Few dramas in television history have the staying power of NCIS. Having first set sail back in 2003, the flagship series of the NCIS franchise has weathered countless changes in cast, location, and plot, yet it remains one of the most-watched and beloved procedurals on network television.
Now, the team is gearing up for an incredible 23rd season. After a pivotal Season 22 finale that left several agents facing uncertain futures, fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of their stories, the inevitable new threats, and the comforting familiarity of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) operating out of the Navy Yard in Washington D.C.
Here is your complete guide to the premiere date, time, cast members returning, and how to watch the landmark return of NCIS Season 23.
When Does NCIS Season 23 Premiere? đď¸
Following its standard broadcast schedule, fans can typically expect NCIS to return in the fall, claiming its familiar spot on the CBS lineup.
- Premiere Date: NCIS Season 23 is scheduled to premiere on Monday, September 29, 2025.
- Time Slot: The series will maintain its long-held slot on Monday nights at 9:00 PM Eastern/Pacific (8:00 PM Central).
The consistent Monday night placement ensures that NCIS continues to anchor CBS’s strong weeknight drama block, often followed by one of its spin-offs or a new series.
Where to Watch NCIS Season 23
For a show with such a long history, there are multiple avenues for viewing, ensuring fans can catch every minute of the MCRT’s latest investigations.
Live Broadcast
- Network: New episodes air exclusively on CBS. Check your local listings for channel information.
Streaming Options
- Next-Day Streaming: All new episodes of NCIS Season 23 will be available for next-day streaming on Paramount+. A subscription to the service allows viewers to catch up shortly after the original broadcast.
- Live Stream: Paramount+ subscribers who also have the local CBS live feed as part of their package can also stream the episodes live at 9:00 PM ET.
- Catch-Up: The complete back catalog, including all 22 previous seasons, is available to stream on Paramount+, making it the essential platform for new and existing fans to rewatch or catch up.
The Returning Cast: Who is on the MCRT?
The longevity of NCIS is built on its characters, and while the series has seen several iconic departures, the current MCRT team has developed its own devoted following. The core ensemble from Season 22 is expected to return, ready to tackle a new season of crimes involving the Navy and Marine Corps.
Expected Principal Cast Members for Season 23:
Major Storyline Implications
The end of Season 22 left several personal and professional threads dangling, which will undoubtedly drive the narratives of Season 23:
- Torres’s Redemption Arc: Torres spent much of the previous season battling his inner demons and his complicated past. Season 23 will likely focus on his path to emotional recovery and professional stability. Will he fully reconcile with his past choices, or will his trauma continue to affect his high-stakes work?
- The Palmer-Knight Relationship: The relationship between Dr. Palmer and Agent Knight has become a fan-favorite subplot. Their commitment to making a romance work while navigating the high-stress environment of NCIS offers a rich vein for mature, character-driven stories. Expect this relationship to face new, realistic challenges.
- The Stability of Parker’s Command: Gary Coleâs Parker has successfully stepped into the large shoes left by his predecessor, Gibbs. Season 23 will solidify his command, but the show is known for placing its leaders in personal and professional jeopardy. Fans should anticipate a high-level threat that targets Parker directly, testing his leadership.
The Enduring Appeal of NCIS
Entering its 23rd season, the showâs enduring success is no accident. NCIS has mastered the art of balancing serialized storytelling with a reliable procedural structure.
- The Case of the Week: Every episode offers a complete, compelling investigation involving the naval branch of the military. This reliable structure keeps casual viewers engaged.
- The Character Dynamics: The show excels at injecting humor, familial warmth, and emotional honesty into the teamâs interactions. The MCRT operates less like colleagues and more like a found family, a dynamic that has proven irresistible to audiences.
- A Changing World: Despite its traditional structure, NCIS has always adapted, incorporating modern technology, new criminal trends, and timely social issues into its narratives, ensuring the show remains relevant even decades after its debut.
With the return of the full MCRT ensemble, the promise of new, high-stakes cases, and the continued evolution of its beloved characters, NCIS Season 23 is set to deliver exactly what its millions of fans crave. Be sure to tune in this fall to see the next chapter in televisionâs longest-running naval investigation saga. The team is ready for actionâare you?
