When NCIS introduced McGee’s teenage son Mateo earlier this season, the reveal immediately reshaped the agent’s personal story—but the arc was quickly overshadowed by the devastating death of Director Leon Vance.
Now, the show is returning to unfinished business.
Patrick Keleher is confirmed to appear again as Mateo before Season 23 concludes, signaling the writers’ intention to continue developing one of the season’s most emotional character threads. Recent episodes have already shown McGee struggling to find common ground with his son, highlighting how complicated their late-in-life reunion has been.
With only a handful of episodes remaining—and a major Sam Hanna two-part story arriving first—the timing suggests Mateo’s return could play an important role in shaping McGee’s personal journey heading into the next season.
Fans should expect meaningful progress between father and son soon.