If you’re a die-hard NCIS fan (or just can’t resist a well-crafted procedural), get ready: Season 23 is coming, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting chapters yet. Below, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from premiere date and time to the returning cast, plot teases, how to watch, and what to expect. Let’s break it down.
1. When Does NCIS Season 23 Premiere?
Premiere Date — October 14, 2025
CBS has officially confirmed that NCIS Season 23 will debut on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Time Slot — Back to 8 p.m. ET/PT on Tuesdays
The show returns to its original time slot: 8/7c on Tuesday nights. That’s a shift from recent seasons that aired on Mondays.
CBS is aiming for a full NCIS night — the flagship series will be followed by NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney, forming a three-hour block.
Why the Schedule Change?
The shift to Tuesdays is strategic. CBS wants to stack its “NCIS universe” in one night, counter-program against rival networks, and maximize viewership.
2. Who’s in the Cast This Season?
Returning Favorites & New Challenges
The Season 23 lineup is largely unchanged, featuring familiar faces:
-
Sean Murray as Special Agent Timothy McGeo
-
Wilmer Valderrama as Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres
-
Katrina Law as Special Agent Jessica Knight
-
Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer
-
Diona Reasonover as Forensic Scientist Kasie Hines
-
Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance
-
Gary Cole as Special Agent Alden Parker (the lead after Gibbs’ departure)
What About Mark Harmon (Gibbs)?
Mark Harmon will not return as a main cast member. His era ended in earlier seasons; NCIS continues without him in Season 23.
Guest Appearances & Surprises
In Season 23, we may see guest roles by characters with ties to existing arcs. For example, Carla Marino (Rebecca De Mornay) — the antagonist from Season 22’s finale — is expected to continue being a major presence.
Also, there’s speculation about reintroducing Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David to cross over with their spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
3. How Season 22 Ends — Setting Up Season 23
The Cliffhanger You Can’t Miss
Season 22 concluded with a shocking twist: Alden Parker’s father is murdered in his own home by Carla Marino. Parker is left reeling, and this personal vendetta is poised to drive the plot of Season 23.
Internal Conflict & Team Struggles
Parker, normally calm and controlled, is expected to spiral. The team must decide whether to support him — or rein him in. Executive producer Steven D. Binder teased that Parker could behave in unexpected and morally ambiguous ways.
Uncovering Secrets — The Death Certificate Mystery
Another burning subplot: Jimmy Palmer discovers discrepancies in the autopsy report of Parker’s mother. There’s a cover-up brewing, and it may ripple throughout NCIS hierarchy.
4. What’s the Season 23 Plot Arc? What to Expect
Revenge Meets Moral Lines
The overarching arc centers on Parker’s quest for revenge. But the twist is that he might cross lines — going off the rails to get justice.
Team Dynamics in Crisis
Expect internal friction: some agents may side with Parker’s emotional path, others will try to stop him. The series traditionally balances “crime of the week” with deep character moments, and Season 23 may tilt more toward internal drama.
Side Arcs — Knight & Palmer, Torres Growth
More subtle arcs will bubble up:
-
Jessica Knight’s backstory and her relationship with Palmer.
-
Torres may face challenges pushing his leadership skills further.
What About Spin-Offs?
NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney will air back-to-back with the flagship series on Tuesdays.
And NCIS: Tony & Ziva is streaming on Paramount+ as of September 2025, which could tie into crossover appearances.
5. How to Watch NCIS Season 23 — Channel, Streaming & Tips
On Broadcast Television: CBS
In the U.S., new episodes of NCIS will air on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Tuesdays.
Streaming via Paramount+
Episodes will typically stream the next day on Paramount+, CBS’s streaming platform.
International Viewing
Outside the U.S., NCIS is available via international Paramount+ services in many regions. Availability may vary.
Catching Up on Past Seasons
All 22 prior seasons are available to binge on Paramount+, which makes it easier to refresh your memory before the new season launches.
DVR & On-Demand Options
If you miss the broadcast, CBS offers on-demand viewing of episodes via its app and website with a valid TV provider login. Streaming platforms may also offer replays.
6. Will There Be a Trailer Already?
Yes — CBS has released a dramatic trailer for Season 23, teasing Parker’s emotional and dangerous journey and hinting at high stakes.
Expect more promo content as the premiere approaches: teasers, character intros, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
7. Why Season 23 Could Be a Turning Point
Deeper Character Focus, Not Just Cases
In recent years, NCIS has balanced procedural stories with character arcs. Season 23 looks to dive deeper — especially into Parker’s psyche and the boundaries he may cross.
Darker, Edgier Tone
Parker’s personal loss and moral debate might take NCIS into darker territory than usual. Viewers should be prepared for tension that blurs “right vs wrong.”
Franchise Strength & Spin-Off Synergies
By scheduling all NCIS shows on the same night, CBS is pushing the NCIS brand harder. That might allow crossover episodes or interconnected storylines.
8. Common Fan Questions & Speculations
Will Tony & Ziva Appear in Season 23?
Possibly. Their spinoff is active, and crossovers could generate buzz. But nothing is confirmed.
How Many Episodes Will Season 23 Have?
CBS hasn’t confirmed yet. Past recent seasons ranged between 20–24 episodes.
What Happens If Parker Goes Too Far?
That’s the drama: the team’s loyalty will be tested. Some may intervene or check his decisions.
9. Episode Structure & What to Look For
-
H2: Case of the Week + Serialized Arc — Expect standalone investigations that occasionally tie into the Parker revenge storyline.
-
H3: Character Pairings That Surprise — Knight & Palmer, Torres & McGee, Vance & others: relational dynamics will matter.
-
H4: Foreshadowing & Easter Eggs — Look for subtle clues about the growing conspiracy around Parker’s family.
10. Tips to Make the Most of Season 23
-
H2: Watch or Rewatch Season 22 First — The ending sets the emotional and narrative stakes.
-
H3: Create a Viewing Ritual — The switch to Tuesday means shifting your scheduling mindset.
-
H3: Engage Online — Use social media to follow cast promos, official teasers, and fan theories.
-
H4: Take Notes on Small Clues — NCIS often rewards attentive viewers by weaving in small details later.
Conclusion
NCIS Season 23 is shaping up to be more than just another procedural season. With Parker’s vendetta pushing him to extremes, tension within the team, and a bold shift in scheduling, it may be one of the most emotionally compelling seasons yet. The premiere is set for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET, making way for a stacked all-NCIS night on CBS. Whether you’re new to the franchise or a longtime fan, this season promises to deliver drama, moral complexity, and electrifying storytelling.
FAQs
-
When and where can I watch the Season 23 premiere?
You can catch it on CBS on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, or stream it the next day on Paramount+. -
Is the full cast returning?
Yes, most of the core cast returns, including McGee, Torres, Knight, Palmer, Kasie, Vance, and Parker. Gibbs (Mark Harmon) is no longer part of the main cast. -
What’s the central conflict in Season 23?
Alden Parker’s journey of revenge after his father’s murder drives the main arc, testing his morals and the team’s loyalty. -
Are there any crossovers with the other NCIS series?
With all NCIS shows airing on the same night, crossover events or linked storylines may be possible. -
Where can I watch past seasons to catch up?
All previous NCIS seasons are available to stream on Paramount+, and many are available on-demand via CBS with a TV login.
