‘NCIS’ Season 21 Features Tribute To David McCallum: Details

Pictured: David McCallum as Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2022 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

CBS has announced that NCIS Season 21 will feature a tribute to original cast member David McCallum. What should fans of the long-running military police procedural expect in this special episode?

Here are the details that the network has shared including the premiere date of this tribute to the beloved actor David McCallum, and his character Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard.

CBS Is Airing Special NCIS Tribute To David McCallum

Original NCIS cast member David McCallum passed away on September 25, at the age of 90. He was the final original cast member of the long-running series. There will be a special episode that features will “address” the passing of the beloved actor who portrayed Ducky. What does CBS plan?

According to TV Line, who spoke to showrunners Steven D. Binder and David North. Firstly, they revealed that “Everyone at NCIS felt it was important to do an episode that honors such a legendary actor, not to mention a dear friend.”

They continued to reveal that in this episode, the team finds out that Ducky has died, but he is not going to be forgotten anytime soon. He even helps them solve one last crime.

In the episode, the team will learn of Ducky’s passing and reflect on their memories of him as they grieve. And true to Ducky’s meticulous and compassionate nature, even after he’s gone, he still manages to solve one last crime with the team.

What also makes this special is that Brian Dietzen, who portrays Dr. Jimmy Palmer, co-wrote this episode with executive producer Scott Williams.

NCIS Pictured: David McCallum as Medical Examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
NCIS Pictured: David McCallum as Medical Examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Will There Be Any ‘Cameos Or Returning Cast’ In This Special Tribute To David McCallum?

Since his September passing, there has been a lot of speculation that some former NCIS stars could return to the series for a special episode. What do Binder and North have to say about that possibility?

These two did not reveal their cards. However, they did promise a very special “moment.” “There will also be a very touching and special moment you won’t want to miss.”

Pictured: Mark Harmon as NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, David McCallum as Medical Examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Pictured: Mark Harmon as NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, David McCallum as Medical Examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

When Will CBS Air Special NCIS Season 21 Episode Honoring Ducky?

CBS has shared when they will premiere this special episode that will honor David McCallum, who portrayed Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. The NCIS Season 21 premiere is on Monday, February 12, at 9 p.m., Eastern on CBS.

The second episode, which is the Ducky tribute episode, will air one week later, on Monday, February 19, at 9 p.m., Eastern, on CBS.

NCIS fans, will you be tuning in to the Ducky/David McCallum episode?

Georgia Makitalo

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