The Legacy of NCIS: 20+ Years of Prime-Time Dominance
Let’s be real—NCIS isn’t just a show; it’s a television institution. Since its debut in 2003, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service drama has racked up an insanely loyal fan base, dominated ratings charts, and spawned multiple spin-offs. But after two decades, even the most unshakable shows face uncertainty.
So after Season 22 wrapped with an emotional wallop, fans started asking the big question: Is Season 23 even happening?
Season 22 Finale Left Fans in Shock
You’d think after 20+ seasons, NCIS wouldn’t still catch us off guard—but it did. The season 22 finale wasn’t just another wrap-up episode. It was a gut punch that left fans reeling, sobbing, and screaming on social media.
Let’s just say: not everyone made it out unscathed.
What Exactly Happened in That Finale?
Spoiler alert if you’re behind, but Season 22’s finale pulled no punches. We’re talking explosions, betrayals, life-or-death moments, and a shocking character exit. It was one of those finales that made you sit in stunned silence, wondering, “Wait… did that really just happen?”
The tone was raw. The stakes were sky-high. And it set up the perfect storm for uncertainty moving forward.
NCIS Boss Speaks: Is Season 23 Happening or Not?
Finally, the question everyone has been waiting for: What does the NCIS boss say about Season 23?
Executive Producer and longtime showrunner David North didn’t keep fans in suspense for long. In a post-finale interview, he confirmed what many feared and hoped for simultaneously:
“We’ve had intense conversations with CBS. I can say this—we’re not done yet. Season 23 is on the table.”
That’s right—while nothing was 100% official at the time of the finale, plans for Season 23 are very much alive.
Why Season 23’s Fate Was Up in the Air
Why the hesitation, though? Why didn’t CBS just greenlight Season 23 immediately?
Well, it turns out, the decision wasn’t just about ratings. It came down to three factors:
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Cast contracts and availability
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Network budget constraints
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The show’s evolving direction post-Gibbs and post-Ducky
And let’s be honest: losing David McCallum (Ducky) hit the cast, crew, and fans hard. That kind of emotional and historical loss can’t be shrugged off in a writers’ room.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges That Shaped the Decision
You probably didn’t see it, but Season 22 was a production puzzle behind the curtain. Writers were shifting arcs, negotiating new cast deals, and trying to keep the storytelling fresh—without their foundational players.
Oh, and toss in the growing popularity of NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: Origins? Yeah, there were some questions about whether the OG NCIS still had gas in the tank.
Spoiler: It does. But it’s complicated.
What Fans Can Expect If Season 23 Is Greenlit
So what happens if Season 23 gets that sweet official confirmation? Here’s what showrunner David North teased:
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Bigger serialized arcs
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A shocking character return
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Torres’ legal battle fallout
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More emotional payoffs
The tone will likely continue leaning a little darker, with more psychological elements added to the procedural format.
Character Arcs That Still Need Closure
Let’s face it: we need closure on a few major storylines.
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McGee’s leadership struggle
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Parker’s shadowy past
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Jessica Knight’s personal conflicts
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Torres’ future after prison
These arcs were teed up beautifully in Season 22, and it would be criminal (pun intended) not to give them proper screen time in Season 23.
Will We See More of McGee, Torres, and Knight?
Yes. If Season 23 happens, insiders say Sean Murray (McGee), Wilmer Valderrama (Torres), and Katrina Law (Knight) are expected to return—barring any last-minute scheduling conflicts or spin-off commitments.
Each character has room to evolve, and fans are emotionally invested. That’s storytelling gold CBS likely won’t waste.
Is Gibbs Coming Back in Season 23?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Will he return?
Here’s what we know:
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Harmon is still credited as Executive Producer.
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He’s expressed “openness” to returning for the right story.
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Showrunners have left the door wide open.
Translation? It’s not off the table. But don’t expect a full return—think cameo, not comeback.
Ducky’s Tribute Episode May Shape the Future
The emotional tribute to David McCallum (Ducky) in Season 22 wasn’t just a farewell—it was a turning point.
It reminded fans what made NCIS special: heart, humor, and humanity. If Season 23 moves forward, expect more character-driven storytelling grounded in legacy.
NCIS Ratings: Do They Still Justify Another Season?
Here’s the shocker: YES.
Even after 22 seasons, NCIS is still one of CBS’s top-rated dramas. The show pulls in millions of viewers weekly, and reruns are a goldmine for streaming and syndication.
Simply put, NCIS still makes money—and in TV, that means more life.
The Rise of NCIS: Origins and Its Impact on the Franchise
NCIS: Origins is set to explore a young Gibbs in the early days of his career, and while that’s exciting, some feared it might overshadow or replace the main show.
Not happening. According to CBS execs, Origins will complement, not compete with, NCIS. So there’s still room for both.
Fan Reactions: Hopeful or Heartbroken?
A quick scroll through social media shows a divided fan base:
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Some are hopeful: “Season 23 is a must! We need answers!”
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Others are exhausted: “Maybe it’s time to let it go with dignity.”
But the overwhelming emotion? Loyalty. Even after two decades, fans are hanging on for dear life.
Final Verdict: What’s the Official Word on Season 23?
While CBS has yet to officially drop the press release, the NCIS showrunner’s message was crystal clear:
“We’re not done telling this story. Season 23 is being shaped as we speak.”
So yes, Season 23 is coming—barring any last-minute hiccups.
Conclusion
In the wake of a heart-wrenching Season 22 finale, the future of NCIS looked uncertain—but the show’s creator has given fans a reason to hold onto hope. With evolving storylines, unresolved arcs, and unwavering fan support, Season 23 is poised to return and prove that NCIS still has a few tricks up its sleeve.
So keep your gear packed, your coffee ready, and your theories wild—because NCIS might just be getting ready for its next big case.
FAQs
1. Has NCIS Season 23 been officially confirmed?
Not yet, but showrunner David North has confirmed that development is underway, and all signs point to a renewal.
2. Will Gibbs (Mark Harmon) return in Season 23?
A full return is unlikely, but a cameo is very possible. Harmon remains an executive producer and is open to the idea.
3. What characters are expected to return in Season 23?
Expect McGee, Torres, Knight, and Parker to all be back if contracts align.
4. Is NCIS ending after Season 23?
There’s no official word, but CBS is keeping its options open depending on fan reception and ratings.
5. When will Season 23 air if renewed?
If greenlit soon, Season 23 will likely premiere in Fall 2025, as part of CBS’s regular fall lineup.
