The CBS fall television premiere season begins Monday evening with the 20th season premiere of NCIS, which features part one of a special two-hour “NCIS” and “NCIS: Hawaii” crossover event. The Washington, D.C. team of “NCIS” will travel to Hawaii to help thwart a suspect from carrying out their next attack. Special Agent Jane Tennant, who is portrayed by actress Vanessa Lachey, works with the show’s cyber specialist Ernie Marlick, played by actor Jason Antoon, in order to catch the suspect, known as The Raven. The agents are trying to clear the name of Special Agent Alden Parker, played by actor Gary Cole. The “NCIS Hawaii” team discovers that the suspect is located on Oahu, where the Raven is plotting a terror attack on international maritime warfare exercises that will be staged in the area.
CBS Fall Premiere Begins Monday With a Blockbuster ‘NCIS’ and ‘NCIS: Hawai‘i’ Event
A High-Voltage Start to CBS Fall TV
CBS is kicking off its fall premiere lineup with a massive, franchise-defining event featuring ‘NCIS’ and ‘NCIS: Hawai‘i’—and fans could not be more excited. This dynamic double-episode return isn’t just another season launch; it’s a strategic, high-octane reunion designed to pull audiences back into the world of naval crime investigations with higher stakes, deeper character bonds, and a storyline that ties both series together in a fresh, thrilling way.
If you’ve been craving tense investigations, emotional moments, and a few surprises tucked into the script, Monday night’s premiere may just become the highlight of your week.
Why CBS Chose ‘NCIS’ for Its Major Fall Premiere Push
A Franchise That’s Still a Powerhouse
Decades since its debut, ‘NCIS’ remains one of CBS’s most reliable ratings giants. The network is capitalizing on that strength, launching the fall lineup with characters and storylines viewers already love. The Monday slot is no coincidence—it sets the tone for the entire season schedule.
The Perfect Formula—Legacy + Fresh Energy
By pairing ‘NCIS’ with ‘NCIS: Hawai‘i’, CBS blends long-running veteran appeal with tropical-set action, new faces, and modern storytelling. It’s the ideal formula for captivating both old fans and curious newcomers.
What Makes This Premiere Event So Special?
A Unified Case Connecting Both Series
Instead of two unrelated season premieres, CBS crafted a single overarching storyline, allowing characters from both shows to interact, collaborate, and ultimately reveal hidden layers of the NCIS universe.
High Stakes, Bigger Threats
Expect a case that spans multiple jurisdictions—from Washington to the Hawaiian islands—building a sense of urgency, mobility, and interconnectedness.
Emotional Crossovers and Character Moments
Crossovers aren’t just about action. This event digs into relationships, trust, and familiar team dynamics that fans have followed for years.
Inside the ‘NCIS’ Premiere Episode
A Case With Far-Reaching Ramifications
The new season opens with a mysterious threat against naval assets, forcing the D.C. team to piece together clues that eventually point toward the Pacific.
Team Leadership and New Challenges
As the team adapts to internal shifts and evolving roles, their resilience is tested. Viewers can expect subtle humor, clever investigative work, and emotional beats typical of the series’ signature style.
Spotlight on ‘NCIS: Hawai‘i’ and Its High-Energy Return
Island Vibes Meet High-Intensity Action
The Hawai‘i team picks up the torch as the second part of the event unfolds. With the case heating up, scenic landscapes take a back seat to fast-paced operations.
Jane Tennant and Her Team Step Up
As leader of the Pearl Harbor office, Jane Tennant shines throughout the crossover, bringing intensity, authority, and sharp instincts to the joint mission.
Tactical Operations, Twists, and Character Growth
Expect big reveals and emotionally driven moments that hint at deeper arcs for the rest of the season.
Why Crossovers Boost the Entire NCIS Universe
Shared Storylines Keep the Franchise Fresh
Crossovers allow CBS to expand worldbuilding, making each series stronger by linking them through shared history and unresolved mysteries.
Fan Engagement Skyrockets
Every time characters step out of their home show, social media catches fire. It creates buzz, viral discussions, and theories that keep viewers invested.
A Smart Strategy to Build Momentum
Launching the season with a crossover increases visibility for both shows while ensuring fans tune in for multiple episodes—and future story payoffs.
Monday Nights Become Must-Watch TV Again
CBS Reclaims Its Primetime Strength
With competitive streaming platforms, networks must create big tentpole events. CBS knows this—and the NCIS premiere is their bold move.
A Stable Yet Evolving Lineup
Pairing legacy brands with fresh storytelling ensures a balance of nostalgia and newness.
Why Fans Are Hyped for the Premiere Event
Strong Characters With Deep Bonds
The NCIS universe thrives on character-driven storytelling. Fans love seeing connections that cross state lines and series boundaries.
The Return of Familiar Faces
Whether it’s a cameo, a crossover, or subtle mentions, long-time viewers appreciate moments that honor the franchise’s rich history.
Promises of a Bigger, Bolder Season
This premiere sets up long-term arcs, dangling threads that promise dramatic payoffs.
How This Premiere Shapes the Future of Both Series
Potential for More Crossovers
If this event performs well—and it likely will—CBS could lean into more interconnected episodes.
New Villains, Wide-Reaching Plots
The story introduced tonight could spark multi-episode arcs or even season-long mysteries.
Reinforcing the Franchise’s Longevity
Each season premiere isn’t just a fresh start; it’s a reminder that the NCIS universe still has countless stories left to tell.
Viewer Expectations Going into Monday Night
Suspense, Surprises, and Standout Performances
Fans expect a mix of explosive reveals, heartfelt interactions, and the signature NCIS charm.
A Blend of Humor and Heart
Even in high-tension moments, the franchise knows how to balance emotional beats with character-driven humor.
A Premiere That Sets the Bar High
If CBS wanted to make a statement, this event absolutely delivers.
Final Thoughts — CBS Is Back in a Big Way
The fall premiere featuring ‘NCIS’ and ‘NCIS: Hawai‘i’ is more than just the start of a new season—it’s a celebration of the franchise’s evolution, resilience, and storytelling power.
With a gripping crossover, dynamic characters, and a case that spans the globe, Monday night promises to remind viewers why NCIS remains one of television’s most dependable, beloved universes.
If you’re a fan, consider this your official reminder: don’t miss Monday.
FAQs
1. Will more NCIS crossovers happen this season?
Possibly! CBS often gauges fan reactions, and strong ratings may lead to future crossover storylines.
2. Do I need to watch both shows to understand the premiere?
No, but watching both enhances the experience because the storyline connects across two episodes.
3. Are there any special guest appearances in the event?
CBS keeps surprises under wraps, but fans can expect meaningful character interactions.
4. Will the crossover affect long-term story arcs?
Yes—elements introduced during this premiere may influence upcoming episodes and character developments.
5. What time does the Monday premiere start?
Check your local CBS listings, but typically NCIS premieres kick off during primetime hours.
