The NCIS universe has never been shy about emotional gut punches. But as the long-running CBS procedural gears up for Season 23, fans are still reeling from a shocking on-screen death that permanently altered the team’s dynamic — and raised serious questions about which NCIS stars are returning and who’s officially done.
So, who’s back? Who’s out? And how will that heartbreaking loss reshape the series moving forward?
Let’s break it all down — clearly, honestly, and without the fluff.
Why NCIS Season 23 Feels Like a Turning Point
After more than two decades on the air, NCIS has reached a rare moment: a season that feels like both a continuation and a reinvention.
The unexpected death didn’t just close a chapter — it cracked the foundation of the team.
Think of it like removing a cornerstone from a building. The structure still stands… but everything shifts.
Season 23 isn’t just another case-of-the-week installment. It’s about grief, rebuilding, and redefining the future.
The Shocking Death That Changed NCIS Forever
Which Character Died on NCIS?
Without diving into gratuitous spoilers, the recent death involved a deeply embedded team member, not a temporary guest or short-term role. This was someone with history, emotional weight, and strong ties across the squad.
Fans didn’t just lose a character — they lost a symbol of stability.
Why This Death Matters Going Into Season 23
This wasn’t shock for shock’s sake.
The loss:
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Created emotional fallout for multiple characters
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Forced leadership changes
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Opened narrative space for new dynamics
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Justified cast transitions heading into Season 23
In short, it set the stage for real change.
NCIS Stars Confirmed to Be Returning for Season 23
Let’s start with the good news.
Despite the emotional chaos, several core NCIS stars are officially returning — ensuring continuity while the show evolves.
Gary Cole (Alden Parker) — Returning
Why Parker Is More Important Than Ever
Gary Cole’s Alden Parker has quietly become the glue holding the modern NCIS together. With the team shaken by loss, Parker’s calm authority and offbeat humor will be essential.
Season 23 is expected to:
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Deepen Parker’s leadership arc
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Explore how he processes grief
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Push him into tougher moral territory
He’s not just back — he’s central.
Sean Murray (Timothy McGee) — Returning
McGee’s Evolution Continues
Sean Murray is one of the longest-tenured cast members, and Season 23 will lean heavily on McGee’s institutional memory.
Expect:
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More leadership responsibilities
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Emotional callbacks to earlier seasons
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A stronger mentor role within the team
McGee isn’t going anywhere — and honestly, NCIS wouldn’t work without him.
Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres) — Returning
Torres Faces Emotional Fallout
Torres has always worn his heart on his sleeve, and the shocking death hits him hard.
Season 23 will likely explore:
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Survivor’s guilt
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Riskier field decisions
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Personal growth under pressure
Wilmer Valderrama remains a key emotional driver of the show.
Katrina Law (Jessica Knight) — Returning
Knight Steps Into a Bigger Spotlight
Jessica Knight has steadily grown from a new addition into a fan favorite. With the team fractured, Knight’s emotional intelligence becomes a major asset.
Season 23 may finally:
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Push Knight into a leadership-adjacent role
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Explore unresolved trauma
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Strengthen her bonds with McGee and Torres
She’s back — and poised for more.
Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer) — Returning
The Heart of NCIS Still Beats
Jimmy Palmer is the emotional compass of the series.
After the devastating loss, expect:
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Deeper emotional storylines
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More focus on mental health
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Moments of quiet wisdom
Dietzen’s return ensures NCIS retains its humanity.
NCIS Stars NOT Returning for Season 23
Now, the harder part.
Some departures are final — and one is especially painful.
The Character Lost to the Shocking Death — NOT Returning
This is the most definitive exit.
The character’s death:
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Was written as permanent
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Has long-term story consequences
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Will be referenced throughout Season 23
There will be tributes. There will be grief. But there will be no return.
Are There Any Other Cast Exits?
Supporting Characters With Uncertain Futures
While no other major exits have been confirmed, some recurring characters may appear less frequently due to:
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Story refocusing
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Budget reshuffling
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Creative realignment
That said, CBS appears committed to stability rather than a mass shake-up.
Will Any Former NCIS Stars Return in Season 23?
Guest Appearances: Possible but Limited
Fans always hope for surprise returns — and NCIS loves nostalgia. However:
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No major legacy returns are confirmed
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Guest spots, if any, will likely be brief
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Flashbacks may be used to honor the fallen character
Think meaningful, not gimmicky.
How the Death Reshapes NCIS Season 23 Storylines
A Darker, More Emotional Tone
Season 23 is expected to:
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Slow down emotionally
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Focus on consequences over shock
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Let characters grieve on screen
It’s less about explosions — more about aftermath.
Leadership Shifts Inside the NCIS Team
With one key presence gone:
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Decision-making becomes heavier
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Authority is tested
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Trust must be rebuilt
These internal struggles will drive the season’s strongest arcs.
Why Fans Are Divided Over the Cast Changes
Some fans love the bold storytelling.
Others feel the loss cut too deep.
But one thing is clear: people are talking, and that’s exactly what keeps a 20+ year show alive.
What NCIS Season 23 Needs to Succeed
To thrive after such a loss, NCIS must:
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Respect its history
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Avoid shock-only storytelling
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Let characters breathe emotionally
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Balance legacy with evolution
So far, the returning cast suggests that balance is possible.
Final Thoughts: Is NCIS Still Strong After the Shocking Death?
Yes — but it’s different now.
Season 23 isn’t about replacing what was lost. It’s about living with it.
The returning stars bring experience, emotional depth, and continuity. The absence creates space for growth, reflection, and new stories that feel earned rather than forced.
NCIS didn’t just survive the shock — it’s using it to evolve.
And honestly? That’s how great long-running shows stay alive.