Introduction: The Risky Move NCIS Is Making
NCIS is no stranger to reinvention. For over two decades, it’s remained one of TV’s most-watched franchises. But with Season 23, the flagship series is clearly eyeing its younger spinoffs for inspiration—specifically ‘NCIS: Hawai’i,’ which has gained unexpected momentum. The twist? NCIS is now copying a storytelling trick that made the spinoff shine. The concern? It might be too little, too late.
How NCIS Became a TV Titan
When NCIS debuted in 2003, it didn’t exactly shake the world. But quietly, steadily, it built one of the most loyal followings in television history. With smart writing, magnetic characters like Gibbs, Abby, and Tony, and crime cases that balanced grit with heart, NCIS became appointment TV.
The Rise of NCIS Spinoffs
Over the years, CBS launched several spinoffs—NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and more recently, NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: Sydney. While not all enjoyed equal success, NCIS: Hawai’i emerged as a fan favorite for a fresh tone, relatable cast, and emotional storytelling that feels less procedural and more personal.
What Makes ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ the Best Spinoff Right Now?
It’s not just about tropical backdrops or new uniforms. NCIS: Hawai’i brought something deeper: character-led arcs, serialized storylines, and relationship-building that fans could invest in. Gone were the “case-of-the-week” templates. In their place? Emotional stakes. And it worked.
The Trick NCIS Season 23 Is Trying to Copy
So what’s the “trick” NCIS Season 23 is lifting? Serialized character arcs with personal consequences. Rather than keeping every episode self-contained, the show is now stringing plots across episodes — allowing characters to grow, clash, and change. It’s a narrative shift straight from Hawai’i’s playbook.
Why the Trick Worked in the Spinoff
Here’s the catch: it worked in NCIS: Hawai’i because that’s how it started. The tone, writing, and cast were built around this method from day one. The audience was trained to expect character evolution over time. So when big twists hit, they mattered.
The Timing Problem With NCIS Season 23
Trying to inject serialized drama into a 22-year-old show is like trying to teach an old dog parkour. It’s not impossible — just clunky. Longtime fans have been conditioned to enjoy episodic resolution. Now, they’re being asked to adjust to slower-burning stories, and the transition isn’t smooth.
Burnout: Is the Original Series Showing Its Age?
There’s no shame in admitting that 23 seasons is a heavy load. Viewers have cycled through many cast changes, from the loss of Tony and Ziva to Gibbs’ emotional farewell. With so many resets, NCIS has already been through multiple identities. Adding a new one might just stretch things too far.
Character Chemistry — The Make-Or-Break Factor
NCIS: Hawai’i benefits from strong natural chemistry among its lead characters. Tennant, Kai, Lucy, and Jesse bring modern energy and authenticity to their interactions. Meanwhile, NCIS Season 23 is still recalibrating after losing central figures. Without tight chemistry, even great writing can fall flat.
New Faces, Old Problems
Season 23 brings in new characters trying to spark new life—but they’re stepping into enormous shoes. Rather than feeling fresh, they often feel like replacements. That’s dangerous. When casting starts feeling like a revolving door, viewers stop investing emotionally.
Plot-Driven or Character-Driven? The Critical Difference
A key reason this trick might not work is that NCIS has always been plot-driven. People tuned in for clever cases and cool forensic science. NCIS: Hawai’i, on the other hand, built itself on why people did what they did, not just how. Shifting that balance in Season 23 risks confusing both new and old fans.
The Audience Shift That Spinoffs Understood First
Let’s face it: today’s viewers want more than just puzzles. They want people. Backstories. Emotional continuity. That’s why shows like The Rookie, FBI, and NCIS: Hawai’i resonate—they meet modern audience expectations. NCIS is trying to catch up, but the question remains: is it too late?
Legacy Pressure: The Curse of Being First
Being the original means every change feels weightier. Fans expect tradition. Spinoffs, on the other hand, have creative flexibility. That means NCIS is walking a tightrope—change too little and seem outdated; change too much and lose your core.
What Could Save NCIS Season 23 From Failing?
It’s not hopeless. If the writers can gradually build character arcs without ditching the case-solving backbone, Season 23 could find a powerful new rhythm. But it requires commitment, patience, and honest acknowledgment of what the show is now—not what it used to be.
Final Thoughts: Bold Isn’t Always Better
Copying a successful formula isn’t a crime—it’s smart business. But it has to fit the bones of the show. NCIS Season 23 is clearly trying to evolve, but evolution needs more than a borrowed trick. It needs soul, trust in the cast, and a story that’s willing to burn slow without burning out.
Conclusion
NCIS isn’t dead—not by a long shot. But it’s at a crossroads. Season 23’s effort to emulate NCIS: Hawai’i’s emotional depth is admirable, but risky. Whether it lands or stumbles depends on execution, audience patience, and whether the original can still feel… well, original. Because sometimes, what works in paradise doesn’t translate on the mainland.
FAQs
1. What specific trick is NCIS Season 23 copying from NCIS: Hawai’i?
Season 23 is adopting serialized, character-driven story arcs instead of focusing solely on self-contained crime cases.
2. Why did this storytelling shift work for NCIS: Hawai’i?
It was baked into the series from the beginning. The tone and cast were designed to support slow-burning, emotional stories that connect across episodes.
3. Can longtime NCIS fans adapt to this new style?
Some might, but others could find the shift jarring—especially those who prefer the procedural, case-of-the-week format.
4. What’s the biggest challenge for NCIS Season 23 with this change?
Building convincing character arcs with a new or reshuffled cast, while maintaining the show’s identity and not alienating its core fanbase.
5. Could this shift in storytelling style save the show or hurt it?
It could go either way. If executed well, it might rejuvenate the show. If rushed or unbalanced, it could further erode its already shifting viewership.
