NCIS Star Sean Murray Looks Back on 500 Episodes, Reveals His Favorite McGee Nickname

Earlier this week, the long-running crime drama NCIS reached a historic milestone: its 500th episode. The landmark moment didn’t just celebrate the show’s incredible longevity — it also delivered a dramatic twist that shook the very foundations of the beloved series.

Ahead of the milestone episode, actor Sean Murray sat down with Collider to reflect on his remarkable journey playing Special Agent Timothy McGee, one of the show’s most enduring and beloved characters.

From One-Episode Guest Star to Core Team Member

When Murray first appeared on NCIS, his character wasn’t meant to stick around.

McGee was originally written as a one-off guest character during Season 1 in the episode “Sub Rosa.” But the chemistry between Murray and the cast — especially with Michael Weatherly, who played Tony DiNozzo — quickly caught the producers’ attention.

“I remember feeling like we were onto something cool,” Murray recalled.

Soon after, the character returned for another appearance, and by Season 2, Murray officially became a series regular, beginning a run that would eventually span decades.

The Secret Behind the Show’s Long-Lasting Success

After more than 20 years on air, NCIS has outlasted many major television hits, even surpassing long-running shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Family Guy in episode count.

When asked why the show continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, Murray believes it comes down to one key factor: the characters.

“We found our thing early on — a character-driven procedural that balanced comedy and drama,” he explained.
“Over time, audiences grew attached to the characters. For many people, it feels like a family.”

That connection, he says, is what has kept viewers coming back year after year.

McGee’s Evolution: From “Probie” to Veteran Leader

Over the years, Timothy McGee has undergone one of the biggest transformations in the series.

He began as a socially awkward rookie agent, often teased by his teammates, but gradually grew into one of the team’s most trusted investigators — and one of the few remaining links to the show’s earliest seasons.

Now, Murray often finds himself guiding newer cast members, much like the veteran characters once guided him.

“I haven’t gotten bored,” he said. “The show keeps reinventing itself with new teams, new cases, and new dynamics.”

The Nickname Fans Will Never Forget

Throughout the series, McGee has been the target of countless nicknames — many of them invented by Tony DiNozzo.

When asked which nickname stands out the most, Murray didn’t hesitate.

“My favorite is Probie-Wan Kenobi,” he revealed.

The clever reference to the iconic Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars perfectly captured McGee’s early days as the team’s rookie agent.

“It kind of hits the mark just perfect,” Murray said with a laugh.

A Show That Continues to Reinvent Itself

Even after hundreds of episodes, NCIS still finds ways to surprise audiences.

One recent storyline revisited McGee’s secret life as a novelist, writing crime stories under the pseudonym Thom E. Gemcity. In a recent episode, the series even explored the fictional world of his books, with the cast playing alternate versions of themselves — a creative twist Murray said was “really fun” to film.

Moments like that are part of what keeps the show feeling fresh, even decades into its run.

Looking Toward the Future

With 500 episodes now behind them, the question becomes: how much further can NCIS go?

Murray admits the idea of another 500 episodes sounds surreal.

“If we did another 500, that would be amazing,” he joked. “I’d probably have gray hair by then.”

But for him, the show’s longevity ultimately comes down to the fans.

“It’s a testament to the audience that we’ve been able to do this for so long,” he said. “We’re incredibly lucky.”

New episodes of NCIS air Tuesdays on CBS and stream the next day on Paramount+.