NCIS fans were treated to an unexpected reunion after Brian Dietzen shared a rare photo with former co-star Pauley Perrette, bringing back memories of the show’s original cast.
Dietzen posted the picture on Instagram after the pair attended a live music performance together. Smiling for the camera, the longtime friends appeared relaxed as they enjoyed an evening out.
Alongside the photo, Dietzen wrote that they had gone to see several artists perform at The Hotel Cafe and revealed it was already the second concert they had attended together within a week.
“Music is the best. So are good friends,” he wrote.
The post immediately caught the attention of longtime NCIS viewers, many of whom were thrilled to see Perrette make a rare public appearance. Since leaving the hit CBS drama in 2018, the actress has largely stepped away from acting and has kept a much lower public profile than during her years on television.
Perrette portrayed the fan-favorite forensic scientist Abby Sciuto, becoming one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise during her 15-season run. Her energetic personality, gothic style, and unwavering loyalty made Abby one of the defining members of the original NCIS team.
Dietzen, meanwhile, has remained a central part of the series for more than two decades. He first appeared as Dr. Jimmy Palmer during the show’s first season and has since become one of its longest-serving cast members. After the passing of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, Palmer eventually stepped into the role of Chief Medical Examiner, further cementing his place in the series.
Today, Dietzen and Sean Murray, who plays Special Agent Timothy McGee, are the only actors from the original Season 1 cast still appearing regularly on NCIS.
Fans filling the comments section weren’t just excited about the reunion photo—they also expressed hope that Perrette might one day return to the franchise. Some even suggested she appear on NCIS: Partners & Probies, the official podcast co-hosted by Dietzen and fellow cast member Diona Reasonover.
Beyond acting, Dietzen has also expanded his role behind the scenes by contributing as a writer for the series. He has written several episodes since Season 19, including the emotional 2024 tribute honoring the late David McCallum and his beloved character, Dr. Ducky Mallard.
In a previous interview, Dietzen admitted that writing for the original NCIS team would be a dream come true. He praised iconic characters such as Gibbs, Tony DiNozzo, Ziva David, and Abby Sciuto, saying each brought a unique voice to the series.
He also shared that if Abby ever returned, he would love the opportunity to write for her character, describing her infectious energy and enormous heart as qualities that made her unforgettable.
While there has been no indication that Perrette plans to reprise her role, the latest reunion reminded fans just how much affection remains between the original cast—and how strongly viewers still hope to see Abby Sciuto back on screen someday.
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