Maria Bello (“The Cooler”) is joining “NCIS” as a series regular, CBS announced on Thursday. Her character will be introduced on the fourth episode of the show’s upcoming Season 15.
Per the network, Bello will play an NCIS agent who was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the army and served two tours in Afghanistan.
Bello will be the agency’s premier forensic psychologist. Unlike the other agents, she can second guess and challenge Gibbs (Mark Harmon), leading to both friction and mutual respect, the broadcaster said. She is a positive force, mischievous and at times acerbic.
Sean Murray, Emily Wickersham, Pauley Perrette, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Duane Henry, Rocky Carroll and David McCallum also star on the CBS Television Studios production.
“We have always been big fans of Maria Bello‘s work and are excited to be introducing her as an agent who not only has a distinct talent, but also a unique relationship with Gibbs,” said “NCIS” executive producers George Schenck and Frank Cardea.
“NCIS” has been the most-watched drama on broadcast TV for an incredible eight straight seasons. This year, CBS’ “Big Bang Theory” — a sitcom, if you haven’t heard — actually topped the steady procedural in overall average audience members.
“NCIS” returns Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. on CBS.