Big changes are brewing in the world of NCIS. As the flagship series heads into its 23rd season, it’s embracing a fresh direction inspired directly by the success of its younger sibling, NCIS: Hawaiʻi. That’s right—after over two decades of procedural comfort, NCIS is finally shaking things up.
So, what exactly is changing? And why now?
Let’s dive into the exciting transformation that’s setting the stage for a bold new chapter in one of TV’s longest-running franchises.
📼 A Look Back: NCIS’s Tried-and-True Formula
🔍 Crime of the Week Comfort
For over 20 years, NCIS has followed a consistent format:
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A case each episode
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A few personal side plots
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Some witty banter between agents
And while fans love the familiarity, there’s no denying the formula was starting to feel a little… dated.
🌍 Spin-Offs With Spice
Over the years, the NCIS universe has expanded with shows like:
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NCIS: Los Angeles (action-heavy, gadget-driven)
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NCIS: New Orleans (more soulful, character-focused)
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NCIS: Hawaiʻi (modern, inclusive, emotionally resonant)
It’s NCIS: Hawaiʻi, however, that made the biggest impact—offering the perfect blend of procedural drama and serialized storytelling.
🌺 What NCIS: Hawaiʻi Did Right
🎭 Focus on Character Arcs
Unlike the original, Hawaiʻi built long-term emotional investment by giving its characters evolving personal storylinesthat spanned seasons—not just episodes.
🏳️🌈 Representation That Resonated
From the show’s female lead to LGBTQ+ relationships, Hawaiʻi offered something NCIS never had—true diversity and inclusion that felt organic and powerful.
🎞️ Modern Look and Feel
With sleek cinematography, fresh pacing, and more natural dialogue, NCIS: Hawaiʻi brought a contemporary energy that stood out in the franchise.
🔄 NCIS Season 23: What’s Changing?
🧩 Serialized Storytelling Replaces Episodic Predictability
Season 23 will weave long-term story arcs throughout the season, shifting from “case-of-the-week” to “investigation-of-the-season.” This allows more complex plots and stronger emotional payoff.
🧠 More Personal, Less Procedural
Expect deeper looks into the characters’ personal lives. Relationships, moral dilemmas, and emotional consequences will take center stage.
🎬 A Cinematic Overhaul
Inspired by Hawaiʻi, Season 23 brings updated visuals:
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Better lighting and camera angles
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High-quality location shots
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More fluid editing for a movie-like feel
🗣️ What the Cast and Crew Are Saying
📣 Vanessa Lachey on the Influence of Hawaiʻi
“I think NCIS: Hawaiʻi proved that viewers want heart and humanity alongside the action. It’s amazing to see that ripple back to the main show.”
🎬 NCIS Showrunner Confirms the Shift
“We’re not reinventing the wheel, but we are giving it some new tread. There’s a deeper focus on emotional realism this season.”
💡 Why the Change Now?
📉 Slipping Ratings Spark Reinvention
Though still strong, NCIS has seen a gradual dip in viewership. Competing with high-budget streaming dramas means one thing: evolve or fade.
📺 Audiences Want Depth
Modern viewers crave layered characters and long-term storylines—something traditional procedurals rarely offer.
🌐 Franchise Synergy
By aligning the tone and structure of NCIS with its spin-offs, CBS can create more crossovers, shared villains, and unified storytelling. Think One Chicago or the FBI shows.
🧠 What This Means for Your Favorite Characters
👤 Alden Parker (Gary Cole)
He’s getting a backstory arc that explores his past and vulnerabilities—something we’ve barely touched on so far.
❤️ Jessica Knight & Jimmy Palmer
Romance rumors swirl! This season could explore their relationship with real emotional depth.
🔍 Timothy McGee (Sean Murray)
The veteran agent may finally face new internal conflicts, giving fans a fresh side of McGee.
📚 Longer Arcs, Higher Stakes
🔗 Season-Wide Antagonists
Instead of resolving every case in 45 minutes, Season 23 introduces season-long investigations, allowing tension to build over multiple episodes.
🕵️♂️ More Realism, More Consequences
Characters won’t just “move on” after a tough case. Emotional fallout, personal regrets, and tough choices will play out across multiple episodes.
🚨 Crossovers Are Coming
With NCIS: Hawaiʻi ending on a strong note, there’s more room for character cameos and crossover events. Shared villains, joint missions, and even spin-off integrations could all be on the table.
🎯 Pros & Cons of the New Direction
✅ The Upside
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More emotional depth
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Higher storytelling stakes
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A refreshed, modern feel
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More reason to binge-watch!
❌ The Risk
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Longtime fans may resist change
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Serialized arcs are harder to write well
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Slower pacing may frustrate procedural purists
📈 What Fans Are Saying Online
Across Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums, the buzz is real:
“Finally, NCIS is evolving!”
“Feels more like prestige TV now.”
“Hope they don’t lose what made it great.”
“This might be the season that brings me back.”
🔮 Could This Set the Standard for the Franchise?
If Season 23 succeeds, expect to see:
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Future spin-offs adopting the same format
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NCIS: Origins possibly launching with similar tones
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A more connected, binge-worthy NCIS universe
✅ Conclusion
NCIS Season 23 is embracing change—and not just for the sake of it. Inspired by the bold, emotional, and modern storytelling of NCIS: Hawaiʻi, this season is poised to breathe new life into a beloved series.
For longtime fans, it’s a chance to see familiar faces in a deeper light. For new viewers, it’s the perfect time to jump in. Either way, the message is clear: the NCIS franchise is evolving, and Season 23 might just be the beginning of its best era yet.
🙋 5 Unique FAQs About NCIS Season 23’s Big Change
Q1: What’s the biggest change in NCIS Season 23?
A: A shift toward serialized storytelling, deeper character arcs, and emotional realism—heavily influenced by NCIS: Hawaiʻi.
Q2: Will the weekly case format still be there?
A: Yes, but it’s being blended with longer story arcs and ongoing investigations to create a more engaging, layered format.
Q3: Is NCIS becoming more like a streaming drama?
A: In many ways, yes. Season 23 aims to compete with high-stakes, emotionally-driven streaming series while keeping its procedural roots.
Q4: Are any characters from NCIS: Hawaiʻi joining the main cast?
A: No official confirmations yet, but crossover events and guest appearances are highly likely.
Q5: Should longtime fans be worried about this change?
A: Not at all! The core team and tone remain—this change adds depth without losing what made the show great.
