With CBS renewing NCIS season 23, people behind the show have enough time to redeem the series. Luckily, the death of Parker’s father is a great launching pad for more compelling storylines for this. As tragic as it is to see him go through this heartbreak, it could fully endear him to the audience. Stepping into the vacated shoes of Harmon’s Gibbs was a daunting task, and Gary Cole has done a great job with it. However, NCIS still needs to push him a little further to complete the process of him taking over MCRT.
Aside from Parker, NCIS season 23 also needs to decide what the show wants to do with McGee. Season 22 set up a pretty interesting storyline for MCRT’s most veteran member when they pit him against LaRoche, but the payoff was less than disappointing. Moving forward, McGee doesn’t have a clear path moving forward, and that’s concerning. NCIS season 23 needs to give some substantial focus, primarily with regard to what his professional life looks like moving forward.
Finally, NCIS season 23 needs to re-evaluate its weekly cases, since the bulk of its narrative comes from its procedural aspect. It can look into how NCIS: Origins has struck the balance between thriving in both personal and professional storylines when crafting what’s next for MCRT. Or, it can simply look at its legacy. Old school NCIS is reminiscent of Gibbs’ prequel, so if the people behind the flagship can find ways to bring that kind of storytelling back, it can easily redeem its lackluster season 22.
NCIS, once the crown jewel of CBS’s primetime lineup, is now facing a crossroads. With Season 22 looming, the long-running procedural feels like it’s running on fumes. What was once a gripping, character-driven crime show has slowly become a formulaic routine that fans are growing tired of.
But here’s the thing—CBS still has time to fix it. The question is: will they?
Let’s dive into the core problems dragging down NCIS and the powerful solutions CBS can implement to revive the series before Season 22 crashes and burns.
Why NCIS Needs a Major Reboot in Season 22
Ratings Are Slipping Fast
Over the past few seasons, viewership has been steadily declining. While NCIS still pulls in decent numbers, the days of dominating the charts are long gone. Loyal fans are jumping ship, and casual viewers aren’t tuning in like they used to.
The Core Cast Has Been Disrupted
With the departure of key fan-favorite characters like Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo, and Pauley Perrette’s Abby Sciuto, the heart of the show has changed. The emotional glue that once held it together is noticeably missing.
What’s Wrong with NCIS Season 21 (And Why Season 22 Must Improve)
Flat Storylines That Feel Recycled
Fans have noticed. The plotlines are starting to feel too familiar. Murder here, investigation there, same old interrogation room. It’s become predictable—and predictability is the enemy of entertainment.
Weak Character Development
New characters are often thrown in without real depth or backstory. Viewers need emotional investment, but if the characters feel hollow or underdeveloped, nobody’s sticking around to watch.
How CBS Can Fix NCIS Season 22 – Actionable Strategies
1. Bring Back Legacy Characters (Even as Guest Stars)
Want fans back on board? Give them what they miss—nostalgia and familiarity. Bringing back past characters for a few emotional arcs can reignite old passions. Imagine a cameo by Tony or Ziva in a high-stakes storyline? Instant boost.
2. Introduce Complex Season-Long Arcs
Instead of standalone episodes every week, why not dive deeper? Introduce multi-episode or season-long storylines. This keeps audiences engaged and coming back to find out what happens next.
3. Give New Characters Real Depth
Stop treating new cast members like placeholders. Develop their backstories. Let us see their flaws, struggles, and growth. Make them more than just “the tech guy” or “the rookie agent.”
Hitting the Emotional Sweet Spot
4. Invest in Relationships—Romantic & Platonic
Fans love the emotional bonds between the characters. Think Gibbs and Abby. Or Tony and Ziva. Season 22 needs more of these emotional dynamics. Build believable connections—not forced drama.
5. Let Characters Fail (And Grow From It)
Perfect characters are boring. Let them make mistakes. Let them question themselves. Watching someone rise after failure? That’s powerful TV.
Freshening Up the Formula
6. Shake Up the Setting Occasionally
Give us more than just the office, the crime scene, and the autopsy lab. A few international cases or off-the-grid missions could provide fresh energy.
7. Use Flashbacks and Character Histories More
Show us who these people were before they put on the badge. Backstories, flashbacks, and origin moments help the audience connect on a deeper level.
Audience Engagement Is Crucial
8. Involve the Fans in Real Time
What if CBS let fans vote on plot twists? Or held interactive online events where fans could ask the cast questions? Engagement equals loyalty.
9. Bring Back the Humor
Yes, NCIS is a crime drama—but that never stopped it from being funny. The show used to balance wit and darkness beautifully. Time to bring back the snarky one-liners and quirky moments.
Focus on Cast Chemistry, Not Just Credentials
Talent is key, but so is chemistry. Casting should focus on how actors vibe together. Forced chemistry is obvious—and painful to watch.
11. Promote Existing Talent with Potential
There are a few newer characters with untapped potential. Give them real storylines instead of treating them like benchwarmers.
Embrace the Legacy—But Don’t Be Trapped By It
12. Stop Trying to Replace Gibbs—Honor Him Instead
Gibbs was one of a kind. Don’t try to create a carbon copy. Instead, build a new kind of leader who respects Gibbs’ legacy while forging their own path.
Behind-The-Scenes Overhaul
13. New Writers, New Voices
Sometimes all it takes is a fresh voice in the writers’ room. Hiring writers with a new perspective can rejuvenate the storytelling and avoid repetitive plots.
14. Directorial Boldness
Allow more creative freedom for directors. Let them take risks with how scenes are shot. Give Season 22 a visual style that stands out from past seasons.
15. Kill Off a Character (With Purpose)
It’s risky. It’s bold. But when done right, a meaningful character death can completely flip the narrative and re-engage the audience emotionally.
Conclusion: CBS, It’s Now or Never
If NCIS Season 22 doesn’t make some bold, smart changes, it risks fading into the background of a crowded TV landscape. The show isn’t beyond saving—but the window is closing fast.
By honoring its legacy, investing in its characters, taking storytelling risks, and truly listening to its fans, CBS has the tools to reignite NCIS’s spark and keep it relevant in 2025 and beyond.
So, CBS—what are you waiting for?
