“NCIS Season 1’s Best-Kept Secret: The Shocking Reveal of Which Friends Actor Was Nearly Cast in a Main Role – You Won’t Believe Who Missed Out!”
Early in the history of the long-running and immensely popular crime procedural series, NCIS, there was some intriguing casting consideration involving a notable actor from Friends, Jennifer Aniston. However, it remains unclear which specific character she was being considered for, and whether an official offer was ever extended.
The revelation of Jennifer Aniston’s potential involvement came as part of the 20th-anniversary celebration of NCIS. It’s important to note that procedurals like NCIS typically avoid casting major stars as regulars in the main ensemble, as they often rely on elevating lesser-known actors to stardom through their roles in the series.
While the details about the character Aniston was considered for remain undisclosed, it is possible that she was up for a role akin to Caitlin Todd, played by Sasha Alexander. Co-creator Don Bellisario, along with the network team, initially liked Robyn Lively for the part. However, she wasn’t ultimately chosen, and when the series was picked up, the role was recast. This led to Sasha Alexander’s last-minute inclusion in the show.
Jennifer Aniston, a well-known actor thanks to her role in Friends, could have potentially been available at the time of NCIS’s development in 2003. However, Aniston was one of the highest-paid actors in television, and her star power may have made her salary demands prohibitive for CBS, assuming she was open to another TV commitment.
Speculation arises about what could have been had Aniston joined NCIS, as she might have eventually met a dramatic exit from the show, similar to Caitlin Todd’s departure, creating a memorable and shocking TV moment. However, it’s essential to recognize that the executive producers did not specify the role Aniston was considered for, and the idea remains in the realm of conjecture.
During the development and casting phases of television projects, it’s common to discuss big-name actors, as it can help generate interest and support for the series. In an alternate reality, had NCIS featured prominent celebrities like Harrison Ford and Jennifer Aniston, it might have yielded different results, impacting the show’s trajectory in unforeseeable ways.