🎬 NCIS Season 23 Is Coming in Fall 2025, But When Could We Expect the Premiere to Air?
NCIS has been a staple on CBS for over two decades — a rare feat in modern television. Now, as we head toward Season 23, fans are already buzzing with anticipation. While CBS has confirmed its return in Fall 2025, the burning question remains: When exactly will NCIS Season 23 premiere?
In this article, we’ll break down the likely premiere window, compare past seasons’ air dates, and unpack what CBS’s current scheduling hints could mean. Let’s dive into all things NCIS Season 23.
🕵️♂️ A Quick Recap: NCIS’s Dominance on Television
Before we dig into the release date specifics, let’s take a step back.
A Legacy of Ratings Gold
NCIS launched back in 2003 and quickly became one of the most-watched scripted dramas in the world. With characters like Gibbs, DiNozzo, Abby, and McGee, the show developed a loyal fanbase that has only grown stronger.
Still Going Strong
Even with cast changes and evolving storylines, NCIS continues to pull in millions of viewers per week — a testament to its compelling storytelling and character-driven plots.
📺 When Does NCIS Usually Premiere? (Looking at Past Patterns)
Let’s use a little TV detective work to figure out Season 23’s premiere date. Historically, CBS follows a very predictable fall premiere pattern.
Past Season Premieres:
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Season 20: Premiered on Monday, Sept 19, 2022
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Season 21: Delayed due to strikes, released in Feb 2024
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Season 22: Returned to a Fall schedule in September 2024
From this pattern, one thing is clear: CBS loves its mid-to-late September launches.
📆 Predicting the NCIS Season 23 Premiere Date
So what’s the most likely date for Season 23?
Most Likely Window:
We’re placing our bets on Monday, September 22 or 29, 2025 — both dates fall in CBS’s traditional fall rollout period.
Why? Because CBS has consistently used Mondays in September as NCIS’s launchpad, ensuring it kicks off the week’s ratings on a strong note.
🗓️ Key Factors That Affect Premiere Dates
There are a few variables to consider when pinpointing the exact air date.
1. NFL Schedule
CBS has rights to some NFL games. Monday Night Football or a doubleheader can push shows around.
2. Production Timelines
Is filming on track? If there are delays in production (weather, cast availability, post-production), the premiere could shift by a week or two.
3. CBS’s Full Fall Lineup
The network may adjust the launch to sync with the premieres of other major shows like “FBI,” “Blue Bloods,” or “NCIS: Hawai’i.”
🎥 Is Season 23 Already Filming?
As of June 2025, pre-production is underway, with full filming expected to begin in July.
That aligns perfectly with a September premiere window, giving the team a full two months of filming and editing before going to air.
💣 Will Season 23 Be Packed With Explosive Plot Twists?
Let’s be real — it’s not just about when the show airs. It’s about what we’re getting.
What Fans Expect:
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More backstory on McGee and Torres
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Possible new character introductions
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A crossover episode with “NCIS: Origins” or “NCIS: Hawai’i”
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A tribute arc for Ducky, following David McCallum’s real-life passing
🎭 Any Big Casting Changes in Season 23?
So far, no major exits have been announced, but whispers are swirling that Season 23 could be a turning point.
Possibility of Returns?
Fans are speculating about surprise appearances — maybe even from fan-favorites like Ziva David or Tony DiNozzo.
And with “NCIS: Origins” gaining traction, crossovers and flashbacks might be part of the Season 23 game plan.
🕐 What Time Will It Air?
Unless CBS changes course, expect the show to continue in its 8 PM EST Monday slot.
That’s prime time territory and right where NCIS has lived comfortably for years.
📡 How to Watch NCIS Season 23
Here’s your viewing guide:
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CBS Broadcast: Every Monday at 8 PM EST
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Paramount+: Next-day streaming
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On-Demand: Usually available via Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and others
🌍 Will It Be Released Internationally?
Absolutely. NCIS has a huge following worldwide.
International Airings Typically Include:
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Canada (Global TV): Same-day broadcast
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UK (Disney+ or Sky): Delayed by a few days
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Australia: Usually airs within a week
🧩 Could NCIS Season 23 Premiere Early?
Here’s a twist: CBS could surprise us.
If production stays ahead of schedule, and to outpace competing networks, they might bump the premiere up to early September, possibly even September 15.
Unlikely, but in TV, never say never.
📈 Will Season 23 Be the Final Season?
There’s no official word yet — but here’s what we know:
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CBS hasn’t hinted at an end
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Ratings are still strong
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Spin-offs are expanding (a good sign)
So don’t expect NCIS to hang up its badge just yet.
🤫 Sneaky Ways CBS Teases Premiere Dates
If you want to be the first to know the exact date, keep an eye on:
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CBS’s Fall Preview Trailers
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Upfront Presentations
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Social Media Teasers from NCIS Writers and Cast
🎯 Final Prediction for NCIS Season 23 Premiere
Drumroll, please…
We predict Monday, September 22, 2025, at 8 PM EST on CBS.
If it’s not that date, September 29 is your backup plan.
🔚 Conclusion: Get Ready for Another Action-Packed Season
There’s something comforting about the familiar click of Gibbs’ rules, the banter between Torres and McGee, and the suspense of each case. NCIS Season 23 is set to keep that legacy alive — and maybe even reinvent itself again.
So mark your calendars, follow the cast on socials, and get ready — NCIS isn’t slowing down any time soon.
❓ 5 Unique FAQs About NCIS Season 23
1. Will Mark Harmon return for Season 23?
Unlikely in a full-time role, but guest appearances — especially tied to “NCIS: Origins” — are still possible.
2. Are there any crossovers planned for Season 23?
CBS hasn’t confirmed, but past patterns suggest at least one crossover event, potentially with “NCIS: Hawai’i.”
3. Is Ducky still part of the show in Season 23?
David McCallum passed away in 2023. Season 23 may feature a special tribute episode honoring his legacy.
4. Will Season 23 have fewer episodes like Season 21 did?
No, the show is expected to return to its standard 20–22 episode count now that production schedules are back on track.
5. Where can I watch previous seasons of NCIS before Season 23 airs?
You can catch up on all previous seasons via Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and select seasons on Netflix (region-dependent).
