Quick 2-minute readIn March 2026, actor Rocky Carroll concluded his 18-season run on NCIS.
Supporters were surprised to discover Rocky’s initial post-NCIS project: directing an installment of the CBS series.
Throughout his tenure, Rocky had already helmed 29 episodes of NCIS.
While Leon Vance might have departed from NCIS, Rocky Carroll maintains connections to the program where he spent nearly twenty years.
In March, enthusiasts of the CBS series were saddened to learn of his departure from NCIS after 18 seasons. He had discussed learning his character was written off (meeting his demise in a fatal shooting during a weapons smuggling investigation) and why his exit was deemed essential for the show’s progression. However, it seems Rocky maintains an ongoing link with NCIS, a fact the show disclosed to its audience on April 13.
Audiences discovered through Instagram that Rocky will be back on NCIS to direct an upcoming episode in season 23. Moreover, his directed episode is scheduled to broadcast on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
“Tomorrow on NCIS—helmed by the iconic Rocky Carroll. 👏👏👏,” declared the caption accompanying a picture of the actor providing instructions to Sean Murray, who portrays Timothy McGee.
Even though only a few weeks had passed since Rocky’s last on-screen appearance on NCIS, fans were thrilled to learn about his continued involvement with the series.
“Our Director is directing! 🤣,” one commenter chuckled. “I’m pleased he’s working behind the camera. I already miss his role 😭,” another expressed. “While Vance might be gone, Rocky Carroll remains a valued member of the NCIS family and will continue his directorial contributions 🔥❤️,” a different fan remarked.
So, what’s the subject of the NCIS episode Rocky directed? Per a CBS press release, the installment (named “Distress Call”) features the team investigating a Navy lieutenant who vanished after a plane crash a year ago. While collecting evidence, the team uncovers that the crash was not as accidental as initially believed.
Incidentally, this is not Rocky’s sole directing credit for NCIS. The actor has, in fact, directed an impressive 29 episodes for the series (according to his filmography on IMDb), his most recent prior to this being the season 23 episode “Her” (broadcast on March 3).
We’re genuinely excited, and eagerly anticipate seeing what Rocky delivers this week!