‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Season 9 Casts Nia Long As Series Regular Shay

“NCIS: Los Angeles” Season 9 recently cast Nia Long as a series regular.

According to TV Line, the “Boston Legal” alum will be playing the role of Shay Mosely, a former Secret Service agent and the Los Angeles’ team new executive assistant director. Mosely, who is from Washington, will bring her expertise as an insider from the east coast to the west coast.

Read: “NCIS” Season 15 casts Maria Bello as Mark Harmon’s Gibbs’ “frenemy”

According to executive producer R. Scott Gemmill, the character of Shay was created specifically for Long. “The character was created specifically for Nia to capitalize on her strengths and personality. We are excited about the new opportunities and dynamics she brings to the show. We couldn’t be happier to have her join our family,” he said (via The Hollywood Reporter).

Long’s casting came just days after “NCIS” Season 15 tapped Maria Bello to join the show also as a series regular. Bello will play the role of an unnamed NCIS agent who was commissioned as second lieutenant. Prior to her new position, she served in Afghanistan for two years. According to the description released by CBS, Bello’s character will also serve as a “frenemy” to Mark Harmon’s character, Gibbs, in the series.

Following Bello’s casting, “NCIS” co-showrunners George Schenck and Frank Cardea released a joint statement expressing their excitement to work with the actress. “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,” they said.

Meanwhile, Gemmill recently opened up about “NCIS: Los Angeles” Season 9 while at the PaleyFest in Los Angeles (via TV Guide). According to the executive producer, the upcoming episodes will serve kind of as a rest to the entire series. “Sam’s life is going to change. Kensi and Deek’s lives are going to change based on the finale,” he said.

In the final episode for Season 8, Daniel Ruah’s character, Kensi, would continue on her path to recovery. “You don’t always have strength. It’s ups and downs. I learned something really, really important: It’s really hard to ask for help, but it’s important,” she said.

“NCIS: Los Angeles” Season 9 will premiere on Oct. 1 at 9:30 p.m. EST.