I know David McCallum just extended his contract with NCIS. Can we assume he’s safe in the season finale? — Carolyn
I’d say it’s a safe bet, but as EP Gary Glasberg told me, it doesn’t mean Ducky won’t face a whole other set of challenges in the season closer and beyond. “The fact that [McCallum] is committed to continuing on the show is wonderful for us, but it’s not going to keep us from trying things and surprising people. That’s true of any of the characters on the show,” he says. “We’re always interested in keeping things challenging and entertaining for them as actors, and we’re going to continue to push the envelope for them so they can continue to do some phenomenal work.”

Source