If you’re like millions of fans tuning in every Monday to catch the latest from NCIS and its hit prequel NCIS: Origins, you might have flipped to CBS tonight only to be met with… something completely different. No special agent action, no dramatic cliffhangers—just a concert?
Let’s break down exactly what’s going on, why these beloved shows are taking a breather tonight (March 10), and when you can expect your regularly scheduled dose of crime-solving back on screen.
🕵️♂️ What’s the Deal With March 10?
📺 A Primetime Shake-Up by CBS
CBS made a strategic decision to shake things up this week by airing a special musical event in place of its regular drama lineup. Instead of the usual NCIS and NCIS: Origins, the network broadcast “Ringo & Friends at the Ryman”, a concert featuring Beatles legend Ringo Starr alongside country stars like Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris.
🎤 What Is “Ringo & Friends at the Ryman”?
A Tribute to Music and Iconic Performers
This concert special celebrated Ringo Starr’s legacy while showcasing collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. While it might not be what NCIS fans were expecting, CBS aimed to draw a broader audience with this one-night-only musical celebration.
🕰️ Regular Schedule: When Do NCIS & Origins Normally Air?
Both NCIS and NCIS: Origins typically air Monday nights starting at 9 p.m. EST, with the original series leading and Origins following at 10 p.m. It’s been a dependable part of millions of viewers’ weekly routines.
📅 So Why Disrupt That Routine Now?
CBS’s Spring Programming Strategy
Every year around March, CBS—and many other networks—juggle schedules to make room for March Madness, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. It’s not just about sports; it’s about smart scheduling and maximizing viewership.
🏀 The Impact of March Madness on TV Lineups
Even though the tournament doesn’t air directly opposite NCIS, networks like CBS often use this time to air reruns or specials to avoid losing live ratings during sports-heavy nights. It’s all about playing the long game.
⏸️ Was This a One-Time Pause or a Midseason Hiatus?
Great news: this is just a one-week preemption, not a full break. Both shows will be back soon—with brand-new episodes already scheduled.
📆 When Will NCIS & NCIS: Origins Return?
Set your reminders! CBS has confirmed:
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NCIS returns with Season 22, Episode 15 titled “Moonlit” on March 24, 2025 at 9 p.m. EST.
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NCIS: Origins follows with Episode 14 at 10 p.m. EST the same night.
📺 What Episode Aired Tonight Instead of NCIS: Origins?
Interestingly, while NCIS didn’t air at all, CBS filled the Origins slot with a rerun of Season 1, Episode 13, titled “Monsoon”. So if you missed that one, now’s your chance to catch up.
📡 Why Not Just Air Reruns of Both Shows?
It’s a fair question. CBS likely wanted to showcase the Ringo concert as a cultural event—and they needed both hour-long slots to do it justice. By re-airing just one Origins episode, they struck a balance between entertainment and ratings management.
📈 How Does This Affect Ratings?
Short-term? Ratings might dip slightly, especially among diehard fans. But CBS is banking on the musical special pulling in a diverse audience, which could help lift their overall numbers for the night.
🧠 Is This Kind of Switch Common for CBS?
Absolutely. CBS has a history of programming shake-ups during spring, often featuring:
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Concert specials
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Awards show tie-ins
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Special documentaries
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NCAA coverage impacts
📲 What Can Fans Do in the Meantime?
Stream & Catch Up
While we wait for the new episodes:
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Binge-watch NCIS and Origins on Paramount+
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Rewatch key episodes to refresh your memory
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Dive into behind-the-scenes interviews and extras
💬 Fan Reactions: What’s the Buzz?
Social media was abuzz with confusion, frustration, and a little bit of curiosity. Many fans voiced disappointment, but others welcomed the surprise concert event.
🤔 Could This Be a Trend for Future Seasons?
If tonight’s special pulls strong ratings, don’t be surprised if CBS continues this strategy in future seasons—especially during non-sweeps periods.
💡 Final Thoughts: Just a Minor Detour, Not a Cancellation
Let’s be clear—NCIS and NCIS: Origins are still going strong. Tonight’s shift was just a blip in the schedule, not a signal of trouble. In fact, new episodes are just around the corner and promise to bring plenty of drama, intrigue, and the high-stakes storytelling we all love.
🙋♀️ FAQs
1. Is NCIS canceled?
Nope! NCIS is very much alive. It’s just taking a one-week break due to CBS’s special event scheduling.
2. Why didn’t CBS air a rerun instead of a concert?
CBS chose to air Ringo & Friends as a strategic move to attract a wider audience during a quiet ratings week.
3. When does NCIS come back with new episodes?
March 24, 2025! Mark it on your calendar.
4. Is NCIS: Origins affected long-term?
Not at all. Origins will resume on March 24 with Episode 14, right after NCIS.
5. Where can I stream older NCIS episodes?
Paramount+ is your go-to streaming platform for all things NCIS and NCIS: Origins.
Thank you for reading! 🎉
If you’re a fan of TV drama and network twists, bookmark this blog and stay tuned for updates every week. Don’t forget to stream the latest episodes before the big return on March 24!
