It’s hard to imagine NCIS without Special Agent Timothy McGee, but Sean Murray’s role on the show almost didn’t happen. When McGee was first introduced in Season 1, he was supposed to be a guest character—just a quirky tech guy brought in to help the team with a specific case. The producers never intended for him to stick around beyond that.

But Murray’s chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo, was undeniable. Fans quickly warmed to McGee’s awkward yet endearing personality, and his interactions with Tony added a new dynamic to the team. As a result, the producers saw potential in his character and decided to make McGee a permanent part of the team.

Over the years, McGee’s character evolved from the tech-savvy rookie into a seasoned and respected special agent. His growth on the show mirrored the growth of Sean Murray as an actor, and McGee became a fan favorite. What was once a minor role turned into a cornerstone of NCIS, with McGee’s intelligence, loyalty, and humor making him essential to the team.

Looking back, it’s incredible to think that McGee wasn’t even meant to be a long-term character. Sometimes, the best TV moments come from unexpected places—and Sean Murray’s McGee is a perfect example of how the right actor and character chemistry can change the course of a show.