NCIS showrunner Steven D. Binder has revealed how season 23 will change Director Vance as a character. The long-running CBS show is considered one of the greatest procedurals of all time, and, with NCIS season 22 concluding in May 2025, season 23 is due to premiere October 14, and could see a big change to one key character. While NCIS season 22 wasted its best villain in years, the finale still brought with it plenty of twists, culminating in Alden Parker discovering the death of his father at the hands of mob boss Carla Marino. This looks to set up an emotional Parker arc in season 23, but changes to Vance’s character could come into conflict with this.
In an interview with TV Insider, Binder describes how the typically relaxed director is set to have a more by-the-book approach this season, for a mysterious reason. He discussed how the changes are set to try to hasten the conclusion of the storyline, and teased some explosive moments. Check out his comments below:
We’ve often played Director Vance telling his team they need to get back in the box, then he goes, wink, wink, nudge, nudge, and leaves the file on his desk while he leaves the office so they can look through something they need to. That’s not the case this time. There are “mysterious reasons” for why he’s going back to being “very by the book.” We feel like this storyline is nearing its conclusion, and we are going to hasten that. At various points, they’re all going to have their explosive moments.
Fans of NCIS have been eagerly waiting for Season 23, and it looks like the show is set to deliver one of its most transformative seasons yet. Recently, the showrunner revealed that Director Leon Vance, one of the most stable and respected figures in the NCIS universe, is about to undergo major character changes that could redefine his legacy. Let’s dive deep into what’s coming for Vance, how it connects to the show’s evolving direction, and what this means for the future of NCIS.
Who Is Leon Vance in NCIS?
Before unpacking what’s new, let’s revisit who Leon Vance really is. Introduced in Season 5, Vance quickly established himself as a sharp, no-nonsense leader who brought structure and integrity to the agency. Over the years, he’s balanced his professional authority with personal struggles — from the loss of his wife Jackie to raising his children as a single father.
Vance’s mix of discipline, empathy, and resilience has made him one of the most grounded characters on NCIS. But now, things are about to change.
The Showrunner’s Revelation
In a recent interview, the NCIS showrunner hinted that Season 23 will take Vance into uncharted territory. According to the showrunner, “We’ve seen Vance as the rock of NCIS for years — this season, we’ll see what happens when that rock starts to crack.”
This statement alone has fans buzzing. It suggests that Vance may face challenges that test his leadership and even his moral compass.
A New Side of Vance: Vulnerability and Conflict
One of the biggest shifts coming in Season 23 is a deeper exploration of Vance’s vulnerability. He’s always been the one to hold others together — Gibbs, Torres, and even Parker have turned to him for guidance. But now, the tables might turn.
Expect to see Vance confronting his past — both personally and professionally. Rumors hint that unresolved issues from his early career could resurface, putting his reputation and future at risk.
Why Now? The Timing Behind Vance’s Transformation
After 22 seasons, the creative team is looking to keep the series fresh and emotionally charged. While new agents come and go, the veterans like Vance provide continuity — and giving him a major storyline is a bold way to re-energize the show.
The timing makes perfect sense: with long-time characters moving on and new faces joining the team, Season 23 could be about redefining leadership at NCIS.
The Return of Old Enemies
Every good NCIS season needs tension — and Season 23 is reportedly bringing back a ghost from Vance’s past. While details are under wraps, insiders say that this antagonist will “challenge everything Vance believes in.”
Could it be tied to his time as a field agent? Or perhaps to classified missions he authorized as Director? Fans are already speculating, and it’s clear that this storyline could be one of the most personal arcs Vance has ever faced.
Mentorship and Legacy: Passing the Torch
Another key theme of Vance’s new arc is mentorship. As the oldest remaining leader in the agency, Vance has always been a mentor figure. In Season 23, we might see him passing the torch — either to Parker or another emerging leader.
The showrunner hinted that this will be “a season about reflection and renewal.” That could mean Vance will question whether he still belongs in the Director’s chair — or if it’s time to move on.
How the Team Reacts to Vance’s Change
One of the most intriguing aspects of this storyline will be how the team reacts. Agents like Parker, McGee, and Torres have always looked up to Vance. Seeing him struggle or change his leadership style could shake the entire team dynamic.
Imagine the tension when a Director known for certainty starts doubting himself — it’s bound to create emotional and dramatic ripples throughout the season.
A Possible Family Reunion
There’s also buzz that Vance’s family life could play a bigger role this season. His children, who have grown up mostly off-screen, might return with their own complications.
Fans have long wanted closure for Vance’s family storyline — and this might be the season it happens. A personal crisis at home could mirror the professional challenges he faces at NCIS.
Thematic Depth: Strength Through Struggle
What’s powerful about this direction is how it humanizes a leader. NCIS has always thrived on showing the emotional cost of service. By peeling back Vance’s layers, Season 23 promises to explore strength through struggle — how even the strongest people can falter, and how they rise again.
A Leadership Crisis at NCIS Headquarters
Sources close to production tease that Season 23 might feature a leadership crisis at NCIS. If Vance’s judgment is questioned or his authority undermined, we could see a power struggle within the agency.
Such tension could bring high-stakes drama — especially if national security is on the line. This storyline might also introduce a new rival or temporary replacement, further complicating Vance’s position.
Michael Weatherly’s Potential Return and Its Connection
Here’s where things get really exciting — rumors suggest that Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) might make an appearance this season. If true, it could connect deeply to Vance’s arc.
DiNozzo always had a complicated but respectful relationship with Vance, and his return during a leadership crisis could make for an emotional and nostalgic moment.
Behind the Scenes: Rocky Carroll’s Perspective
Actor Rocky Carroll, who portrays Leon Vance, has been a cornerstone of NCIS since 2008. In a recent interview, he mentioned feeling grateful for the opportunity to show “a different, more personal side” of his character.
He also teased that fans might see Vance make decisions that “surprise even himself.” That’s a hint that this isn’t just a minor change — it’s a full-blown evolution.
What Fans Are Saying
The NCIS fandom is divided — some are thrilled to see new depth in Vance’s character, while others worry the show might “break” a beloved leader. But one thing’s for sure: everyone is talking about it.
Social media is already buzzing with theories, emotional fan edits, and even hashtags like #VanceDeservesPeace trending among loyal viewers.
Why This Change Matters
Long-running series risk becoming predictable, but NCIS has found ways to reinvent itself time and again. By focusing on Vance, the writers are grounding the story in authentic human emotion while pushing the boundaries of leadership storytelling.
It’s not just about crime-solving anymore — it’s about resilience, identity, and legacy.
Conclusion
NCIS Season 23 promises to be one of the most emotionally charged seasons in the franchise’s history. With Leon Vance stepping into the spotlight, viewers can expect power struggles, personal revelations, and moments that redefine what it means to lead under pressure.
Whether he emerges stronger or decides to walk away, one thing is clear — Vance’s journey will leave a lasting impact on NCIS and its devoted fan base.
