For over two decades, NCIS has been a cornerstone of the CBS primetime lineup. The show’s consistent ability to deliver compelling cases, thrilling action, and a beloved cast has made it a television institution. As fans look ahead to the Fall 2025 TV season, the excitement is already building for what’s next for the agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. While CBS has not yet released its official Fall 2025 schedule, a look at the show’s history and current trajectory can give us a comprehensive guide to what to expect from the enduring crime drama.
From its likely premiere date to the latest updates on its cast and storylines, here is everything you need to know about NCIS‘s place in the upcoming CBS Fall 2025 schedule.
The Likely Return Date: A Time-Honored Tradition
For fans of NCIS, one of the most reliable things about the show is its predictable return date. For years, the series has anchored the CBS fall schedule, and there is no reason to believe that will change in 2025. Typically, CBS launches its new and returning shows in the third or fourth week of September, capitalizing on the “back-to-school” television rush.
Therefore, the likely return window for NCIS in the Fall 2025 season is a Tuesday in late September or early October. For example, the show’s most recent seasons have premiered on Tuesday nights, a slot it has held for many years. This tradition allows fans to mark their calendars and anticipate the return of their favorite agents. While the official date will be announced by CBS in the spring of 2025, the smart money is on a late-September premiere.
The Evolving Cast and Crew
The cast of NCIS has seen a number of major changes in recent years, but the core ensemble for the Fall 2025 season is expected to be a strong and familiar one. Fans can expect to see the return of the following key players:
- Sean Murray as Timothy McGee: As the show’s longest-serving character, McGee has become the heart and soul of the team. His character’s growth from a nerdy rookie to a seasoned senior agent has been one of the show’s most rewarding arcs.
- Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres: Torres’s character has been on a journey of immense personal growth, and his storylines are expected to continue to deepen as he grapples with past traumas and embraces a new, more emotionally mature chapter.
- Katrina Law as Jessica Knight: Knight has quickly become an essential part of the team, and her character’s skills and personal life are a driving force behind many of the new season’s plots.
- Gary Cole as Alden Parker: As the leader of the team, Parker’s character has brought a different energy to the office, and his quirky and laid-back demeanor has been a welcome change.
- Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer: Palmer’s character has been an integral part of the team’s emotional core for years, and his presence is a comforting constant for fans.
- Rocky Carroll as Director Leon Vance: Vance’s presence as the director provides the show with a sense of authority and continuity, as he has been with the series for many seasons.
While there have been departures in recent seasons, such as the farewells to beloved characters like Ducky Mallard, the show has proven its ability to evolve and thrive. The Fall 2025 season is expected to build upon the strong ensemble that has been established, ensuring a new era of compelling storytelling.
What’s in Store for the Team?
The Fall 2025 season of NCIS is poised to explore several key storylines that have been building in the previous seasons. The show has a long history of weaving personal drama into its high-stakes cases, and the upcoming season will be no different. Here are some of the plotlines to keep an eye on:
- New Character Dynamics: The show’s writers are expected to continue to explore the relationships between the characters. The developing friendship between McGee and Parker, as well as the professional and personal bond between Torres and Knight, will likely be a central focus. These relationships are the heart of the show and are what keep fans coming back for more.
- Overarching Mysteries: NCIS has always excelled at creating season-long mysteries that keep viewers guessing. The Fall 2025 season will likely introduce a new, complex villain or a case that puts the entire team in jeopardy, forcing them to work together in a new way. These high-stakes plots are a hallmark of the series.
- Personal Growth: The show’s commitment to character development is one of its greatest strengths. The upcoming season is expected to delve deeper into the personal lives of the team members, exploring new challenges and triumphs. Whether it’s a new romance, a family crisis, or a professional turning point, the show will continue to humanize its heroes.
The show’s ability to balance its procedural roots with compelling character development is what has made it a long-running hit, and the Fall 2025 season will be no different.
The Streaming Landscape: Where to Watch
In the modern television landscape, knowing where to watch your favorite show is just as important as knowing when it’s on. For the Fall 2025 season, NCIS will continue its hybrid model of traditional broadcast and streaming.
- On CBS: The show will air new episodes every week on CBS, likely on its traditional Tuesday night slot.
- On Paramount+: For viewers who have cut the cord, the show is a major asset for Paramount+. Episodes will be available to stream on the service the day after they air on CBS. This makes it easy for fans to catch up on episodes they may have missed.
In a world of constant change, NCIS is a comforting constant. The show’s future is bright, and its place in the CBS Fall 2025 schedule is secure. The upcoming season will undoubtedly be filled with the same blend of action, humor, and heart that has made it a television legend. So, while we may not know the exact date yet, one thing is for sure: the team will be back in action, and fans will be ready.
