The Big Shake-Up: NCIS Season 23 Isn’t Sticking to Tradition
CBS has officially thrown a curveball at longtime NCIS fans. After more than two decades of dependable weekly airtime, NCIS Season 23 is scheduled for a major programming shift—and viewers aren’t sure how to feel. The procedural juggernaut that typically dominates Monday nights is about to find itself in a whole new slot, and this isn’t just a minor adjustment.
So what’s going on at CBS, and how will this affect fans? Let’s dig into everything you need to know about this NCIS schedule shake-up—from reasons behind the move to how it could impact the future of the franchise.
Why CBS Is Moving NCIS Season 23: The Inside Story
A Strategic Shift in Programming Philosophy
CBS isn’t shuffling the NCIS time slot just for fun. The network is rethinking how it packages its primetime lineup in a bid to maximize viewership across all demographics. That means aligning similar genres, experimenting with time blocks, and—most importantly—making room for new or spinoff shows.
Making Way for ‘NCIS: Origins’
One of the biggest factors influencing the shake-up is “NCIS: Origins,” the highly anticipated prequel series about a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. CBS plans to create a dedicated NCIS block, which means moving the flagship series to accommodate this spinoff’s premiere. Think of it as rearranging puzzle pieces to form a bigger picture.
When Will NCIS Season 23 Air on CBS?
Goodbye Mondays, Hello Tuesdays?
Rumors swirling in the TV world suggest that NCIS could be bumped to a Tuesday night slot, allowing “NCIS: Origins” to take the Monday night anchor position. This isn’t confirmed yet, but internal sources have hinted at a schedule designed to promote continuity while offering something new.
A Later Time Slot Could Be in the Works
There’s also speculation about NCIS airing in a later time slot to appeal to a more adult audience and make room for lighter or family-friendly programming in earlier hours. For longtime fans, this might mean adjusting the DVR or changing your watch party plans.
What This Means for NCIS Viewers
New Routine, Same Action-Packed Drama
Yes, you’ll have to update your calendar, but fear not—the core of NCIS remains unchanged. You’ll still get the crime-solving, forensic science, emotional backstories, and witty banter you’ve come to expect. The difference? You might be watching it after dinner instead of before.
Potential Viewer Drop-Off?
TV history shows that schedule changes can affect ratings. Fans are creatures of habit. If CBS doesn’t market the shift effectively, NCIS could take a temporary hit in viewership. However, the network seems to be planning a robust promotional push, especially around premiere week.
Will the Schedule Change Affect NCIS Spin-Offs?
NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: Sydney in the Crosshairs
This shake-up could ripple through the entire franchise. With NCIS Season 23 moving, the network might shuffle other shows in the franchise to keep things aligned. That means “NCIS: Hawai’i” or “NCIS: Sydney” could also find themselves in new time slots or even different nights.
How Fans Are Reacting to the NCIS Schedule Shift
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Some fans are thrilled at the idea of a refreshed lineup—especially those excited about “NCIS: Origins.” Others aren’t so sure, worrying that any change might “break the magic” of the long-standing Monday ritual.
Nostalgia vs. Evolution
Let’s be real: change is hard, especially when it involves a 20-year tradition. But NCIS has evolved before—from cast exits to new showrunners—and it’s always bounced back. If anything, this could be a fresh start.
What Could Go Wrong With the New Schedule?
Losing Loyal Viewers in Transition
The biggest risk? Loyal fans tuning out due to confusion. If CBS doesn’t hammer the messaging home, some longtime viewers may simply miss the new air date. And that could lead to lower ratings, at least in the short term.
Competition From Other Networks
By moving NCIS, CBS also risks putting it up against other network juggernauts, like NBC’s “Chicago P.D.” or ABC’s “The Rookie.” It’s a high-stakes gamble, and the ratings war will be closely watched.
How CBS Plans to Promote the New Schedule
Massive Teasers and Crossovers Expected
Expect CBS to go all out. Think teasers during NFL games, cast interviews, cross-promotion during “Survivor,” and social media takeovers. They’re betting big on this new NCIS lineup.
‘NCIS: Origins’ Will Help Drive Traffic
By premiering “NCIS: Origins” right before or after the flagship show, CBS hopes to create a seamless viewing experience that keeps audiences locked in for hours.
How Will This Affect NCIS Season 23 Storytelling?
More Serialized Drama?
With a new time slot might come a shift in tone or pacing. Later airings could open the door for deeper, darker storytelling—think more intense cases, grittier character arcs, and less network-friendly fluff.
Bigger Crossovers, Bigger Stakes
To solidify the franchise block, CBS might lean into massive crossover events, weaving “Origins,” “Hawai’i,” and “NCIS” into shared story arcs that require watching all three.
The Future of NCIS on CBS: Is This Just the Beginning?
A Permanent Change or One-Time Experiment?
This move might be a test run. If ratings jump and fans stick around, CBS could make this the new normal. If not, don’t be surprised if they shuffle things again by mid-season.
Could This Impact NCIS Season 24 and Beyond?
A New Era for the Franchise
If this gamble pays off, CBS could use it as a blueprint for future seasons—possibly launching even more spinoffs or building an entire “NCIS Night” like NBC’s “One Chicago.”
Behind the Scenes: What the Cast Thinks
Mark Harmon May Not Return—But He’s Watching
While Mark Harmon is still out of the picture as Gibbs, insiders suggest he’s closely watching how Season 23 performs. Could a successful shake-up be the thing that lures him back for a cameo?
Cast Members Share Optimism
Several cast members have voiced support for the move, calling it “an exciting new chapter” in interviews. They see it as a way to keep NCIS fresh without changing what fans love.
What You Should Do As a Fan Right Now
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Update your DVR settings.
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Follow CBS and NCIS on social media.
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Tell your friends about the change.
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Support the premiere of “NCIS: Origins.”
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Get ready for a new chapter in NCIS history.
Conclusion: NCIS Is Changing, But It’s Not Going Anywhere
NCIS has always adapted—whether through cast changes, evolving storylines, or now, a big schedule move. Season 23 marks a new chapter for the beloved franchise, and while change can be uncomfortable, it can also be the thing that sparks new life into a legacy series.
So set those reminders, rally your watch group, and get ready. NCIS Season 23 might air at a different time, but it’s still bringing the same high-stakes drama, heart, and mystery that’s kept fans coming back for over 20 years.
FAQs
1. Why is CBS changing the NCIS schedule for Season 23?
CBS is restructuring its primetime lineup to make room for new content like “NCIS: Origins” and to align shows for strategic audience targeting.
2. What day will NCIS Season 23 air?
While CBS hasn’t confirmed the exact day, current speculation suggests a shift from Monday to Tuesday nights.
3. Will the schedule change affect NCIS: Hawai’i or NCIS: Sydney?
It’s possible. CBS might realign all NCIS-branded shows to fit within a dedicated block, so other spinoffs could shift as well.
4. Could this schedule change hurt NCIS ratings?
Yes, temporarily. Longtime viewers may take time to adjust, but CBS plans a big promo push to ease the transition.
5. Is Mark Harmon returning for Season 23?
There’s no official word yet, but insiders say he’s keeping an eye on the show’s direction—and the door isn’t closed.
