Introduction: What’s the Buzz Around NCIS Season 23?
For over two decades, NCIS has remained a staple of American television. With Season 23 on the horizon, anticipation is at an all-time high. Why? Because this season promises shakeups, returns, and storylines that might just redefine the show as we know it. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who casually tunes in, this season is one you won’t want to miss.
The Legacy of NCIS: A Quick Recap
Before we dive into the juicy details of Season 23, let’s rewind. NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) started in 2003 and grew into one of the longest-running scripted primetime dramas in the U.S. Over the years, it gave us unforgettable characters like Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Abby Sciuto, Tony DiNozzo, and Timothy McGee. The show’s mix of crime-solving, quirky humor, and emotional depth kept fans glued for 20+ seasons.
When Does NCIS Season 23 Premiere?
Expected Air Date
CBS has confirmed NCIS Season 23 will premiere in Fall 2025, likely in its traditional Monday night slot at 9 PM ET/PT. Although the exact date hasn’t been nailed down, the network typically kicks off new seasons in late September or early October.
The Cast: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
Returning Main Cast Members
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Sean Murray (Timothy McGee) continues to anchor the series.
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Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres) is confirmed to return, despite last season’s dramatic cliffhanger.
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Katrina Law (Jessica Knight) and Brian Dietzen (Jimmy Palmer) are also back.
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Gary Cole (Alden Parker) continues as team leader.
Departures and Possible Exits
There’s buzz about Diona Reasonover (Kasie Hines) potentially exiting. Nothing is official, but some cryptic social posts have fans speculating.
Mark Harmon: Is He Coming Back as Gibbs?
That’s the million-dollar question. Though Harmon left the series in Season 19, rumors of a surprise cameo or short arc in Season 23 have picked up steam, especially with NCIS: Origins bringing Gibbs back into the spotlight.
New Faces Joining the Team
A Fresh Analyst or a Shadowy Figure?
Insider reports hint at a new forensic expert and possibly a morally gray special agent joining the mix. Both are expected to create friction with the current team dynamics, especially with Torres and Knight.
Plot Teasers: What We Know So Far
Picking Up From That Explosive Cliffhanger
Season 22 ended with Torres in a deadly standoff. Season 23 will immediately pick up from that moment, with the team trying to piece together the fallout.
Darker Tones, Grittier Storylines
Writers have teased a shift toward more serialized storytelling this season, diving deeper into character trauma, moral ambiguity, and longer plot arcs.
Episode Count and Format Changes
How Many Episodes Will There Be?
Season 23 is slated for 18-20 episodes, a slight bump from the shortened 2024 season due to industry strikes.
Will There Be Any Special Episodes?
Expect at least one crossover event with NCIS: Hawai’i or NCIS: Sydney—both gaining traction. And yes, a tribute episode to David McCallum’s Ducky Mallard is also reportedly in the works.
Behind the Scenes: Who’s Running the Show?
Showrunners and Writers
Steven D. Binder returns as showrunner, bringing a mix of continuity and bold experimentation. New writers have joined the room to inject fresh energy—expect modern case formats and edgier storytelling.
Filming Locations and Production Notes
Where Is NCIS Filmed?
Most interior scenes remain shot on sound stages in Santa Clarita, California, but rumors suggest on-location shoots in Washington D.C. and possibly even international scenes are in the works.
Thematic Focus: Justice, Loyalty, and Redemption
This season will explore heavier themes like betrayal within the team, questions of justice in a shifting legal world, and the price of loyalty. Gibbs’ old rulebook may get tossed out the window.
Fan Theories Going Wild Online
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“Torres turns rogue” – Could his moral compass be failing him?
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“Knight’s past resurfaces” – Some believe she has ties to an old case from Gibbs’ era.
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“Gibbs is watching from the shadows” – A theory suggests he’s helping off the grid.
How NCIS Season 23 Could Set Up a Series Finale
Is the End Near for NCIS?
CBS hasn’t confirmed anything, but with several long-running characters aging out and rumors about behind-the-scenes changes, Season 23 could set the stage for a grand send-off in Season 24 or 25.
Ties to NCIS: Origins and the Broader NCIS Universe
Crossovers and Timeline Connections
Expect tighter links between the flagship series and NCIS: Origins. Younger versions of Gibbs and Franks in Origins may connect directly with current plot threads in Season 23, adding emotional weight and backstory.
Merch, Fandom, and What to Expect Online
With NCIS fandom still going strong, expect:
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Exclusive merchandise drops
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Reddit AMAs with cast
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Weekly behind-the-scenes footage on YouTube
The online buzz will be hotter than ever.
How to Watch NCIS Season 23
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CBS Live on Mondays
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Streaming next day on Paramount+
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International platforms like Global TV (Canada) and Disney+ (select regions)
What Fans Want (And Deserve) in Season 23
Fans are craving:
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Closure on lingering plotlines
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Deeper team relationships
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Return of classic NCIS humor
Let’s hope the writers deliver a season that feels like a love letter to longtime viewers.
Conclusion: Why You Can’t Miss NCIS Season 23
Season 23 of NCIS isn’t just another year in the life of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service—it could be the most impactful one yet. With veteran cast members, bold new storylines, and the shadow of Gibbs looming large, this chapter promises to honor the show’s past while carving out a new future. Whether you’re a ride-or-die fan or tuning in after a few seasons off, Season 23 is where the action—and the emotion—is happening.
