
After Two Decades, NCIS Proves It’s Still Got Plenty of Firepower
More than two decades since its 2003 debut, NCIS is showing no signs of slowing down. The long-running procedural drama — a spinoff of JAG that became one of television’s most successful franchises — is officially returning for its 23rd season this fall on CBS. With a fresh season lined up and major storylines in motion, the beloved series is gearing up to deliver even more action, emotional twists, and character development that longtime fans have come to expect.
So when does the next chapter begin — and what can fans expect from Gibbs’ successors?
When Does NCIS Season 23 Premiere?
CBS has confirmed that NCIS Season 23 will premiere on Monday, October 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. New episodes will air weekly, kicking off an all-NCIS programming block that includes NCIS: Sydney and the prequel series NCIS: Origins — which focuses on a younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell.
While the final episode of NCIS Season 22 aired back in May, fans won’t have to wait long — the five-month gap is shorter than many seasonal breaks, offering a relatively swift return to the field.
Though no official trailer has been released as of late July, production is well underway, and teasers are expected to drop closer to the premiere date.
Where Things Left Off: Season 22 Recap
Season 22 ended on a jaw-dropping note that left fans reeling. The major twist? NCIS Special Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole) suffered a devastating personal loss when his estranged father was murdered by Carla Marino (played by Risky Business and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle icon Rebecca De Mornay), a powerful mob boss with a vendetta.
That single act of violence has major implications for Season 23, and CBS has hinted that Parker’s desire for justice — or revenge — will drive some of the season’s most compelling storylines. With emotions running high and the team at risk of being caught in a criminal crossfire, NCIS is headed for one of its most emotionally charged seasons yet.
Who’s Returning for Season 23?
The core cast of NCIS will remain intact going into Season 23. Returning fan favorites include:
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Sean Murray as Special Agent Timothy McGee, the team’s moral compass and longest-serving field agent.
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Wilmer Valderrama as Special Agent Nick Torres, whose personal demons continue to bubble under the surface.
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Katrina Law as Special Agent Jessica Knight, a tactical powerhouse with a sharp edge and evolving relationship with Torres.
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Gary Cole as Special Agent Alden Parker, the ex-FBI agent now leading the team while coping with personal tragedy.
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Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, the chief medical examiner with a heart of gold and a growing leadership role.
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Diona Reasonover as Forensic Scientist Kasie Hines, the team’s resident tech genius and emotional anchor.
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Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance, who continues to balance oversight duties with hands-on leadership.
There are also whispers of surprise appearances from past cast members — possibly even Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) or Cote de Pablo (Ziva David), as showrunners continue to tease fan-favorite returns in future arcs.
Season 23 Storylines: Revenge, Romance, and Resilience
While CBS is keeping most of the plot details tightly under wraps, sources close to the production have confirmed that Parker’s personal crusade will serve as a key narrative spine for Season 23. His quest to bring down Carla Marino could blur the line between law and vengeance, threatening both his job and his moral code.
Meanwhile, Torres is expected to deal with the lingering psychological effects of his undercover stint and time in prison — a subplot that was explored briefly in Season 22 but left unresolved. His dynamic with Jessica Knight may also evolve, potentially pushing the pair closer together or tearing them apart entirely.
Elsewhere, McGee will face new responsibilities as both a senior field agent and a family man, while Jimmy Palmer may be offered an unexpected promotion that changes the lab dynamic. With the team balancing high-stakes investigations and personal turning points, the show will continue to deliver its signature blend of procedural drama and human connection.
NCIS Franchise Momentum: Origins and Sydney Join the Party
Season 23 of the original NCIS isn’t the only action on CBS this fall. The Monday night block will feature two additional franchise entries:
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NCIS: Sydney: The first international spinoff continues its strong run after debuting in 2023. With a fresh setting and new team members, the show brings global stakes and high-octane tension to the brand.
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NCIS: Origins: A younger take on the NCIS world, this prequel series stars Austin Stowell as a 20-something Leroy Jethro Gibbs navigating his early days at Camp Pendleton under the guidance of Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid). Season 2 of Origins will premiere the same night as NCIS Season 23, making for a thrilling back-to-back viewing experience.
The Legacy Lives On
Two decades in, NCIS continues to be a powerhouse — not only dominating ratings but also keeping its storytelling fresh through evolving characters, meaningful cases, and ever-deepening emotional arcs. Season 23 is poised to keep that tradition alive with high-stakes investigations, layered personal journeys, and the kind of slow-burning suspense that has kept viewers coming back for years.
Mark your calendars: October 14. New secrets. New cases. Same beloved team.
Stay tuned for more updates, trailers, and exclusive interviews as CBS’s fall premiere schedule heats up.