Here's How Emily Wickersham Impacts The Work Culture On NCIS
With 18 seasons and a 19th on the way, "NCIS" isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The veteran CBS procedural remains one of the most-watched shows on television. In fact, in its 10th season, it even surpassed "Sunday Night Football" and "American Idol" to become the highest-rated broadcast on network TV. It's never left the list of the top three most-watched shows since that time.
There's no shortage of crime-solving television shows, yet "NCIS" continues to be an audience favorite. A big part of the show's staying power is undoubtedly the charm and chemistry among its core cast. For actors Mark Harmon and David McCallum to star in all 413 episodes of the series so far, "NCIS" must be a pretty enjoyable work environment, too. Being amicable and fun behind-the-scenes seems to be a prerequisite for a starring role on the show. In the case of actress Emily Wickersham, her positive attitude led her from a three-episode arc to being a series regular. But how exactly has Wickersham impacted the work culture over at "NCIS?"
'Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious'
Emily Wickersham first appeared as Ellie Bishop in 2013. Ellie was an NSA agent helping Gibbs and the team with a case, and she eventually joins the NCIS squad. Wickersham's role was never intended to be permanent. However, after actress Cote de Pablo left the show, much to the disappointment of CBS, Wickersham was brought on as a series regular to balance the loss of de Pablo's Ziva David. (De Pablo, however, would eventually reprise her role for a multi-episode arc in Season 17.)
Wickersham certainly has the acting chops to star on such a high-profile show like "NCIS," having previously appeared on "The Sopranos" and in films "Gone" and "I Am Number Four." Her cheerful demeanor proved to be a positive impact on the "NCIS" work culture, too, no doubt aiding her chances at scoring that full-time gig.
"Emily Wickersham's Ellie Bishop is proving to perfectly complement the NCIS team," executive producer Gary Glasberg said to The Hollywood Reporter in 2013. "Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Great things are planned for Bishop, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her on board."
171 episodes later, Ellie Bishop is still a strong member of the NCIS squad, and we can't wait to see what's in store for her in Season 19.