Attention, NCIS fans! One of your favorite characters may have romance on his mind in the upcoming season. As season 23 of the hit CBS drama kicks off on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, folks are eager to see the NCIS team dig into new cases. But the show doesn’t just focus on work — viewers also get to peek into characters’ personal lives. And while some characters have had epic relationships, Wilmer Valderrama’s character Nick Torres has been single for some time.
But as the actor shared in an interview with TV Insider on October 13, it looks like Torres may be changing his tune in the dating world for NCIS season 23. As Wilmer teased to the outlet, his character has been without a girlfriend for some valid reasons.
When it comes to NCIS, few characters have captivated audiences like Nick Torres, played by Wilmer Valderrama. Over the years, Torres has evolved from a mysterious undercover agent into a loyal, complex, and emotionally layered member of the NCIS team. And now, as Season 23 approaches, Valderrama is teasing something that has fans buzzing with anticipation—a surprise twist no one saw coming. Let’s dive into everything we know so far, what it could mean for Torres, and how this season might shake up the NCIS universe in unexpected ways.
The Legacy of Nick Torres in NCIS
Before we unpack the Season 23 teaser, it’s worth revisiting why Torres is such a standout character. Introduced in Season 14, he quickly became a fan favorite for his charm, humor, and underlying emotional depth.
From his struggles with trust to his deep sense of loyalty, Torres embodies the perfect mix of toughness and vulnerability. He’s a modern NCIS hero—flawed but fiercely protective of his team.
Wilmer Valderrama’s Deep Connection with the Role
Valderrama has always described playing Torres as a “deeply personal journey.” He’s credited the show with allowing him to explore emotional storylines that mirror real human struggles—trauma, loss, and redemption.
In interviews, Valderrama often says that Torres is more than just another agent—he’s a man constantly battling his own inner demons. And now, according to the actor, Season 23 will take Torres to places “we’ve never seen before.”
Season 23: A Turning Point for Torres
So, what exactly is this surprise Valderrama keeps hinting at?
During a recent interview, he teased that fans “won’t see it coming” and that it will “change how we see Torres forever.”
That’s a bold statement. It suggests something major is on the horizon—perhaps a revelation from his past, a shocking decision, or a life-changing event.
Could Torres Be Leaving NCIS?
Let’s address the question on every fan’s mind: Is Torres leaving the team?
Rumors have been swirling ever since Season 22’s emotional finale. Torres faced moral dilemmas, hinted at a desire for change, and seemed burdened by something bigger than himself.
While Valderrama has not confirmed an exit, his tease could indicate a career shift, a hidden secret, or even a new leadership role within the NCIS division.
Hints from the NCIS Writers’ Room
Writers have promised that Season 23 will be “emotionally explosive” and “character-driven.” Executive producer Steven D. Binder hinted that this year’s storylines would dive deeper into the agents’ personal lives—especially Torres’s.
Binder said, “We’re finally going to see Torres face something he’s been avoiding for years.”
That one line has fueled endless fan theories across social media.
Possible Theories Behind the ‘Big Surprise’
Here are a few possibilities fans are buzzing about:
1. Torres’ Family Secret
We’ve seen glimpses of Torres’ family issues before, but what if there’s more to the story? Could a long-lost sibling or a secret from his father’s past return to haunt him?
2. A Romantic Twist
There’s always been chemistry between Torres and Bishop, and later, with other team members. Could Season 23 finally give Torres a meaningful romantic arc?
3. A Betrayal or Undercover Mission
Given his undercover background, Torres might be sent deep into a mission that challenges his loyalty. What if the team believes he’s turned against them?
4. A Major Promotion
Alternatively, Torres might be stepping into a leadership role—a natural evolution for his character after years of growth.
Fan Reactions: The Internet Is Exploding
When Valderrama dropped the teaser during a live Q&A, fans went wild.
Hashtags like #TorresTwist, #NCISSeason23, and #WilmerValderrama began trending within hours.
Twitter and Reddit lit up with speculation. One fan wrote,
“If they hurt Torres again, I’m starting a petition!”
Another joked,
“Wilmer always says ‘you won’t see it coming,’ and he’s right—I’m emotionally unprepared!”
What Makes Torres’ Character So Relatable
Part of what makes Torres resonate with fans is his humanity. He’s not invincible. He’s a man who’s endured betrayal, guilt, and fear—but still finds ways to fight for justice.
In many ways, Torres represents resilience. His storylines often mirror real-world struggles with identity and belonging, making him one of the most grounded characters in NCIS history.
Wilmer Valderrama’s Growth Beyond NCIS
Outside the show, Valderrama has become an influential figure in Hollywood—producing, directing, and advocating for diversity and representation.
His creative evolution mirrors Torres’s on-screen growth. It’s no wonder fans feel so deeply connected to him; his authenticity shines through every scene.
The Future of NCIS After 23 Seasons
It’s remarkable that NCIS, after more than two decades, still finds ways to reinvent itself.
With beloved characters leaving and new ones joining, the franchise remains fresh by focusing on emotional storytelling rather than just procedural cases.
Season 23 seems poised to continue that tradition—anchored by Valderrama’s powerful performance and the emotional complexity of Torres’s arc.
How the Surprise Might Impact the Team
No NCIS storyline exists in isolation. Whatever happens to Torres will undoubtedly ripple through the team—especially McGee, Parker, and Kasie.
If Torres takes a new path, it might test team dynamics, trust, and even the structure of NCIS itself.
Could This Be a Setup for a Spin-Off?
Some fans believe the twist could serve as a launching point for a Torres-centered spin-off.
With Valderrama’s charisma and the character’s layered backstory, a solo series focusing on Torres’s undercover past or future missions would be an easy sell.
CBS has already expanded the NCIS universe with NCIS: Hawai‘i and NCIS: Sydney. A Torres spin-off would feel like the next natural move.
Why Fans Should Be Excited, Not Worried
While surprises often spark anxiety in fandoms, this one seems designed to expand Torres’s story, not end it. Valderrama’s enthusiasm during interviews suggests he’s deeply invested in the future of the character.
In his words:
“This season, you’ll understand Torres in a way you never have before.”
That doesn’t sound like a goodbye—it sounds like a rebirth.
When Will NCIS Season 23 Premiere?
CBS hasn’t confirmed the exact release date yet, but early 2026 is the expected window. Fans can likely anticipate a January or February premiere, following the network’s usual midseason schedule.
Until then, we can only speculate—and rewatch past Torres episodes to catch hidden clues.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for a Beloved Agent
Wilmer Valderrama’s tease has done exactly what it was meant to—ignite excitement and curiosity.
Whether Torres faces heartbreak, redemption, or a brand-new mission, one thing is certain: Season 23 will redefine what we thought we knew about him.
After years of service, loyalty, and sacrifice, maybe Torres is finally getting the storyline he truly deserves.
Conclusion
Nick Torres isn’t just another NCIS agent—he’s the emotional heartbeat of the team. With Wilmer Valderrama promising a surprise that will leave fans stunned, Season 23 is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable yet.
Whether it’s a shocking twist, a personal revelation, or the start of a new journey, Torres’s story continues to prove why NCIS remains one of TV’s most enduring dramas.
Get ready, NCIS fans—something big is coming.
