Two decades in, NCIS is proving it still has plenty of fuel in the tank. As the series gears up for its landmark 23rd season, fans are bracing for big changes, long-awaited reunions, and the kind of tightly wound cases that have made the CBS juggernaut a staple since 2003.
The Fallout From Season 22’s Shocking Finale
The Season 22 finale delivered a gut punch that left the fandom buzzing all summer. While the NCIS team successfully closed another high-stakes investigation, the hour ended with several cliffhangers — including unresolved questions about leadership shifts, one agent’s possible departure, and a tease that could tie into Gibbs’ legacy in an unexpected way.
Who’s Back on the Job
While speculation has swirled about potential exits, several cast members are officially locked in for Season 23:
-
Gary Cole (Alden Parker) returns as the team leader, continuing to cement his role as the steady hand guiding the squad.
-
Katrina Law (Jessica Knight) and Diona Reasonover (Kasie Hines) are both confirmed, ensuring the team dynamic remains sharp and fresh.
-
Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer) is back, once again balancing comic relief with the emotional weight of the autopsy room.
-
Rocky Carroll (Leon Vance) will continue as NCIS Director, though rumors suggest he may face new political challenges that test his authority.
And then there’s Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs. While Gibbs’ status has remained murky since Harmon’s on-screen exit, insiders tease that the legendary agent may appear in some capacity — whether in flashbacks, cameos, or through references that tie back to his unfinished business.
Who Might Be Saying Goodbye
Several longtime characters remain question marks heading into Season 23. CBS has not confirmed the return of every familiar face, and showrunner [Insert Current Showrunner Name] hinted that “transitions are part of the DNA of this show.” That could mean one or two fan favorites are stepping away — either temporarily or for good — to open space for fresh energy.
New Faces and Possible Crossovers
To keep things evolving, Season 23 is expected to introduce at least one new recurring agent, bringing a different skill set and backstory into the mix. Early buzz also points to another crossover, with possible guest spots from NCIS: Hawai’i — and even whispers of a nod to NCIS: Los Angeles following its 2023 finale.
A Deeper Dive Into Character Stories
While NCIS has always thrived on its case-of-the-week structure, Season 23 will also go deeper into personal arcs. “We’re digging into the characters’ pasts while keeping the cases as gripping as ever,” the showrunner teased. Expect to see more vulnerability from Parker as he navigates leadership, further development of Knight and Palmer’s relationship, and a spotlight on Kasie balancing her tech genius with her emotional growth.
What Fans Can Expect
-
Classic NCIS grit: high-stakes cases, interrogations, and edge-of-your-seat investigations.
-
Humanity behind the badge: quieter moments of humor, heart, and team bonding.
-
A nod to Gibbs’ legacy: reminders that the foundation Harmon built still anchors the show.
-
Surprises ahead: new challenges that prove NCIS is still capable of reinvention.
The Verdict
NCIS Season 23 isn’t just about survival — it’s about proving why the series has endured for over 20 years. With the perfect mix of old-school grit and fresh perspectives, the upcoming season looks set to honor the past while forging boldly into the future.
NCIS returns this fall on CBS.
