Wilmer Valderrama, known for his role in “That 70s Show” and “From Dusk Till Dawn,” recently appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss his role in the long-running crime drama “NCIS.” With the show reaching its milestone 1,000th episode, Valderrama reflected on his experience joining a series that had already been on the air for 13 years.
Valderrama admitted that he initially questioned what he could bring to a show that was already so successful. However, he quickly realized that his character, Nick Torres, could inject some fresh energy into the series. Valderrama described his role as adding “a little coffee” to the established dynamic of the show.
One of the key factors that has kept “NCIS” fresh over its 21 seasons is its ability to stay relevant and adapt to the changing times. Valderrama noted that every five years, the show takes stock of what is happening in the world and incorporates those themes into its storylines. By addressing current issues, “NCIS” is able to engage with its audience and continue to represent the people it portrays on screen.
Valderrama also highlighted the immense popularity of “NCIS.” As one of the top shows on CBS, it consistently draws in millions of viewers each week. In fact, last year alone, 300 million people watched the series. This impressive viewership speaks to the show’s ability to captivate audiences and maintain its appeal over the years.
When Valderrama joined “NCIS,” he made sure to familiarize himself with the series by watching every episode. However, he confessed that not all episodes are created equal, joking that he may have gotten “one of the bad apples” when he first tuned in. Nonetheless, his commitment to understanding the show’s backstory and characters showcases his dedication to his role.
Towards the end of the interview, Colbert and Valderrama briefly touched on the actor’s new memoir, titled “An American Story: Everyone’s Invited.” The book explores Valderrama’s journey from a young, audacious dreamer to a successful performer in America. Valderrama, who is half Colombian and half Venezuelan, emphasized the importance of immigrant stories and the opportunities that America offers.
In conclusion, the 1,000th episode of “NCIS” is a significant milestone for the long-running series. Wilmer Valderrama‘s contribution to the show as Nick Torres has injected new energy into the dynamic and kept the show fresh. With its ability to address current issues and engage with its audience, “NCIS” continues to be a major hit, drawing in millions of viewers each week. Valderrama’s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert offered insights into his experience on the show and highlighted the importance of immigrant stories in America.
