The NCIS Juggernaut: A Brief Look Back
Let’s be real—NCIS isn’t just a show, it’s a cultural institution. Since its debut in 2003, it’s evolved into one of the most successful procedural dramas on television, launching multiple spin-offs and building a die-hard fanbase that spans the globe.
But like all good things, even juggernauts hit rough patches. And that’s exactly where NCIS is right now—staring down the barrel of irrelevance if something doesn’t change fast.
A Shaky Road to Season 23
By the time you get to your 23rd season, it’s safe to say you’ve stood the test of time. But NCIS’ recent seasons have struggled with inconsistency, off-screen controversies, and the loss of beloved cast members. CBS might have hoped that just getting to Season 23 would be enough—but fans aren’t buying it.
What CBS Is Planning for NCIS Season 23
So, what’s the grand plan? In short: more of the same with a sprinkle of nostalgia. CBS is banking on returning characters, long-form storytelling, and crossovers with NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: Origins. It’s not a terrible plan—but it’s not bold either.
Recycling familiar elements won’t cut it when audiences are craving something fresh, engaging, and emotionally rewarding.
The Problem With Playing It Safe
CBS seems scared to take risks with NCIS. Instead of pushing boundaries, Season 23 feels like it’s trying to relive past glory. The writing doesn’t feel as tight, the pacing’s off, and the emotional stakes are far lower than they used to be.
Think of it like trying to restart an old engine with duct tape. It might run for a while—but eventually, something’s gonna snap.
Missing the Magic: Key Characters Are Still Gone
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room—Mark Harmon’s absence as Leroy Jethro Gibbs has left a gaping hole. And while the current team is talented, fans haven’t connected with them in the same way.
David McCallum’s recent passing (Dr. Mallard, aka Ducky) only deepened the sense that the heart of NCIS is missing. And CBS hasn’t figured out how to replace it.
Spinoff Saturation: Are There Too Many NCIS Shows?
With NCIS: Los Angeles ending, NCIS: Hawai’i struggling for identity, and NCIS: Origins just starting, CBS is doing what networks love—doubling down on a brand that may be losing steam.
Too many spinoffs can dilute the core appeal. The problem is, instead of fixing the main show, CBS seems more interested in expanding the franchise. It’s like painting a house that’s crumbling inside.
The Origins Gamble: Why NCIS: Origins Isn’t the Savior
Don’t get me wrong—NCIS: Origins has potential. Seeing a young Gibbs could pull in nostalgic fans. But leaning on flashbacks to revive interest? That’s not innovation, that’s recycling.
And unless Origins absolutely nails the character development, writing, and emotional weight that made the original NCIS so special, it’ll just be a pretty shadow of a much better show.
Fans Are Growing Tired – And It Shows
Take a scroll through any NCIS forum or Reddit thread. You’ll see it: fans are tired of formulaic cases, tired of weak character arcs, and tired of CBS ignoring what made NCIS great in the first place.
The emotional investment just isn’t there anymore—and if the viewers aren’t feeling anything, they’ll change the channel.
Ratings Don’t Lie: The Numbers Are Slipping
Once a powerhouse in prime time, NCIS ratings have quietly slipped year after year. And sure, you can blame streaming or changing viewer habits—but shows like Blue Bloods and FBI are still pulling strong numbers.
The truth? The show just doesn’t have the same grip it used to. Viewers are tuning out, and CBS’ Season 23 plan doesn’t feel like it’s built to bring them back.
Changing Times, Changing Viewers
Today’s TV watchers expect more. They want layered characters, emotional realism, and real consequences. Procedurals can survive—but only if they evolve.
And NCIS? It’s still stuck somewhere in the 2010s. If it doesn’t modernize in its storytelling and character building, Gen Z and even younger millennials won’t stick around.
Why Nostalgia Alone Won’t Save NCIS
CBS is leaning heavy on nostalgia this season. Flashbacks, old case files, familiar faces… It all sounds good, but nostalgia is a spice, not the whole meal.
It might keep die-hard fans around, but it won’t bring in new viewers. And that’s where NCIS needs help the most—growing the next generation of fans, not just clinging to the past.
The Gibbs-Shaped Hole No One Can Fill
Let’s be honest: NCIS without Gibbs is like Batman without Bruce Wayne. You can try other characters in the lead, but the chemistry, mystery, and grit that Gibbs brought is irreplaceable.
CBS hasn’t figured out how to re-center the show without him. And until they do, everything else feels like a stopgap.
A Legacy Worth Protecting – But Is CBS Doing Enough?
This isn’t just about one show. NCIS is a franchise with legacy, loyalty, and cultural impact. But CBS seems more interested in squeezing out one more season than truly protecting what made NCIS special.
Real leadership would invest in the writing, reimagine the characters, and rebuild emotional stakes from the ground up.
What NCIS Really Needs to Survive
Here’s a roadmap CBS should consider:
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Hire new, bold writers who are willing to shake things up.
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Focus on emotional character development, not just case-of-the-week.
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Bring back legacy characters in meaningful ways—not just cameos.
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Introduce a fresh face with depth and mystery—someone who can carry the emotional weight of the show.
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Shorten the season to focus on quality over quantity.
Final Thoughts: Hope Isn’t Lost, But Action Is Urgent
NCIS isn’t dead—but it’s dangerously close to fading into irrelevance. CBS has a window of opportunity to course-correct with Season 23, but the current strategy feels like too little, too late.
Without bolder choices, deeper stories, and characters fans can fall in love with again, NCIS may find itself remembered as a show that didn’t know when to evolve.
Conclusion
At its best, NCIS was a rare blend of grit, heart, and sharp writing. But today, it’s standing on the edge of a cliff, and CBS’ Season 23 plan is little more than a nudge backward. If CBS wants to save this iconic show, it needs to stop playing it safe and start playing to win.
FAQs
1. Is NCIS Season 23 the final season?
As of now, CBS hasn’t confirmed it will be the final season. But declining ratings and fan fatigue make the future uncertain.
2. Will Mark Harmon ever return to NCIS?
There’s always a chance for a cameo, but nothing official has been announced. Harmon remains an executive producer.
3. What happened to NCIS: Hawai’i?
NCIS: Hawai’i has struggled with identity and ratings. It’s still on air but hasn’t reached the success of the original NCIS.
4. Is NCIS: Origins a reboot?
No, it’s a prequel focused on a young Gibbs. While it revisits past characters, it’s not replacing the original series.
5. How can NCIS regain its popularity?
By focusing on strong writing, emotional storytelling, and bringing back core elements that made fans fall in love with the series in the first place. Playing it safe won’t cut it anymore.
