If you’ve been waiting for NCIS to return, this is your cue: production on Season 23 has officially begun. And to prove it’s real? Cast members Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Murray, and Brian Dietzen are sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses from set—complete with badges, coffee cups, and early morning grit.
H2: Wilmer Valderrama Kicks Things Off With a Teaser
H3: “We’re BACK!” Video on Instagram
Valderrama dropped a short Instagram video capturing the vibe: tying his shoes, getting makeup, sipping coffee, and stepping into the squad room. His caption? “We’re BACK! Mark your calendars for Tuesdays at 8pm, starting October 14th. #NCIS.” It’s the first official sign of life from the set. The Sun+15Parade+15People.com+15
H3: Launching NCIS Night Tuesdays
This video confirmed NCIS returns to its classic Tuesday night at 8 PM slot, beginning a full evening of NCIS content, with Origins and Sydney following behind.Parade+1au.lifestyle.yahoo.com+1
H2: Sean Murray Reminds Us Why We’re Here
H3: McGee Is Still In It—And Loving It
Sean Murray—who plays Special Agent McGee and is the show’s longest-serving cast member—posted: “NEW SEASON of #NCIS coming to you this fall :)” He also shared a recent Town & Country interview where he reflected on two decades of storytelling: “We’re still pushing to do good work.”People.com+2Parade+2Town & Country+2
H3: Set Nostalgia and Camaraderie
Murray offered fans a peek at the set’s evolution—from worn trailers to modern upgrades—and reaffirmed the close-knit spirit behind the scenes.Decider+15Town & Country+15NetFilming+15
H2: Brian Dietzen’s Quirky Moment as Jimmy Palmer
H3: “Hello Jimmy Palmer” Behind-the-Scenes Post
Dietzen shared a candid clip adjusting his glasses and looking into the camera with his character’s trademark warmth: “Hello Jimmy Palmer. Hello NCIS. Hello season 23.” No better way to say “we’re back.”au.lifestyle.yahoo.com+3Parade+3Wikipedia+3
H3: Lab Love or Still a Mystery?
Notably, neither Dietzen nor Diona Reasonover (Kasie Hines) appeared in the first footage, sparking speculation about their roles this season.Showbiz Cheat Sheet+3SoapCentral+3Cinemablend+3
H2: Who Was Around the Set — and Who Wasn’t
H3: On Set: Field and Leadership Team
Instagram footage confirms these key faces were present on day one:
-
Wilmer Valderrama (Torres)
-
Katrina Law (Knight)
-
Sean Murray (McGee)
-
Gary Cole (Parker)
-
Rocky Carroll (Vance)Showbiz Cheat Sheet+10SoapCentral+10HELLO!+10EW.com+1HELLO!+1
H3: Missing in Action: Medical & Forensic Leads
Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover were absent from the clip. Though their future roles are unconfirmed, the absence raises questions about possible changes in the medical and lab teams.HELLO!+6SoapCentral+6People.com+6
H2: Behind-the-Scenes Culture & Work Ethic
H3: Mark Harmon’s Ongoing Influence
Former star Mark Harmon, still narrating NCIS: Origins, is credited with fostering a collaborative atmosphere among cast and crew. His legacy continues to anchor the set.Town & Country+15Cinemablend+15SlashFilm+15
H3: Military Accuracy & Technical Detail
True NCIS style? Realistic detail. The show continues relying on military consultants to maintain accuracy in cases, labs, and tactical procedures.NewsBytes
H2: What Season 23 Promises to Deliver
H3: A More Character-Driven Approach
Showrunner Steven Binder revealed that Season 23 will be more character-forward than ever, building on the emotional approach of NCIS: Origins. Expect deeper arcs for Knight, Torres, and McGee.HELLO!+1SlashFilm+1
H3: Team Goes Rogue After Shocking Finale
Wilmer Valderrama teased a darker turn for the team: Season 23 kicks off with fallout from a shocking death in Season 22. He hinted the group may go rogue as they pursue justice on their terms.People.com+1EW.com+1
H2: Fan Reactions to the Sneak Peeks
H3: Social Buzz and Excitement
Fans flooded social media after behind-the-scenes posts, praising the energy and teasing storyline shifts.
“Tuesdays feel like home again.”
“Bring back the team—but this time with extra fire.”Good Housekeeping
H3: Missed Faces Spark Conversations
The absence of Kasie and Palmer led to speculation: Are their characters written out or just opening later? Fans remain hopeful their fan-favorite duo remains intact.SoapCentralReddit
H2: How It’s Filmed — The NCIS Production Timeline
H3: Eight-Day Shoot Structure
Each NCIS episode takes about eight days to film, followed by intensive editing and post-production work—keeping the show on a tight but efficient schedule.Cinemablend+13Showbiz Cheat Sheet+13NetFilming+13
H3: Production Disruptions in Season 22
Last season, filming paused due to wildfires in Southern California but resumed quickly, helping the team maintain momentum—important groundwork for Season 23.Wikipedia
H2: What’s Next for the Team
H3: More Personal Arcs & Emotional Depth
Season 23 looks set to explore more intimate storylines—like Knight and Palmer’s relationship, the grief over Parker’s father, and Torres’ evolution after personal tragedy.SlashFilmPeople.com
H3: Possible Crossovers & Guest Appearances
With spin-offs NCIS: Origins and Sydney aligning in the same night as programming block, crossovers—cameos or shared plotlines—remain a creative possibility.
Conclusion – When the Cast Leads Us Back In
With NCIS Season 23 filming underway and key cast members sharing first-hand glimpses from set, fans are getting more than a teaser—they’re getting a heartbeat. The return date, the team-core principles, and fresh promises of character depth and rogue action set this new season up to redefine what loyal viewers expect.
While some mysteries remain—namely Kasie and Palmer’s status—the energy is high and the storyline loaded. Looks like NCIS is feeling new again, yet rooted in the characters and cast we’ve known for decades.
5 Unique FAQs
Q1: When does NCIS Season 23 premiere?
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 8 PM ET/PT on CBS, kicking off NCIS-themed Tuesday nights.Parade+1au.lifestyle.yahoo.com+1
Q2: Which cast members have been seen on set already?
Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Murray, Katrina Law, Gary Cole, and Rocky Carroll have appeared in official behind‑the‑scenes clips.EW.com+6SoapCentral+6People.com+6
Q3: Why weren’t Brian Dietzen or Diona Reasonover in the set footage?
Their absence in the first behind‑the‑scenes video is unexplained—producers haven’t confirmed if this signals a reduced role or scheduling conflict.SoapCentral
Q4: What storyline threads will Season 23 explore?
Expect fallout from Season 22’s dramatic finale, deeper emotional arcs for agents like Knight and Torres, and a shift toward character-driven storytelling.HELLO!People.com
Q5: How long does it take to film one NCIS episode?
Each episode typically takes about eight days to shoot, followed by a few days of editing, music, and scene sequencing.
