Introduction: The Long-Running Legacy of NCIS
Can you believe NCIS is headed into its 23rd season? That’s right—this procedural juggernaut has outlasted nearly every show in its category and still pulls in millions of weekly viewers. But with the passing of time comes inevitable change. As Season 23 rolls around, fans are asking: Who’s returning, and what’s the big shift CBS is teasing?
Let’s dive into what’s confirmed, what’s rumored, and what’s going to shake up your Monday night routine.
Why NCIS Season 23 Is a Game-Changer
Season 23 isn’t just another year of solving crimes and catching bad guys. It marks a transformational period for the franchise. CBS has confirmed a major change in the show’s structure, tone, or personnel—something that hasn’t happened this drastically in years.
So, what does that mean for the fans? Expect fresh storytelling, returning faces, and possibly the return of fan-favorite characters who’ve been gone for seasons.
Which NCIS Cast Members Are Confirmed to Return
Here’s the good news: your core crew is mostly intact. CBS has confirmed that several familiar faces will continue to anchor the series:
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Sean Murray (Timothy McGee)
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Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres)
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Katrina Law (Jessica Knight)
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Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer)
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Gary Cole (Alden Parker)
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Diona Reasonover (Kasie Hines)
This lineup keeps the heart of NCIS beating strong, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some surprises ahead.
Is Mark Harmon Returning as Gibbs?
Let’s get this out of the way: Gibbs’ return is still up in the air. While Mark Harmon exited the show in Season 19, his presence continues to loom large over the series. Fans haven’t stopped hoping, and neither has CBS, based on how often his name comes up in press interviews.
Sources close to the show tease a “legacy cameo”—which could mean a one-off return, a flashback, or even a voiceover. While there’s no official word, don’t count Gibbs out just yet.
The New Big Change: Behind-the-Scenes Shake-Up
Here’s the real shocker: NCIS Season 23 will undergo a showrunner transition.
Steven D. Binder, who has overseen the series for several seasons, will step back from the daily grind, while a new creative team takes the reins. This change could usher in a new tone or format, similar to how other long-running dramas have refreshed themselves in later seasons.
This kind of shake-up often results in:
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Riskier story arcs
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A shift in character focus
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Potential cast changes
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Different pacing and tone
Think of it as NCIS hitting the “refresh” button—without erasing what made it great in the first place.
The Future of Alden Parker
Gary Cole’s Alden Parker joined the team as the reluctant but reliable team leader. Love him or miss Gibbs, Parker brought a more cerebral and quirky energy to the role.
Expect his character to be tested in new ways, especially with the show’s new direction. Parker may face moral dilemmas that push him further than we’ve ever seen before.
Timothy McGee’s Role Going Forward
McGee has been the ultimate survivor. Since Season 1, he’s gone from comic relief to one of the most emotionally grounded and experienced agents on the team.
Season 23 is rumored to give McGee more leadership responsibility—perhaps even putting him at odds with Parker or mentoring the younger agents. Could this be his final season? If so, they’ll give him a memorable send-off.
Jessica Knight’s Storyline in Season 23
Katrina Law’s Jessica Knight has quickly become a fan favorite. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast and her layered backstory offer plenty of room to grow.
Season 23 is likely to explore her past, especially her relationships with both her family and the team. Could romance be on the horizon? Some fans are shipping Knight with Torres—but time will tell.
Will Dr. Jimmy Palmer Remain a Staple?
Let’s be honest—Jimmy Palmer is the soul of the show.
Brian Dietzen, who also writes for the series, is not just returning but rumored to take on a bigger creative role. That could mean deeper medical mysteries or even more emotional depth as he grapples with personal challenges. And after Ducky’s tribute, fans expect a heartfelt continuation of the mentorship legacy.
What About Torres After Season 22’s Cliffhanger?
Season 22 ended on a nail-biter with Torres in serious jeopardy. Fans feared he might not return. But good news: Wilmer Valderrama is back.
However, expect Torres to be changed. He’s been through too much to return unaffected. The writers have promised a “more introspective Torres,” possibly battling guilt or trauma. This could lead to an incredible redemption arc.
The Legacy of Ducky: Tribute to David McCallum
With David McCallum’s passing, Season 23 will continue paying homage to Ducky. His absence is felt deeply, and the team honored him in Season 22 with a heartfelt episode.
Expect additional callbacks and Easter eggs that show how much he influenced the team. There’s talk that Palmer’s journey this season may include reflections on Ducky’s legacy.
NCIS Without Gibbs: How the Show Has Evolved
Ever since Gibbs left, NCIS has leaned on team dynamics over individual authority. While early seasons centered on Gibbs’ dominance, the current era thrives on collaboration and shared leadership.
This evolution has modernized the show and allowed new voices to emerge, ensuring its survival into a 23rd season.
Will There Be Crossovers in Season 23?
Crossovers helped rejuvenate the NCIS universe in recent years, especially with NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: Sydney.
While NCIS: Hawai’i has been canceled, crossovers with NCIS: Origins (the upcoming prequel) or surprise appearances from past characters remain a possibility. These events not only drive viewership but also reward longtime fans with nostalgic callbacks.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
Let’s not underestimate the power of NCIS fans. Reddit threads, Twitter rumors, and Facebook groups are buzzing with theories:
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Will Ziva or Tony return for a cameo?
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Could Ellie Bishop pop back in?
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Is there a secret villain arc being developed?
While CBS keeps a tight lid on spoilers, fans have grown expert at picking up on clues—and Season 23 is giving them plenty to dissect.
Final Thoughts: What This All Means for NCIS Fans
NCIS Season 23 is shaping up to be one of the boldest seasons yet.
With a partial cast reset, leadership changes behind the scenes, and tributes to legacy characters, the show is walking a fine line between honoring its past and embracing its future.
If you’ve stuck around this long, Season 23 promises to reward your loyalty with surprises, risks, and maybe—just maybe—a long-awaited return or two.
Conclusion
As NCIS marches confidently into its 23rd season, it’s clear the show isn’t just running on nostalgia—it’s evolving. Whether you’re here for the action, the emotion, or the characters, there’s something in this new season for everyone. So gear up, because Monday nights are about to get a whole lot more interesting.
5 Unique FAQs
1. Is NCIS Season 23 the final season of the show?
There’s no official word on cancellation. In fact, CBS seems committed to keeping NCIS alive as long as fans are watching.
2. Will Gibbs return in Season 23?
There’s no confirmation, but rumors suggest a cameo or flashback appearance could happen, especially with legacy episodes planned.
3. Why did NCIS change showrunners for Season 23?
Creative evolution. CBS and the production team are aiming to keep the show fresh and adapt it to changing viewer habits.
4. Are any former cast members returning?
As of now, no official announcements, but the door is always open. Michael Weatherly (Tony), Cote de Pablo (Ziva), and Emily Wickersham (Bishop) remain fan favorites.
5. Where can I watch NCIS Season 23?
New episodes will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Previous seasons are also available on both platforms.
