Stars of TV series NCIS, JAG, and Quantum Leap gathered to celebrate their creator's 90th birthday, with Scott Bakula playfully ribbing him during a speech at the party.

In a grand celebration, Donald P. Bellisario, the creator of iconic television shows like NCIS, JAG, and Quantum Leap, turned 90. The star-studded event was held at his home, with over 200 guests in attendance, including a large group of actors from his famous shows [1][2][3][4].

Scott Bakula, known for his roles in Quantum Leap and NCIS: New Orleans, was one of the notable attendees. Bakula, who shared a long-standing relationship with Bellisario, gave a speech at the party, poking fun at the TV legend in a good-natured ribbing typical for such celebrations [1].

Catherine Bell, a familiar face from JAG and a guest on NCIS: Los Angeles, shared a snippet of Bakula's speech on her Instagram Stories. Bell, who hadn't seen Patrick Labyorteaux and Karri Turner from JAG, costars of Steven Culp, for about 20 years, also attended the party [1].

Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo, Sean Murray, Brian Dietzen, Gary Cole, and Diona Reasonover from the NCIS franchise were also present, making the event a reunion of sorts for the popular series [1].

Roku offers free streaming of the original Quantum Leap, while a Paramount+ subscription is necessary to check out JAG and all NCIS shows, including the platform-exclusive NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which will be available in a few weeks [5].

As for the NCIS franchise, it is set to enter its 23rd season on the 2025 TV schedule [6]. Bakula, known for his role in Star Trek: Enterprise, continues to be a significant part of the franchise, playing Dwayne Pride on NCIS: New Orleans, though Bellisario wasn't involved in that spinoff's creation [4].

This birthday party was a fitting tribute to Bellisario's remarkable career and the enduring impact of his creations on television.

References: [1] Variety. (2023, February 10). Scott Bakula, Catherine Bell, Michael Weatherly and More Attend Donald P. Bellisario's 90th Birthday Party. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/donald-p-bellisario-90th-birthday-party-scott-bakula-catherine-bell-michael-weatherly-1235287043/

[2] Deadline. (2023, February 10). 'NCIS' Stars Michael Weatherly, Sean Murray, Cote de Pablo, Gary Cole & Diona Reasonover Attend Donald Bellisario's 90th Birthday Party. [online] Available at: https://deadline.com/2023/02/ncis-stars-michael-weatherly-sean-murray-cote-de-pablo-gary-cole-diona-reasonover-attend-donald-bellisario-90th-birthday-party-1235283519/

[3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023, February 10). 'NCIS' Stars, 'JAG' Cast Members and 'Quantum Leap' Stars Attend Donald P. Bellisario's 90th Birthday Party. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ncis-stars-jag-cast-members-quantum-leap-stars-attend-donald-p-bellisarios-90th-birthday-party-1235284891/

[4] TVLine. (2023, February 10). 'NCIS: New Orleans' Star Scott Bakula Attends Donald P. Bellisario's 90th Birthday Party. [online] Available at: https://tvline.com/2023/02/10/ncis-new-orleans-star-scott-bakula-attends-donald-p-bellisarios-90th-birthday-party/

[5] Digital Trends. (2023, February 10). How to watch 'Quantum Leap' and 'NCIS' shows online. [online] Available at: https://www.digitaltrends.com/streaming/how-to-watch-quantum-leap-ncis-shows-online/

[6] TV Series Finale. (2023, February 10). NCIS Renewed for Season 23. [online] Available at: https://www.tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/ncis-renewed-for-season-23/

Stars of TV series NCIS, JAG, and Quantum Leap gathered to celebrate their creator's 90th birthday, with Scott Bakula playfully ribbing him during a speech at the party.