The Crime-Fighting Crew Isn’t Slowing Down
After more than two decades on the air, NCIS is showing no signs of calling it quits. In fact, with Season 23 officially on the horizon, showrunner David North is already stoking the fire with a few cryptic—but juicy—teasers. And now, fans everywhere are buzzing with theories, speculations, and let’s be honest—some serious questions.
Still Going Strong After 20+ Years
It’s honestly kind of wild to think that NCIS has been on since 2003. That’s 20+ years of solving crimes, saying goodbye to beloved characters, and dealing with just enough conspiracy to keep us hooked. And somehow, it’s still one of the most-watched shows on TV.
With Season 22 ending on a cliffhanger (naturally), it was only a matter of time before the cast and crew started teasing what’s next. And now that they have—we’re all ears.
So, What Did the Showrunner Say?
In a recent interview, NCIS showrunner David North offered this tantalizing line:
“Season 23 will challenge the team in ways we’ve never done before. Expect to see faces from the past, unexpected alliances, and a shift in team dynamics that could change everything.”
Excuse us—faces from the past?
Shift in dynamics?
Unexpected alliances?
Yeah. We’ve got questions.
Let’s Break This Down, Shall We?
1. “Faces from the Past” – Who’s Coming Back?
This could mean a lot of things—but our imaginations immediately went to:
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Ziva David (Cote de Pablo): She’s popped in and out over the years. Could she be making a real comeback?
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Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly): Fans have been begging for him to return. His name always trends with the show.
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Gibbs (Mark Harmon): North has said before that the “door is always open.” Could this be that moment?
If even one of these characters shows up again, it’s game over for our emotional stability.
2. “Unexpected Alliances” – Who’s Teaming Up?
This could hint at:
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An NCIS/NCIS: Hawai’i crossover
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A bond between rivals (e.g., Knight and Parker facing off but eventually syncing up)
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A former villain working with NCIS
We’ve seen morally gray characters switch sides before (remember Trent Kort?), so this tease might mean something BIG is coming.
3. “A Shift in Team Dynamics” – Uh-oh. Trouble in Paradise?
There’s already been a slow shift in leadership and personality on the team. With Gibbs gone, Alden Parker (Gary Cole) is still settling into his role. Could the team face a division in loyalty? Maybe one of them gets reassigned? Could Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) or Dr. Jimmy Palmer step into unexpected leadership?
Or… could someone leave?
Fan Theories Are Already Wild
Fans have jumped into speculation mode with these popular theories:
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Tony and Ziva return full-time for a storyline that sets up a spinoff or special event
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A former team member dies or gets framed
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Gibbs makes a cameo to help with a case connected to his Alaska departure
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The season builds toward an “NCIS Multiverse” crossover with all franchises involved
What We Know About Season 23 So Far
Here’s what’s been confirmed or strongly hinted at:
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Returning Cast: Most of the main cast from Season 22 will be back, including Parker, Knight, Torres, McGee, and Palmer.
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Air Date: Expected to premiere in Fall 2025 (CBS hasn’t dropped the exact date yet).
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Production Timeline: Filming is set to begin late summer 2025.
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Episodes: CBS ordered a full season (likely 18-22 episodes).
Could We See More Spin-Off Setups?
With NCIS: Sydney gaining international traction and NCIS: Hawai’i recently cancelled but still fresh in viewers’ minds, fans are wondering if Season 23 will try to bridge the gap between series, or even set up another new one.
Is Mark Harmon Really Done?
Despite stepping away as Gibbs, Mark Harmon remains an executive producer, and his presence continues to loom large. Showrunner David North has reiterated the line we’ve all memorized:
“The door is always open.”
Could Season 23 finally be when we see Gibbs return—even briefly? Maybe for a big case or someone’s exit?
Will There Be Another Major Exit?
Let’s not forget: NCIS likes to shock us. Kate, Jenny, Ziva, Abby, Bishop—all exited in emotional or shocking ways. Season 23 might not be complete without at least one game-changing goodbye.
Conclusion
With just a few words, NCIS showrunner David North has stirred the pot—and now fans are counting down the days to Season 23. Whether it’s returning legends, major shake-ups, or emotional gut-punches, this next chapter is shaping up to be anything but predictable.
And honestly? We’re here for every single twist.
FAQs
1. When does NCIS Season 23 premiere?
It’s expected to premiere in Fall 2025, though CBS hasn’t announced an official date yet.
2. Will any former characters return in Season 23?
The showrunner teased “faces from the past,” so a return from Tony, Ziva, or even Gibbs is possible.
3. Is Mark Harmon returning as Gibbs?
There’s no official word, but the showrunner has repeatedly said “the door is open” for Harmon’s return.
4. How many episodes will Season 23 have?
While unconfirmed, CBS typically orders a full season—expect somewhere between 18 and 22 episodes.
5. Are there any crossovers planned?
No official confirmation, but the phrase “unexpected alliances” could hint at a crossover or inter-agency team-up.
