NCIS is returning next month, and the show is going in a new direction. For the show’s upcoming 23rd season, there will now be a focus on character storylines more than ever before.
Ahead of the CBS show’s Season 23 premiere on Tuesday, October 14 at 8 p.m. ET, the showrunner recently opened up about making it the most “character-forward” season in the show’s history.
The network just revealed the first photos from the premiere episode. Plus, a new star is joining the cast this season!
Nancy Travis is joining NCIS!
The 63-year-old actress will play the sibling of one of the main cast members: Gary Cole‘s Special Agent Alden Parker. The two of them are being reunited following the murder of their father, which sets off a dramatic family storyline.
Showrunner Steven D. Binder told TVLine, “The Alden Parker that we know and see now is not what Alden Parker was as a child. We’ve gotten into his history a bit — he was a troubled kid, he was in a juvie home, he stole things — and that’s the dynamic that his sister grew up with. He was the ‘bad’ kid and she was the good kid.”
And that’s not all! The show is going to be getting a refreshed focus in Season 23.
“We really want to get to everybody in a big way,” showrunner Steve Binder said in a new interview with TV Line.
“I know people always say, ‘I watch the show for the characters’ — that was always our thing — and I really want to make this a character-forward show in a way we haven’t seen before,” he teased.
“So, if you’re invested in these people, this is going to be the season for you.”
You can also expect deeper arcs for Parker as he seeks justice for his father, Knight’s career taking an unexpected turn, Torres exploring a risky romance, and the team facing some surprising personal challenges along the way, the showrunner teased to TV Insider.
There’s also unfinished business between Jessica Knight and Jimmy Palmer, whose breakup was left hanging in the background.
We also already know who is expected back!
Sean Murray as Special Agent Timothy McGee – EXPECTED TO RETURN
NCIS’s long-running tech genius and second-in-command, a franchise staple since Season 1. Season 22 ramped up his story with a shoulder injury and a mole hunt, ending in a dramatic takedown of LaRoche’s cartel. McGee’s loyalty and grit were on full display as he probed the team’s betrayal, and fans are now eager for his potential promotion and more emotional storytelling heading into Season 23.
Wilmer Valderrama as Special Agent Nick Torres – EXPECTED TO RETURN
Nick Torres continues to bring action and charisma to the Major Case Response Team. Season 22 saw him navigating secret romances, team loyalty, and whispers of loss when he hinted a major character’s death might “push us to go rogue.” His chemistry with Parker and evolving personal life suggest Torres is ready for a more emotionally intense arc in the upcoming season.
Gary Cole as Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker – EXPECTED TO RETURN
Alden Parker had one of Season 22’s most harrowing arcs: his father was killed in the shocking finale, pushing him toward “vengeful rage.” His mysterious visions of Lily add a psychological intensity to his story. The actor says Parker’s dealing with grief and moral complexities will make the next season darker and more emotionally charged. As the team’s strategist and emotional anchor, Parker’s journey will likely anchor Season 23 as it goes character-first.
Brian Dietzen as Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jimmy Palmer – EXPECTED TO RETURN
Dr. Jimmy Palmer remains the heart of NCIS, with Season 22 shining a light on his evolving friendships and romantic tension, especially with Jessica Knight. He helped Parker process visions and trauma, emphasizing his dependable kindness. A standout episode focused on his relationship with his daughter. As arcs advance, expect more depth in Palmer’s love life, satisfying longtime fans who want to see this fan favorite get the spotlight he deserves.
Diona Reasonover as Forensic Specialist Kasie Hines – EXPECTED TO RETURN
Kasie Hines remains NCIS’s forensic backbone and emotional anchor. Season 22 delivered mix of chemistry-filled “girls’ night” episodes and intense lab work, highlighting her comfortable ownership of her role since replacing Abby. Her quick wit in pottery studio scenes and dedication to cracking cases shine through. With her confidence now firmly established, Kasie is poised for more leadership-oriented adventures, on and off-site, in Season 23.
Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance – EXPECTED TO RETURN
Director Leon Vance continues to steer NCIS through turmoil while behind the scenes, the actor celebrates his 25th directing credit this season. Season 22 explored Vance’s leadership in tense moments (mob blackmail plots, wedding sting ops) and there were no signs of him stepping down. His dynamic with Parker offers a compelling contrast to the old Gibbs-Vance relationship, rooted in forward motion and respect. Expect more heavy-lifting from Vance next season.
Katrina Law as Special Agent Jessica Knight – EXPECTED TO RETURN
Jessica Knight soared in Season 22 with personal stakes and team reintegration. Early episodes teased a “heartbreaking, wonderful” conversation with Palmer, hinting at deeper emotional resonance. She also experienced that rollercoaster of relocating from REACT to Washington, while facing new casework with the team. Knight’s arc, especially relationships and internal monologues, gives her a compelling trajectory that will likely expand further in a more character-centered Season 23.
So far, there’s been nothing said to suggest that all of the main cast members won’t return for Season 23 since the finale ended with all their characters alive and still with the agency. Stay tuned as we wait to see if anyone else new is joining!
