Introduction: NCIS Is Still Standing—But Barely
For more than two decades, NCIS has been a staple of primetime TV. It was a powerhouse. A cultural fixture. A show that managed to outlast trends, rival series, and even its own spinoffs. But here’s the truth no one wants to admit: NCIS is running on fumes—and Season 23 might be too little, too late to reverse the damage.
Let’s talk about why CBS’ current game plan isn’t bold enough to save a show that once defined a genre.
The Glory Days Are Long Gone
From Dominating TV to Fighting for Relevance
There was a time when NCIS ruled the ratings. Remember those seasons when it consistently drew 15–20 million viewers per episode? That’s ancient history now. In the streaming era, the procedural format feels… dated.
The Cast Exodus Changed Everything
Losing major players like Mark Harmon (Gibbs), Michael Weatherly (DiNozzo), Pauley Perrette (Abby), and Cote de Pablo (Ziva) didn’t just shake up the cast—it shattered the show’s emotional core. New characters have stepped in, sure, but they haven’t filled the void.
CBS’ Season 23 Strategy Feels Like a Safe Bet—And That’s the Problem
Playing It Safe Won’t Reignite the Fire
From what we’ve seen, CBS is sticking to the formula: weekly cases, light character development, and a hint of overarching mystery. But guess what? That formula isn’t working anymore. Fans want depth, not just case-of-the-week filler.
Familiarity Isn’t Always Comforting
Instead of evolving, NCIS has become a time capsule. While loyal viewers may tune in for nostalgia, new audiences just don’t connect with it. CBS seems stuck in the mindset that more of the same is better than taking risks. It’s not.
Audiences Are Craving Something Fresh
Why NCIS Needs to Break Its Own Mold
TV storytelling has changed. Audiences expect layered arcs, serialized storytelling, and emotional payoffs. If NCISdoesn’t start adapting, it will age out of relevance faster than ever.
Look at Successful Dramas—They Took Risks
Shows like Blue Bloods and The Blacklist shook things up and thrived. Why is NCIS so hesitant? Playing it safe is like using a flip phone in a smartphone world—charming, but completely outdated.
The Cast Chemistry Isn’t What It Used to Be
Losing Harmon Left a Leadership Void
Mark Harmon was more than just a lead—he was the emotional backbone. Season 23 tries to move on without him, but that gaping hole hasn’t been convincingly filled.
The New Team Feels Disconnected
While actors like Gary Cole and Katrina Law are talented, the synergy just isn’t there. It feels like a group of characters sharing screen time, not a true team bonded by history and purpose.
Fan Engagement Has Plummeted
Social Media Buzz Is Practically Dead
Once a fan-fueled phenomenon, NCIS now trends… almost never. The passion that once lived in fan forums, fanfic, and viral content has dulled. Fans feel disconnected, and CBS doesn’t seem to notice.
Reddit and Twitter Say It All
On Reddit, users regularly post threads like “Why does NCIS feel so bland now?” or “I miss the old team.” The fans aren’t just nostalgic—they’re desperate for meaningful change.
The Storylines Lack Emotional Weight
Procedural Repetition Is Draining the Drama
The cases are fine. But they’re just fine. Where’s the impact? The moral gray areas? The stakes that matter? NCIS used to tackle heavy themes. Now, it often feels like paint-by-numbers police work.
Character Arcs Are Flat or Forgotten
Do you even remember what Torres is struggling with right now? Has Knight evolved since she joined? Probably not. That’s a sign of lazy writing—not character development.
Spin-Offs Are Stealing the Spotlight
NCIS: Hawai’i and Sydney Are Gaining Steam
Newer NCIS spin-offs are generating more buzz than the mothership. That’s a red flag. When your spinoffs outshine the original, it’s time for introspection—not autopilot.
The Tony & Ziva Spinoff Could Eclipse It Entirely
With fan-favorite characters returning for their own European-based series, longtime fans might jump ship entirely if that show offers the emotional payoff NCIS has failed to deliver.
What CBS Should Be Doing Instead
Embrace Serialized Storytelling
Tie cases to long-term emotional arcs. Let characters evolve, fail, and grow in ways that feel real. Season 23 should have built a season-long plotline, not just episodic content.
Bring Back Familiar Faces—For Real
Guest spots are fine, but bring back Weatherly or de Pablo for a true arc. Use nostalgia smartly, not cheaply. If you’re going to reference the past, make it count.
The Audience Isn’t the Same Anymore
Streaming Viewers Demand More
In the Netflix and HBO Max era, audiences are used to deeper stories. Quick hits don’t satisfy. NCIS needs to ditch its surface-level comfort zone or risk being completely forgotten.
Gen Z Isn’t Watching—And That’s a Problem
Younger viewers aren’t tuning in unless there’s something worth investing in. A few Twitter memes or rerun syndication won’t win this audience over. Fresh, bold storytelling will.
Can NCIS Be Saved? Yes—But Not Like This
Season 23 Needs to Be the Rebirth, Not the Retirement Plan
There’s still hope. There’s still legacy. But it requires effort, risk, and a willingness to listen to the fans instead of relying on outdated TV formulas.
Conclusion: NCIS Deserves a Smarter Strategy
Season 23 was a golden opportunity. A chance to evolve, reconnect, and reignite a legendary franchise. But CBS seems stuck in the past, and the show is paying the price.
NCIS is a legacy show. It deserves a legacy-level revival—not a slow fade into syndication obscurity. Without bold changes, the collapse isn’t just coming. It’s already begun.
FAQs
Q1: Is NCIS Season 23 the last season?
A: As of now, CBS hasn’t announced it as the final season, but declining ratings could influence future decisions.
Q2: Will Mark Harmon ever return as Gibbs?
A: Unlikely, but not impossible. Rumors suggest a cameo is possible, though nothing is confirmed.
Q3: What’s wrong with the current NCIS team?
A: There’s a lack of chemistry and deep development. Fans feel the new characters haven’t been fleshed out enough.
Q4: Is CBS planning any big changes for NCIS Season 23?
A: Not really. The current strategy seems to be business as usual, which many fans feel is a mistake.
Q5: Can NCIS be saved?
A: Absolutely—but only if CBS stops playing it safe and finally gives fans a story that reflects the show’s true potential.
