If you were watching TV in the early 2000s, you probably remember exactly where you were when Agent Caitlin Todd was killed off on NCIS. It was one of those rare, genuine "water cooler" moments that stayed with people for years. But honestly, if you only know Sasha Alexander from that one shocking exit, you’re missing out on a career that spans everything from teen soaps to high-stakes directing in 2026.
Sasha Alexander—born Suzana Drobnjakovic—didn't just stumble into Hollywood. She’s a USC film school grad who actually knows the mechanics of what happens behind the camera as much as what happens in front of it. Looking at the full list of Sasha Alexander movies and tv shows, it's clear she has this weirdly consistent ability to jump between being the "smartest person in the room" and the "relatable best friend" without making it feel like a stretch.
The Big Break: From Capeside to the NCIS Bullpen
Most people forget that before she was chasing terrorists, she was causing drama in Dawson’s Creek. She played Gretchen Witter, Pacey’s older, cooler sister. It was a recurring role in Season 4, and it basically set the template for her: intelligent, slightly weary of the chaos around her, but fiercely loyal.
Then came 2003.
The launch of NCIS changed everything. As Caitlin "Kate" Todd, she was the perfect foil to Mark Harmon's Gibbs. But by the end of Season 2, she wanted out. The schedule was brutal—we're talking 10-month years with 16-hour days. She has since been very open about the fact that the physical toll was just too much. So, they gave her one of the most iconic deaths in TV history.
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Notable Early TV Roles:
- Wasteland (1999): She played Jesse Presser. It was a short-lived ABC drama, but it was her first real "foot in the door."
- Presidio Med (2002): A medical drama where she played Dr. Jackie Collette. This was sort of a precursor to her later medical-heavy roles.
- Friends (2002): A quick but memorable guest spot as Shelley, the reporter who interviews Joey Tribbiani.
Why Rizzoli & Isles Redefined Her Career
If NCIS made her a face people recognized, Rizzoli & Isles made her a household name. Starring as Dr. Maura Isles for seven seasons (2010–2016) on TNT, Sasha found her groove.
Maura was... different. She was a socially awkward, fashion-obsessed Chief Medical Examiner. While Angie Harmon’s Jane Rizzoli was the "tough cop," Maura was the "brain." Their chemistry was the entire engine of the show. It wasn't just another procedural; it was a show about female friendship that actually felt real. Even now, in 2026, fans are still binge-watching this on streaming platforms because that dynamic holds up.
She also took this time to branch out. She wasn't just acting; she started directing. She helmed the episode "For Richer or Poorer" in Season 7, which basically launched her "second act" as a director.
Sasha Alexander Movies: The Big Screen and Beyond
While her TV work is the heavy hitter, her filmography has some surprising gems. Most people remember her in Yes Man (2008) with Jim Carrey or He’s Just Not That Into You (2009), where she played Catherine. She’s often the "grounded" character in these big ensemble comedies.
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But she also does smaller, grittier stuff. Take The Last Lullaby (2008). It’s an indie noir where she plays Sarah, and it’s arguably one of her best performances because it’s so quiet and stripped back.
Key Filmography Highlights:
- Mission: Impossible III (2006): A small role as Melissa, but hey, it’s a JJ Abrams film.
- The Ride (2018): She played Marianna Buultjens in this drama based on a true story about a BMX pro.
- Dangerous Lies (2020): A Netflix thriller where she played Detective Chesler. It’s a total "popcorn movie" but she brings a lot of gravitas to a role that could have been generic.
- Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons (2020): This was a cool pivot into voice acting, where she played Adeline "Addie" Kane.
Stepping Into the Director's Chair
This is the part of her career that doesn't get enough headlines. Sasha has quietly become a sought-after TV director. She didn't just stop at Rizzoli & Isles. She directed episodes of Bull and the massive Netflix hit You.
In You, she directed the Season 3 episode "Red Flag." If you’ve seen it, you know it’s tense and visually sharp. It’s a long way from the sunny docks of Dawson’s Creek. She’s also worked on The Morning Show and Law & Order, proving she has the range to handle high-budget streaming dramas and classic network staples.
What Is She Doing Now? (2026 Update)
As of early 2026, Sasha has been keeping a hand in both worlds. She recently joined the cast of The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 on Netflix, which has been a huge get for the show. Seeing her face off against Mickey Haller’s team brings back that "smartest person in the room" energy we loved in Rizzoli & Isles.
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She also recently appeared in an episode of The Morning Show as Salma and had a guest spot on Law & Order as Congresswoman Kristin Bartell.
Honestly, her career trajectory is a lesson in longevity. She didn't get stuck in the "Agent Todd" box. She moved from acting to producing and directing, and she’s still a mainstay on our screens because she picks projects that actually matter to her.
How to Follow Her Work Today:
- Check out her directing credits: If you like a show like You or Bull, look up the specific episodes she directed. It’s a different way to appreciate her talent.
- Streaming the Classics: Both NCIS and Rizzoli & Isles are permanent fixtures on platforms like Max and Paramount+.
- Watch the Voice Work: If you're a DC fan, Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons is worth a watch just to hear her take on a more "hard-edged" character.
Whether she's playing a medical examiner in designer heels or calling the shots from behind a monitor, the list of Sasha Alexander movies and tv shows proves one thing: she’s a survivor in an industry that usually forgets people after their big series ends. She just keeps evolving.