confirming her romantic connection with Nick Torres, a revelation that surprised both cast and audiences alike. This added depth to both characters and showcased the evolving narrative arcs within the series.
As NCIS: Origins prepares for Wickersham’s return, fans are eager to see how her character will contribute to the overarching storyline involving former agent Gibbs. Although Wickersham’s return to the cast is currently not permanent, she has indicated that she remains open to future appearances. “If they wanted me back, I would definitely. It would be fun. We had fun,” she remarked, emphasising her fond memories and the close-knit environment of the NCIS team.
As the anticipation builds for Wickersham’s forthcoming appearance, we are reminded that the bonds formed within such a long-standing series continue to thrive, allowing actors like her to reconnect with both their characters and the audience that cherishes them. With the backdrop of familial joys and a desire to relive her time on NCIS, Emily Wickersham’s return not only marks a new chapter for the franchise but also rekindles the excitement of fans who have followed her journey for nearly a decade.