Introduction: NCIS Still Isn’t Slowing Down
Can you believe NCIS is heading into its 23rd season? That’s over two decades of Navy crimes, forensic genius, and iconic one-liners. From its 2003 debut to now, the show has seen countless characters come and go—but it never lost its groove. With Season 22 wrapping up with cliffhangers and emotional moments, fans are desperate to know what’s next.
When Will NCIS Season 23 Premiere?
CBS has yet to announce an official release date, but if we follow tradition, it’s likely to return in Fall 2025, possibly late September. The network tends to favor Monday nights for NCIS, and fans can expect a similar slot unless CBS shakes up its prime-time schedule.
NCIS Season 23 Release Schedule
Expect a traditional 20-22 episode season, rolling out weekly on CBS and streaming later on Paramount+. Some speculate there might be a split season format to allow crossovers or tie-ins with other franchises like NCIS: Hawai’i or NCIS: Origins.
Confirmed Cast Members Returning
As of now, here’s who’s expected back for Season 23:
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Sean Murray as Timothy McGee
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Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres
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Katrina Law as Jessica Knight
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Gary Cole as Alden Parker
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Diona Reasonover as Kasie Hines
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Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer
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Rocky Carroll as Leon Vance
CBS has not reported any departures, so the core team seems intact for now.
Major Cast Exits & New Faces
With David McCallum’s real-life passing (who played Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard), Season 22 paid tribute beautifully. But that leaves a huge emotional gap. Fans are now watching closely to see if Season 23 brings in any new medical examiner or familiar faces from past seasons.
Rumors suggest a new rookie field agent may join the cast—likely to shake things up and keep the dynamics fresh.
Is Mark Harmon’s Gibbs Making a Comeback?
Here’s the question on every fan’s mind: Will Gibbs return?
Mark Harmon has remained tight-lipped, but whispers around CBS insiders say a cameo or flashback could happen. Especially with NCIS: Origins exploring young Gibbs, the door is wide open for a cross-generational appearance.
A Gibbs return, even brief, would skyrocket ratings and give longtime fans something to cheer for.
How Season 22 Set Up the New Season
The final episodes of Season 22 dealt with major tension in the NCIS team. Torres faced a moral dilemma, Knight and Jimmy’s relationship deepened, and Director Vance hinted at bureau-wide changes.
These threads are clearly meant to unravel in Season 23—and maybe even explode into larger arcs involving national security or personal backstories.
Expected Plotlines and Story Arcs
So what might Season 23 explore? Here’s what’s buzzing in the fan circles:
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Torres’ Dark Past: After his prison infiltration storyline, will his mental health take center stage?
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Knight & Jimmy Romance: Will they go public or hit rocky waters?
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Cyber Threats: With growing digital warfare, expect a plotline involving hacking, espionage, or stolen intel.
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McGee’s Career Shift: Could he finally become Assistant Director? It’s long overdue.
Season 23 promises to blend personal journeys with high-stakes crime-solving like never before.
Flashbacks, Franks, and Origins: What’s the Deal?
Season 23 might continue to reference past characters like Mike Franks—especially with NCIS: Origins bringing them back into the spotlight.
Could we see young versions of the current team? Or even alternate timelines? While that sounds like sci-fi, NCIS has been leaning into emotionally-driven storytelling with clever ways to revisit history.
The Role of NCIS: Origins in Season 23
If you’re not watching NCIS: Origins, you’re missing some major backstory. It’s the prequel series showing a young Gibbs, and its influence could bleed into the flagship show.
Expect Easter eggs, tie-in episodes, or maybe even characters from the prequel appearing in present-day NCIS—think relatives, old files, or unsolved cases resurfacing.
Fan Theories Gaining Traction
Fans online are cooking up some wild ideas, but a few stand out:
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McGee gets promoted and leaves the team.
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Ziva makes another surprise return.
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Gibbs secretly working behind the scenes to solve an old case.
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A new villain introduced who spans multiple episodes.
While none of these are confirmed, NCIS has shocked us before (remember when Ziva wasn’t dead after all?).
Production & Behind-the-Scenes Updates
Filming is reportedly starting in summer 2025, with several sets being reused from prior seasons. Showrunner Steven D. Binder remains at the helm, ensuring continuity while also embracing change and evolution.
Writers are incorporating more serialized storytelling, which means multi-episode arcs might become the norm instead of “case of the week” setups.
How the Writers Are Dealing With Real-World Losses
The loss of David McCallum marked the end of an era. Writers are rumored to include a memorial lab or a tribute wall in Season 23.
The series has always balanced real-world emotion with respectful storytelling, and fans can expect the memory of Ducky to linger—just like his bowties.
NCIS Shared Universe Crossovers: What to Expect
Crossovers are hot, and CBS knows it. There are whispers of:
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A NCIS: Hawai’i crossover (if it’s renewed or rebooted).
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Possible cameo from LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna.
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Even a crossover with FBI or CSI franchises.
These aren’t just ratings grabs—they expand the story world and bring fresh dynamics to NCIS’s sometimes predictable rhythm.
Where to Watch NCIS Season 23
You’ll find new episodes:
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Live on CBS (usually Monday nights)
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Next-day streaming on Paramount+
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Past seasons on Pluto TV, Netflix (select regions), and Paramount+
Cut the cord? No worries. Most streaming platforms include CBS Live or On-Demand.
Will Season 23 Be the Last One?
Honestly? Probably not.
Even after two decades, NCIS continues to pull massive ratings. Unless viewership drops dramatically, CBS will likely push for a Season 24. And with spin-offs and new characters constantly in the mix, the franchise feels more like a Marvel-style universe than just one show.
Conclusion: The Future of NCIS Looks Bright
NCIS Season 23 is shaping up to be a season filled with nostalgia, change, emotion, and high-stakes investigations. Whether you’re a day-one fan or just getting into the series, this season promises something for everyone. From potential Gibbs cameos to deeper dives into our favorite characters’ pasts, it’s going to be a wild ride. So, keep your notepad handy, your theories ready, and your Monday nights free—because NCIS isn’t done with us yet.
FAQs
1. Will NCIS Season 23 bring back Tony and Ziva?
While there’s no official confirmation, both characters remain open-ended in the NCIS universe. A surprise guest spot isn’t out of the question.
2. Is NCIS Season 23 connected to NCIS: Origins?
Yes, indirectly. Storylines from Origins may influence character development or plot arcs in the main series.
3. How many episodes will be in NCIS Season 23?
The expected count is between 20 and 22 episodes, following the standard format.
4. Will there be a new team member introduced?
Yes, rumors suggest a new rookie agent might join to keep the dynamic fresh and unpredictable.
5. Where can I stream all previous seasons of NCIS?
You can stream NCIS on Paramount+, Netflix (in some regions), and Pluto TV for earlier seasons.
Let me know if you want a visual infographic, cast timeline, or teaser script for NCIS Season 23!
