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ImagineNCISwithout the tech-savvy, soft-spoken charm of Sean Murray’s Tim McGee. Feels wrong, right? Well, buck up, because the original plan for McGee would’ve turned your favorite cyber wizard into someone unrecognizable—someone fans might’ve straight-up revolted against. Think less adorable nerd with a heart of gold and more gratingly cocky, or even worse, completely sidelined.
Sean Murray’s portrayal brought depth, humor, and that lovable awkwardness fans couldn’t get enough of. But if the creators had gone with their early vision, McGee might’ve been just another forgettable face in the squad room. Thankfully, fate (and some good decision-making) stepped in, sparingNCISfans from what could’ve been a massive misstep. Sometimes, sticking to Plan B is the real win, folks.
Sean Murray Almost Didn’t Stay onNCIS—Tim McGee Was Almost a One-Episode Wonder
ImagineNCISwithout Tim McGee. Can’t do it, right? Well, italmost happened. Sean Murray, now a staple of the Emmy-nominated CBS series, revealed that McGee was originally a one-episode guest star back in Season 1.
Yep, the tech-savvy rookie who stole fans’ hearts wasn’t meant to stick around. Talking to Australia’sStudio 10in 2020, Murray spilled the tea:
Towards the end of that first season, it just felt like things were clicking right and gelling right… It was working, I think. Everyone felt it.
And click they did. By the end of Season 1, McGee had gone from a bumbling newbie inSub Rosato a recurring agent. By Season 2? He was officially on the team.
“We weren’t bad enough to get canceled”: Michael Weatherly Knew Exactly Why NCIS Came Super Close to Being Shut Down
Since then, Murray’s McGee evolved in big ways. From cracking major cases to getting married and becoming a dad, the character grew up alongside the show. Reflecting on McGee’s journey, Murray called him a really good agent, adding that the experience of playing him was incredible:
It was really great to be invited full-time onto the show, and it’s been an incredible experience.
But McGee wasn’t just a career milestone for Murray—it became a legacy. Over 18 years, he juggled side gigs likeAgatha Christie: Ordeal by InnocenceandThe Double,but nothing topped his pride inNCIS.As he toldStarry Mag,
I can tell you that! Time has flown by, but it really does mean a lot to me in terms of…Not in some sort of competitive sense, but hey, we really made an impact. We continue to make an impact. This is a powerful thing that has gone on for almost two decades.
The fact that we have completed or continuing to surpass the four hundredth hour of one-hour television is like being part of the mile-high club. You can count on one hand the number of shows that have done that. I’m not sure. I’ve never really looked into it. But I know we’ve done well!
Fans got lucky when McGee stuck around. From rookie missteps to elite agent status, Sean Murray turned what could’ve been a one-and-done role into a two-decade legacy. Safe to say,NCISwouldn’t be the same without him.
Sean Murray’s Birthday Bash:NCISFans Celebrate, but Is Tim McGee’s Future at Risk?
Sean Murray has been rockingNCISas Tim McGee for 21 years, and fans made sure his birthday didn’t go unnoticed. AnNCISfan account on X dropped a shoutout, calling Murray the one and only (reported byThe Mirror). Fans chimed in, calling Tim their favorite character of all time.
But while the love is real, so are the exit fears. InNCIS’s 22nd season, McGee made a big play for the Deputy Director role—a surprising pivot for a guy who once swore off desk jobs. And yet, the promotion didn’t land, leaving fans wondering: What’s next for Tim?
Why Pauley Perrette Will Never Return to NCIS Ever Again, Explained
WatchNCISon Hulu & Apple TV.
Heena Singh
Editor | Former Senior Writer
Articles Published :1457
Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.
