When a TV show crosses the two-decade mark, audiences expect it to slow down, lean on nostalgia, and eventually fade into the background of network television. But NCIS, the CBS powerhouse that debuted in 2003, has no intention of playing by those rules. With Season 23 officially confirmed and filming already underway, the long-running naval crime drama is not just surviving—it’s thriving.
And if you need proof of the excitement brewing behind the scenes, look no further than Brian Dietzen, the man fans have watched grow from “autopsy gremlin” Jimmy Palmer into the Chief Medical Examiner and emotional anchor of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT). His three-word social media announcement, “We are so back,” set the fandom ablaze and confirmed what fans have been hoping for: NCIS is preparing for one of its most ambitious, character-driven seasons yet.
A Cast That Refuses to Break
One of the franchise’s secrets to longevity has always been its ensemble. While characters have come and gone—sometimes in heartbreaking fashion—the show has consistently rebuilt itself around the chemistry of its core team. Season 23 will be no exception.
Returning to the bullpen this fall are:
-
Gary Cole as Special Agent Alden Parker
-
Sean Murray as Special Agent Timothy McGee
-
Wilmer Valderrama as Special Agent Nick Torres
-
Katrina Law as Special Agent Jessica Knight
-
Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer
-
Diona Reasonover as Forensic Scientist Kasie Hines
-
Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance
The lineup provides continuity while also pushing the franchise forward. Sean Murray—who has been with the series since Season 1—is now the beating heart of the show, while Cole’s Parker has brought fresh, nuanced energy as Gibbs’ successor.
And fans aren’t just hearing about this return through press releases. Social media is buzzing with behind-the-scenes posts from the cast. Valderrama, never shy about leaning into Torres’ charisma, shared a cheeky video from set, while Murray kept his celebration understated. But Dietzen’s declaration has become the rallying cry: NCIS is back, intact, and ready for its next act.
Back to Tuesdays: A Full Night of NCIS
CBS is also making a bold scheduling move that feels both nostalgic and strategic. After years of shifting time slots, NCIS returns to Tuesdays at 8/7c, the night where it originally built its legacy.
Even more exciting? It won’t stand alone. Season 23 will kick off a full block of naval investigations, with NCIS: Origins (a prequel exploring Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early years, starring Austin Stowell) and NCIS: Sydney following immediately after.
For fans, that means Tuesdays are no longer just primetime—they’re NCIS night, a ritual reminiscent of the show’s early dominance when millions tuned in live each week.
What Season 23 Promises: Character at the Center
Showrunner Steven D. Binder has been vocal about the direction this season will take, promising it will be “character-forward in a way we haven’t seen before.” That’s no small claim for a show often defined by its “case of the week” format.
Here’s what’s on deck:
1. Parker’s Revenge
Season 22 ended with a gut-punch: Alden Parker’s father was murdered by mob boss Carla Marino. Season 23 opens with Parker in full-blown crisis mode. Teasers show him going rogue, risking both his badge and his team to pursue justice.
The emotional fallout will introduce Navy Vice Admiral Harriet Parker (played by Nancy Travis), Alden’s estranged sister. Their sibling dynamic promises to add layers to Parker’s story—part family drama, part revenge thriller, all set against the high-stakes tension of a global manhunt.
2. Knight and Palmer’s Fragile Bond
“Jimmessica” fans, brace yourselves. The romance between Jessica Knight and Jimmy Palmer was left hanging in limbo after they chose to focus on their careers separately. Binder has confirmed their story isn’t over, and Dietzen teased that “awkward moments” between the two will be sprinkled throughout the season.
Will love find its way back, or will professional obligations keep them apart? Either way, the emotional depth of their relationship is poised to play a significant role in the season’s arc.
3. McGee’s Career Crossroads
As the last original cast member, Timothy McGee represents the soul of NCIS. Yet his career has stalled—he’s passed on promotions, choosing family stability over ambition. Season 23 might finally give him the storyline fans have been waiting for: a chance to redefine his place within the agency, either through advancement or a more personal evolution.
Why NCIS Still Matters in 2025
In today’s fragmented TV landscape, shows come and go faster than viewers can catch up. But NCIS continues to thrive because it balances two essential ingredients: procedural reliability and emotional storytelling.
Every week, fans know they’ll get a compelling case. But what keeps them coming back isn’t just the mystery—it’s the people solving it. The show has grown with its audience, evolving from Gibbs’ era of tough love to Parker’s more collaborative leadership style, while still keeping the emotional throughline alive.
Brian Dietzen’s viral “We are so back” isn’t just a throwaway social media post—it’s a reminder of why NCIS endures. The team is family, both on screen and off, and audiences keep tuning in because they feel part of that family too.
The Legacy Continues
With Season 23, NCIS isn’t just marking another year on the air—it’s cementing its place as one of television’s most resilient institutions. Whether it’s Parker’s dangerous quest for justice, the uncertainty of Knight and Palmer’s future, or McGee’s next chapter, the show is making one thing clear: after more than two decades, the MCRT still has stories worth telling.
So, circle the date: October 14, 8/7c. The team is back, the stakes are higher, and the promise is simple—NCIS isn’t just still here. It’s better than ever.
