When NCIS returned for its landmark 20th season on September 19, it wasn’t just another premiere — it was a statement. The long-running CBS procedural kicked off its new season with a bang, launching not only a suspense-heavy storyline but also one of the most seamless and thrilling crossovers in the NCIS universe to date. And judging by fans’ passionate reactions online, NCIS may have just redefined how to start a season with style.
Titled “A Family Matter,” the Season 20 premiere picked up immediately where the heart-pounding Season 19 finale left off. FBI fugitive Alden Parker (Gary Cole) remained in hiding after being framed for the murder of his former partner by the elusive villain known as The Raven. His team — loyal to the end — rallied around him, prepared to risk their careers and bend the rules to protect one of their own. This theme of loyalty, protection, and chosen family echoed throughout the hour and into the connected NCIS: Hawai’i Season 2 premiere, which followed the episode directly.
A Family Affair — And a Crossover to Remember
Beyond Parker’s fugitive arc, the premiere set the stage for deeper character developments, especially in the realm of relationships. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) and Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) continued their slow-burning romance, with Dietzen previously teasing to Looper that their dynamic would be a welcome emotional anchor in the series. Their scenes struck a balance of levity and tension, reminding fans that NCIS hasn’t lost its touch when it comes to heart and humor.
Elsewhere, Agent Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) found unexpected chemistry with NCIS: Hawai’i’s Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey), further fueling speculation that the crossover could lead to long-term narrative and romantic intersections between the franchises. Tennant, along with cyber-expert Ernie Malik (Jason Antoon), arrived in D.C. under the guise of overseeing a Navy RIMPAC protection detail but quickly became entangled in Parker’s predicament — and showed no hesitation about standing with the mainland team.
As tensions escalated, Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) and the rest of the NCIS core crew — McGee (Sean Murray), Kasie (Diona Reasonover), Torres, Knight, and Palmer — went rogue to throw the FBI off Parker’s trail. Their willingness to mislead federal authorities underscored a central truth about NCIS: this isn’t just a team. It’s a family.
Fans Are United in Their Praise
After the crossover aired, the official NCIS Twitter account thanked viewers for tuning in — and the response was overwhelming. The fandom lit up with praise for the event. “The crossover was perfect,” one user wrote, while others called it “fun,” “exciting,” and “flawlessly executed.” Many were particularly impressed with how fluidly the story transitioned between the flagship show and Hawai’i, something that not all crossovers can pull off with ease.
One fan declared the two-hour event “the best premiere night in years,” while another demanded more frequent crossovers between the franchises. And it’s not just about plot — the inter-character chemistry, especially between Torres and Tennant, sparked conversations about possible new romantic arcs and the evolving dynamic of the NCIS family across different cities.
Could Tony DiNozzo Return?
Of course, no conversation about NCIS is complete without the ever-present hope of a legacy character return. Some viewers couldn’t help but speculate whether Season 20 might see the reappearance of beloved former agents like Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo. While executive producer Steven D. Binder recently told Newsweek that Weatherly is enjoying a break for now, he left the door open for a future return. For fans, hope springs eternal.
What’s Next?
Season 20, Episode 2, titled “Daddy Issues,” is set to air on Monday, September 26. If the premiere is any indication, this season could go down as one of the most compelling in NCIS history — balancing emotional growth, suspenseful arcs, and fan-service moments in a way that only this franchise can. Whether you’re here for the action, the relationships, or the nostalgia, one thing is clear: NCIS still knows how to deliver after two decades on the air.
As NCIS continues to evolve, the message of this season’s premiere resonates loudly: family isn’t always about blood — it’s about who shows up when the stakes are highest. And with its ever-growing universe, NCIS just keeps proving why it’s still one of TV’s most enduring and beloved dramas.
