Let’s be real—after more than two decades on the air, NCIS is still kicking, solving crimes, and pulling in ratings. But with Season 23 on the horizon, the show seems to be borrowing a play from its best-performing spinoff, NCIS: Hawai’i. While imitation is usually a compliment, this time… it might backfire.
Let’s break down exactly what trick NCIS is copying, why it worked for Hawai’i, and why it may not land the same way in the flagship series.
What’s the Big Move in NCIS Season 23?
A Character-Driven, Emotion-Heavy Formula
The upcoming NCIS season is reportedly shifting gears. Instead of leaning heavily on procedural crime-solving, it’s embracing a more serialized, emotional narrative style—something that NCIS: Hawai’i has done exceptionally well.
Think: less “case of the week,” more character arcs that stretch over multiple episodes. We’re talking personal stakes, relationships, and long-term emotional fallout. That sounds great on paper, right?
Well, maybe not.
Why This Worked in NCIS: Hawai’i
Emotional Storytelling Became Its Superpower
NCIS: Hawai’i won fans over not just with gorgeous island visuals and tense cases, but because of its emotional depth and character growth. From Tennant’s struggles as a single mom to Lucy and Kate’s groundbreaking relationship, viewers felt connected.
A Fresh Cast, A Fresh Start
One reason this approach clicked is because Hawai’i started fresh. New faces, modern storytelling, and no legacy weight to carry. It wasn’t bound by decades of backstory or iconic characters like Gibbs or Abby.
That freedom gave the show room to breathe, experiment, and grow organically with fans.
But Here’s Why It Might Not Work for NCIS
The OG Formula Is What Made NCIS a Hit
Let’s not forget—NCIS earned its legendary status with tight, procedural storytelling, quirky team banter, and iconic one-liners. Fans came for the mystery, the rhythm, and the structure. Messing with that formula? Risky business.
You don’t order a Big Mac and expect it to come with avocado toast vibes.
Too Much Legacy, Too Little Flexibility
Unlike Hawai’i, the original NCIS is loaded with legacy. Season 23 can’t just reinvent itself. Fans are still recovering from Gibbs’ exit. Throw in long-time viewers who’ve followed since the JAG backdoor pilot, and you’ve got a very opinionated audience.
Suddenly turning it into an emotion-driven serial risks alienating those fans.
Characters Who Might Not Fit the Mold
Not Every Character Was Built for Drama
Let’s be honest: some NCIS characters shine in procedural chaos, not emotional introspection. Parker is great, but he’s no moody brooder. McGee’s had his emotional moments, but he’s more charm and intellect than tear-jerker fodder.
Trying to turn every episode into a dramatic character study? That’s forcing a square peg into a round hole.
Where’s the Balance?
If NCIS tries to only focus on long-running arcs, it risks dragging. That week-to-week momentum—the kind that makes casual fans tune in randomly—might disappear. And once you lose that flexibility? You risk losing viewers.
The Real Problem—It Feels Reactionary
Copying Instead of Innovating
This shift doesn’t feel like a natural evolution. It feels like a reaction to what’s working elsewhere. Instead of asking, “What’s right for our show?” it seems like NCIS is asking, “What’s everyone else doing?”
That’s rarely a good sign.
What Fans Are Saying
Mixed Reactions Across the Board
A quick dive into Reddit or fan forums reveals a divided audience. Some are ready for emotional depth. Others are begging, “Just give us crime-solving with a side of banter, please!”
One Redditor put it bluntly:
“We already lost Gibbs. Now you’re changing the whole tone? What show am I even watching anymore?”
There Is a Way to Make It Work
Blend, Don’t Replace
The trick isn’t to swap the crime format for emotional arcs—it’s to blend them seamlessly. Think Bones in its prime: each case told a compelling mystery and moved characters forward.
NCIS can still evolve. But it has to do it smartly.
Use the Right Characters
Want to explore deeper themes? Lean on characters with backstories that support it—McGee’s family life, Knight’s trauma, Vance’s leadership struggles. Don’t force emotional drama on characters who weren’t built for it.
So… What’s the Verdict?
Bold Move, But Not a Guaranteed Win
Look, we get it. After 22 seasons, NCIS needs to stay fresh. Copying Hawai’i’s emotional depth shows they’re trying. But unless they adapt that formula to fit the DNA of the original show, it’s going to feel off.
Trying to make NCIS something it’s not might satisfy a few… but it could push away many more.
Conclusion: Evolve, But Stay True
At its core, NCIS is beloved because it knows what it is: a smart, slightly cheeky, tightly-written procedural with just enough heart. If Season 23 wants to borrow from Hawai’i, that’s fine. But it needs to filter it through the lens of what makes NCIS… NCIS.
Otherwise? It risks becoming a show that feels like it’s wearing someone else’s clothes.
FAQs
Q1: What trick is NCIS copying from its spinoff Hawai’i?
NCIS is moving toward more serialized, emotional storytelling, focusing on longer character arcs instead of just case-of-the-week formats.
Q2: Why did this emotional storytelling work for NCIS: Hawai’i?
Because it had a fresh cast, modern tone, and wasn’t tied to 20+ seasons of legacy characters and storylines.
Q3: Could this change improve NCIS in Season 23?
Yes, but only if balanced well. Too much emotional focus could alienate fans who love the procedural pace.
Q4: Which characters in NCIS could support deeper storylines?
McGee, Vance, Knight, and Torres have layered backstories that could anchor emotional arcs effectively.
Q5: Will NCIS lose viewers if this new direction fails?
Possibly. Longtime fans expect a certain formula, and drastic changes without payoff could risk viewership drops.
Custom Message:
🚨 NCIS has always marched to the beat of its own drum. Let’s just hope Season 23 doesn’t change the tune so much that fans can’t dance along. 🎯
