When NCIS returns for its 23rd season, it’ll do so without a name that’s been part of its DNA for over a decade. Wilmer Valderrama’s absence as Nick Torres marks a pivotal shift in the long-running CBS procedural, and fans are already bracing for the emotional fallout.
While CBS has yet to make an official statement about Torres’ long-term fate, Valderrama’s commitment to the upcoming Zorro series suggests his departure may be permanent — or, at least, extended. The cliffhanger ending of Season 22 left viewers stunned, as Torres turned himself in after a series of violent missteps. That move, many suspect, was a deliberate send-off.
Executive producer Steven D. Binder hinted at “a very different tone” in early episodes of Season 23. “We’re resetting in a way we haven’t in years. The family is changing. But that’s also part of life, right?”
Viewers will see Knight (Katrina Law) take on a bigger leadership role, and the new agent joining the team — a brash but brilliant cybersecurity specialist — is already generating buzz in early script leaks.
Still, fans are divided. On social media, one user lamented: “No Torres, no fun. He brought fire to every scene.” Another added: “Excited to see where this new direction goes. Maybe it’s time for fresh energy.”
Whether Valderrama returns or not, one thing’s clear: NCIS is evolving — and embracing its future.
