TV - Movies
The Untold Truth
Of NCIS: New
Orleans
By SARAH PARIS
One thing that "NCIS: New Orleans" gets right is its depiction of life in the Big Easy, including references to real-life New Orleans bands like Sweet Jones and restaurants like Mother’s. A lot of care was put into the depiction of the city's culture to make the show feel more realistic, in ways that locals and outsiders alike can appreciate.
Big Easy Life
Dwayne “King” Pride (Scott Bakula) and Rita Devereaux (Chelsea Field) start "NCIS: New Orleans" in a platonic friendship, but ultimately end up married, which is fitting since the two are actually married in real life. Bakula and Field dated for 15 years before getting married in 2009, six years before they appeared on the show together.
Pride and Rita
The death of fan-favorite character Christopher LaSalle (Lucas Black) in Season 6 shocked many fans. The decision to leave the show was made by Black, as opposed to CBS or the "NCIS" showrunners; the actor wanted to get away from the show's grueling filming schedule and spend more time with his family.
Lucas Black’s Exit
"NCIS: New Orleans" was the No. 1 new show of 2014 and kept steady ratings throughout its run, so its cancellation was a surprise to fans and cast members alike. Star Scott Bukla shared his dismay in a 2021 interview, discussing how the show had endured time slot changes, new showrunners, and behind-the-scenes scandals before then.
Cancellation
It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing Dr. Loretta Wade, but CCH Pounder almost turned down the role because she lacked confidence in a new “NCIS” series, and worried about her Black character not being fleshed out. Luckily, Pounder did take the role and relocated to New Orleans, where she lives to this day.
CCH Pounder’s Role