As NCIS Season 23 moves closer to its finale, the show is preparing to revisit one of its biggest recent surprises—McGee’s long-lost son.
Patrick Keleher is confirmed to return as Mateo later this season after first appearing in Episode 12, where viewers learned McGee had unknowingly become a father nearly 18 years earlier. The storyline paused following the emotional aftermath of Director Leon Vance’s death, but recent dialogue confirmed McGee is still trying to build a connection with his son.
While Mateo didn’t appear on screen in the April 14 episode, McGee’s phone call invitation to reconnect hinted their story is far from finished.
With only four episodes remaining—and a two-part arc featuring LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna arriving first—fans can expect Mateo’s return to play a key role in the season’s final stretch.