The NCIS season 23 premiere ends a 20-year streak in the series that nobody really wanted. After the murder of Alden Parker’s father in the NCIS season 22 finale, MCRT bands together to help their leader hunt down Carla Marino. The Kansas mob queen is the primary suspect for the crime, but pinning her down for it isn’t going to be easy.
Despite still being one of the most-watched shows on network TV, NCIS has been slipping in viewership ratings, starting when fellow CBS show, Tracker, dethroned it as the number 1 show in primetime. Still, with a solid fan-base that has been watching the show since the 2000s, it’s safe to assume that the procedural will continue to be on the airwaves. However, to make sure that the flagship and the rest of the NCIS franchise can last for more years to come, it has to find ways to revitalize its storytelling. That starts with bringing back a forgotten storytelling gimmick in season 23.
The unthinkable has finally happened — NCIS, one of television’s longest-running and most beloved crime dramas, just ended a 20-year streak that fans never wanted to see broken. After more than two decades of solving crimes, catching killers, and delivering emotional farewells, NCIS Season 23 has marked a bittersweet turning point in the show’s history. Let’s dive deep into what exactly happened, why this streak mattered so much, and how it changes the legacy of one of TV’s most iconic shows.
What Streak Did NCIS Break After 20 Years?
For 20 straight seasons, NCIS has managed to maintain a rare consistency in television: having a full season of episodes every year since its debut in 2003. But Season 23 has changed that.
Due to a combination of production delays, industry strikes, and scheduling challenges, NCIS Season 23 aired with fewer episodes than any other season in the show’s history — effectively ending its two-decade streak of uninterrupted, full-length seasons.
For long-time fans, this wasn’t just a scheduling hiccup. It symbolized the end of an era.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
TV shows come and go — that’s just the way the industry works. But NCIS wasn’t “just another show.” It was a constant, a familiar presence that audiences could rely on year after year.
The series weathered cast departures, spinoffs, and even network shifts, yet it always returned stronger than before. To see that rhythm disrupted felt almost personal to many loyal fans.
It wasn’t just about fewer episodes — it was about losing the one thing NCIS always delivered: stability.
A Quick Look Back: The Legacy of NCIS
Before we unpack what led to this moment, it’s worth remembering how far NCIS has come.
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Premiered: 2003 as a spinoff of JAG
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Created by: Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill
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Network: CBS
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Total Seasons (as of 2025): 23
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Global Reach: Broadcast in over 200 territories
Over the years, NCIS became a cultural icon — blending action, humor, and heartfelt drama. From Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) leadership to the quirky charm of Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), it was a perfect mix that kept millions hooked.
Season 23: The Turning Point
So, what exactly went wrong with Season 23?
1. Production Delays and Industry Strikes
The 2023–2024 Hollywood strikes hit the TV industry hard, delaying filming schedules and cutting episode orders across multiple networks. NCIS was no exception.
2. Cast and Crew Transitions
Behind the scenes, NCIS was navigating new leadership and story directions. The absence of long-time cast members and the addition of new characters shifted the show’s tone and production priorities.
3. Network Strategy Changes
CBS restructured its programming lineup, giving more attention to newer spinoffs like NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: Sydney, which further impacted production time and resources for the main series.
How Many Episodes Did Season 23 Have?
Traditionally, NCIS seasons averaged between 20 to 24 episodes. But Season 23 broke that tradition, reportedly airing only 10 to 13 episodes, depending on scheduling and region.
That’s a significant cut — nearly half of what fans were used to.
Fan Reactions: A Mix of Heartbreak and Hope
Social media lit up the moment CBS confirmed the shortened season. Loyal fans expressed their disappointment, with many sharing memories of watching NCIS since its early 2000s debut.
“I’ve watched Gibbs and the team every Tuesday for 20 years. It’s like losing an old friend,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Yet amid the heartbreak, others viewed it as a necessary evolution. The show has reinvented itself before — and could do it again.
Mark Harmon’s Legacy Still Looms Large
Even though Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs left the series in Season 19, his presence continues to define the show.
Every storyline, every character arc, still echoes Gibbs’ rules and leadership style. Fans often say NCIS hasn’t been quite the same without him — and this shortened season only amplified that feeling.
Is This the Beginning of the End for NCIS?
Let’s be honest — a shortened season after 20 years might feel like a red flag. But insiders and CBS executives suggest otherwise.
The network reportedly remains fully committed to the NCIS franchise, with multiple spinoffs still in active production. However, they’re also aware that audiences’ viewing habits have shifted toward shorter, tighter storytelling formats.
In other words, this might not be the end — just a new chapter.
How NCIS Reinvented Itself Over the Years
The secret to NCIS’ longevity has always been its ability to evolve without losing its essence.
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When Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) left — fans mourned, but the show adapted.
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When Abby Sciuto departed — viewers doubted it could continue, yet it thrived.
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When Gibbs said goodbye — NCIS still found a way forward.
If there’s one thing history proves, it’s that NCIS doesn’t quit easily.
The Franchise Factor: Why NCIS Still Dominates
Even with a shortened season, NCIS continues to be a powerhouse. Its spinoffs — NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: Hawai’i, and NCIS: Sydney — keep the universe alive and expanding.
This shared universe keeps fans invested, ensuring that even when one show takes a hit, the others help carry the torch.
What’s Next for the NCIS Universe?
Rumors are already swirling about NCIS Season 24 and potential new crossovers. CBS seems keen to explore new storylines and perhaps even bring back familiar faces in guest appearances.
There’s even chatter about a limited-run reunion or TV movie featuring Gibbs. Imagine that comeback!
Why Fans Still Tune In — Even After 20 Years
Despite changing times, NCIS offers something rare: comfort.
It’s the kind of show you can tune into after a long day and feel at home. The characters, the cases, the chemistry — they create a world that feels steady, even when everything else doesn’t.
That’s why losing the 20-year streak hits so hard. It wasn’t just TV — it was tradition.
Lessons From NCIS Season 23
If there’s a takeaway from all this, it’s that even the most enduring stories need to adapt.
The shortened season may not have been what fans wanted, but it reflects the reality of modern television — where quality, flexibility, and creative storytelling matter more than sheer episode count.
Final Thoughts: The End of a Streak, Not a Legacy
NCIS Season 23 may have ended a 20-year streak, but it hasn’t ended the heart of the show.
For fans, the memories of Gibbs’ wisdom, DiNozzo’s humor, and Ducky’s charm remain timeless. As long as there are crimes to solve and stories to tell, NCIS will continue to live on — in reruns, in spin-offs, and in the hearts of millions.
So maybe the streak is over. But the story? Far from it.
