Few shows in television history can claim the kind of cultural staying power that NCIS has achieved. Now entering its 23rd season, the naval crime procedural is not only the crown jewel of CBS’ primetime lineup but also the centerpiece of the world’s largest TV franchise. With four current shows (NCIS, NCIS: Sydney, the upcoming NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Tony & Ziva), plus the rich legacy of past spin-offs like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans, the franchise has expanded far beyond its original boundaries.
Yet, as NCIS prepares for its latest season and the highly anticipated romantic-action spin-off featuring fan-favorites Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), the series stands at an exciting crossroads.
NCIS Remains a Streaming Titan
Despite being on air for over two decades, NCIS remains a powerhouse on Paramount+. The show consistently ranks among the top ten most-watched programs on the platform, holding its own against juggernauts like South Park, Blue Bloods, and Dexter.
Interestingly, the series isn’t just popular in the U.S.—it’s especially beloved in Central and South America, where its blend of military intrigue, found-family dynamics, and procedural storytelling continues to resonate. The staying power is a testament to how NCIS has always put character-driven stories first, something that showrunner Steven D. Binder promises will be taken to a whole new level in Season 23.
What to Expect in NCIS Season 23
Following the explosive cliffhanger of Season 22, Binder teased that the new season will be the most character-focused chapter in years:
“We really want to get to everybody in a big way. I know people always say, ‘I watch the show for the characters’ — that was always our thing — and I really want to make this a character-forward show in a way we haven’t seen before.”
This direction suggests that beyond the weekly casework, audiences can expect deeper arcs for Alden Parker (Gary Cole), Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), McGee (Sean Murray), Knight (Katrina Law), and Jessica Knight’s growing romance with Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen). For longtime fans, Season 23 might finally answer lingering personal questions that have built up over years.
Adding to the excitement, CBS has restructured its schedule to create an “NCIS Tuesdays” block, starting October 14. The mothership show returns at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the origin-story NCIS: Origins and then NCIS: Sydney.
The Return of Tiva: NCIS: Tony & Ziva
While the flagship series marches on, the biggest buzz in the franchise surrounds the upcoming Paramount+ original spin-off, NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
The new series picks up years after Ziva’s supposed death and Tony’s departure to raise their daughter, Tali. Fans watched with shock and joy when Ziva was revealed to be alive in a surprise arc that reunited her with Tony and Tali in Paris. The spin-off begins in that city, where Tony and Ziva have been trying to build a life together.
But when Tony’s security company is suddenly attacked, their family is thrown into danger. Forced to go on the run across Europe, Tony and Ziva must navigate trust issues, old wounds, and lingering chemistry, all while trying to protect Tali. Paramount describes the show as an international action-romance hybrid, with both heart-pounding chases and the emotional resolution fans have been waiting more than a decade to see.
The series premieres on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with the first three episodes dropping at once—giving fans an immediate taste of the couple’s new adventures.
Why the Future Looks Bright for the NCIS Universe
Between the mothership’s character-centric evolution, the nostalgia-driven Origins, the globally-set Sydney, and the emotionally charged Tony & Ziva, the NCIS franchise is arguably stronger now than it’s ever been.
Where many long-running shows fade into obscurity, NCIS has managed to reinvent itself without losing its identity. The key has always been balance: keeping the core elements of mystery, justice, and teamwork, while evolving its cast and stories to reflect new generations of viewers.
As Season 23 and Tony & Ziva loom large, fans find themselves at a thrilling moment: the chance to reconnect with beloved characters while watching the next era of the franchise unfold.
👉 Whether you’re binging old episodes on Paramount+ or counting down to the Tiva reunion, one thing is clear: after 22 years, NCIS isn’t slowing down—it’s just getting started.
