By Kayla DeKraker
Will NCIS fan favorite Timothy McGee ever move up in the world?
For more than two decades, NCIS fans have watched Special Agent McGee, played by actor Sean Murray, change from a junior agent into a primary member of the team. However, the character hasn’t gotten the clear personal growth that other long-running characters on the show have experienced.
“The NCIS season 22 premiere revealed that McGee was vying for the position of Deputy Director,” ScreenRant reported. “Sadly, he didn’t get the job, which went to Gabriel LaRoche —former DOJ Inspector General. Aside from the threat he poses to the agency, NCIS choosing an outsider over McGee, who has been a foundational player in the organization for more than two decades was disheartening.”
The outlet did note that McGee was actually offered Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Gibbs’ position when actor Mark Harmon left the show in 2021, but McGee declined. However, time has passed since then, and it’s possible the character may be looking for change.
Related: CBS’ NCIS Dominates TV Ratings Despite New Monday Time Slot
This comes among conversations about McGee’s role within NCIS, including speculations about promotions, career changes or even his potential departure. Fans have often debated whether McGee should rise to a leadership position, such as Deputy Director or even NCIS Director.
In November 2025, Murray, while addressing rumors about his possible exit, said that no character is ever totally safe.
“There’s always an element of the gossip thing that comes up. Things can take big, unexpected turns with characters,” he said. “I mean, things can happen. No one is ever quite safe on this show. We were also the show [where] one of the lead characters took a bullet and died at the end of season 2.”
A recent NCIS Instagram post seems to play on the fact that McGee keeps getting passed by. The video sees Murray hand a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates to co-star Katrina Law, only for co-star Wilmer Valderrama to give her a larger box. She then walks off with him, leaving Murray alone.
People in the comment section responded with comedic sympathy for Murray. “Sean Murray you can be my Valentine anytime,” one person said. Another fan added, “I’ll take it [McGee]! I’d rather have one than nothing.”
Movieguide® highly rated NCIS’ season 23 episode, titled “God Only Knows.”
“’God Only Knows’ is brilliantly structured, exciting, stirring, and even profound,” Movieguide®’s review reads. “A series of twists leads to a big twist that changes the investigation’s direction. ‘God Only Knows’ is also about finding answers to the problem of evil. The chaplain character, who tries to help Agent Parker with answers, is superbly written. He has many good Christian lines to ponder.”
In fact, that episode is up for a Teddy Bear Award® at the 33rd Annual Movieguide® Awards show. Tune into Great American Family on March 5 to see if it wins!
Read Next: How Mark Harmon’s NCIS Exit Impacted This Character
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +1