Current Status of Brian Dietzen on NCIS
Brian Dietzen is still on NCIS as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, the Chief Medical Examiner for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. He has been a recurring and then series regular since the early seasons, and as of the latest available public information, he remains part of the main cast. His role continues across the current run of the show, with no public announcements indicating his departure. Forbes maintains an updated NCIS cast guide that lists Dietzen among the principal actors.
The character Jimmy Palmer has been central to many major storylines, including autopsy results, forensic analysis, and team consultations. NCIS episodes in the most recent seasons continue to feature Palmer in both standalone medical explanations and broader investigative arcs. Publicly available episode guides and network materials confirm his ongoing presence. The official CBS NCIS cast page for Brian Dietzen provides current credits and episode appearances.
Brian Dietzen's Role and Character Details
Jimmy Palmer is the Chief Medical Examiner who supports the NCIS team with forensic pathology, toxicology, and autopsy findings. The character is known for his technical expertise, calm demeanor, and recurring personal storylines involving family and relationships. Dietzen portrays Palmer across both laboratory scenes and field consultations, making the character a consistent part of the investigative process. IMDb lists Brian Dietzen's complete NCIS filmography with episode-by-episode credits.
Over the course of the series, Palmer has evolved from a supporting medical examiner to a trusted member of the core team. His interactions with Gibbs, Torres, Knight, and other agents often bridge forensic evidence and field decisions. The character's professional growth and personal milestones are regularly integrated into the show's long-form storytelling. Wikipedia's page for Brian Dietzen summarizes his career and notable NCIS milestones.
Salary, Contract, and Career Context
While exact per-episode salaries for NCIS cast members are not publicly disclosed, long-running series regulars on network procedurals typically earn six-figure annual compensation. Brian Dietzen's status as a main cast member places him within the higher earning tier of the show's ensemble. Cast pay scales for legacy network dramas are influenced by tenure, ratings, and backend participation. Forbes has reported on NCIS cast pay structures and the economics of long-running TV franchises.
Outside of NCIS, Brian Dietzen has credits in film, guest television roles, and voice work that span more than two decades. His continued presence on NCIS reflects both audience recognition and the show's need for a consistent forensic voice. The series remains one of the longest-running scripted primetime programs in American television history. The Numbers tracks NCIS ratings and franchise performance across seasons and spin-offs.
Summary
Brian Dietzen is still on NCIS as Jimmy Palmer, with no public indication that he has left the series. His role remains central to the show's forensic and character-driven storytelling.