The premiere of NCIS Season 22 on October 14, 2024, concluded with a heartfelt tribute to George Schenck, a cherished figure in the show’s history. The message recognized Schenck’s contributions, stating, “In Memory of Our Dear Friend and Colleague George Schenck. We Will Miss You.” Born on February 12, 1942, Schenck passed away peacefully in his Brentwood, California home at the age of 82, leaving behind a significant legacy in television production and writing.
George Schenck was known for his pivotal role as a former executive producer and showrunner for the popular series NCIS. He began his journey with the show in 2003, initially serving as a consulting producer. His writing credits include 48 episodes, with his first being in the first season and his last in Season 16, episode 9. Rising through the ranks, Schenck became a co-executive producer by Season 5 and took on the role of executive producer in Season 9. His tenure on the show was marked by creativity and excellence until his retirement in 2018.
Following the passing of Gary Glasberg in 2016, Schenck stepped up alongside his producing partner Frank Cardea, and together they took on the responsibilities of co-showrunning, which significantly shaped the series. Mark Harmon, who played the iconic character Gibbs and served as an executive producer, expressed his sorrow and commended Schenck’s contributions to the series. He highlighted Schenck and Cardea’s professionalism and tenacity, crediting their collaboration for redefining the show’s direction.
Many colleagues and associates of Schenck mourned his death, including Dennis L. Smith, a director of over 65 NCIS episodes, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media. Smith reflected on the joy of collaborating with Schenck, praising his talent as a writer and his exceptional sense of humor. Schenck’s positive influence on his peers and dedication to teamwork set a standard that many in the industry aspire to reach. His death marks a significant loss for those who worked with him and for the NCIS family.
Delving into Schenck’s background, he was born into a family involved in the entertainment industry; his father was a film and TV producer, and he was related to notable studio executives. Schenck’s career began in the 1960s, where he developed his writing skills on various shows, including the iconic Western series Bonanza. Beyond NCIS, he worked on several other successful television programs and had affiliations with Columbia Pictures Television through his production company, Schenck/Cardea Productions.
In summary, George Schenck’s remarkable career as a writer and producer left an indelible mark on the television landscape, particularly with his substantial contributions to NCIS. His legacy of creativity, collaboration, and friendship continues to resonate within the NCIS community, ensuring that he will be fondly remembered by both colleagues and fans alike. Schenck’s efforts in advancing the series illustrate the profound impact one individual can have on a long-running show, solidifying his place in television history.