For over two decades, NCIS has been the heart of CBS’s Tuesday night lineup. It’s where families gathered, mysteries unfolded, and the legend of Leroy Jethro Gibbs was built. But starting in the 2025-2026 season, all that is about to change—and believe it or not, it might be the best thing to happen to the franchise in years.
Let’s break it all down, from the schedule switch to what it means for the future of your favorite team of special agents.
CBS Shuffles the Deck for 2025-2026
CBS just rolled out its fall schedule, and it’s turning heads. NCIS, the flagship show, is leaving its long-time Tuesday night home and moving to Mondays.
What Night Will NCIS Air Now?
Starting fall 2025, NCIS will air every Monday at 9 PM ET/PT, immediately following The Neighborhood. And that’s not all…
Back-to-Back NCIS Action
In a bold move, CBS will premiere the new prequel series, NCIS: Origins, right after the original at 10 PM ET/PT, creating a full Monday night block dedicated to the franchise.
Why Did CBS Move NCIS?
You might be asking, “Why mess with something that works?” Here’s the scoop.
A Strategic Power Play
CBS isn’t just shuffling things for fun. Moving NCIS to Mondays is a strategic shift to dominate a night that has grown increasingly competitive. With Monday Night Football pulling eyes and rival dramas heating up, CBS is going all in.
Boosting the Launch of NCIS: Origins
By pairing NCIS with Origins, CBS ensures a massive audience tunes in to meet young Gibbs. It’s a double dose of crime-fighting nostalgia and fresh beginnings.
What is NCIS: Origins?
Meet Young Gibbs
NCIS: Origins travels back to the 1990s and tells the story of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he joins the fledgling NIS (before it became NCIS). Austin Stowell plays young Gibbs, and yes—Mark Harmon is narrating.
A Family Affair
The series was developed by Harmon and his son, Sean Harmon, who originally portrayed young Gibbs in flashbacks. So expect this to feel personal and authentic.
What This Means for NCIS Fans
A New Viewing Routine
Change can be hard. Tuesdays and NCIS have gone hand in hand for 20+ years. But Mondays? That could be your new favorite TV night.
Double the Drama, Same Level of Awesome
Two NCIS episodes back-to-back means double the action, double the stories, and a whole new way to connect the past with the present.
How This Could Boost Ratings
Let’s face it—NCIS isn’t quite the ratings juggernaut it once was. But this new move could change that.
A Ratings Revival Strategy
With the fresh buzz around Origins, CBS hopes fans will tune in early and stay late. Mondays might just become the new crown jewel for CBS drama.
Who’s Returning for NCIS Season 23?
The Core Cast Is Back
Expect to see:
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Sean Murray (McGee)
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Wilmer Valderrama (Torres)
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Katrina Law (Knight)
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Gary Cole (Parker)
And of course, plenty of intrigue, explosions, and heart.
Will Mark Harmon Return On-Screen?
A Definite Maybe
While Harmon isn’t returning full-time, his narration role in Origins is already a win. Producers haven’t ruled out an on-screen appearance—so don’t give up hope.
What Fans Are Saying
Reactions have been mixed, but mostly positive.
“Mondays? Count Me In.”
Some longtime viewers are thrilled for more NCIS content, no matter the day.
“Tuesdays Will Never Be the Same.”
Others are a bit nostalgic. Let’s be honest—Tuesday night NCIS was a ritual. But change keeps things exciting, right?
Behind the Scenes of the Big Move
CBS’s Big Picture Plan
This isn’t just about NCIS. CBS is trying to refresh its entire lineup and lead with strong franchises on every night of the week.
Reimagining a Legacy Brand
With spinoffs, prequels, and possible future crossovers, the NCIS universe is becoming more interconnected—think Marvel Cinematic Universe, but for crime shows.
Could This Lead to More Spinoffs?
CBS Isn’t Done Yet
Don’t be surprised if this change leads to more shows in the NCIS universe. A West Coast reboot? A cybercrime team? The possibilities are wide open.
Conclusion – A Bold New Era for NCIS Begins
Whether you’ve been watching since the days of Tony and Ziva or just jumped in during the Parker era, the NCISfranchise is still evolving—and that’s what’s kept it alive for 20+ seasons.
Mondays will bring familiar faces, new characters, and even deeper storytelling. It’s not just a change in schedule—it’s a fresh start for the franchise.
❓ FAQs
1. What day will NCIS air in the 2025-2026 season?
Mondays at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS.
2. What is NCIS: Origins about?
It’s a prequel series that explores the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the 1990s.
3. Is Mark Harmon coming back?
Mark Harmon narrates NCIS: Origins and remains involved as a producer. An on-screen return hasn’t been ruled out.
4. Will NCIS and NCIS: Origins have crossover episodes?
Not immediately, but future thematic connections or flash-forwards/flashbacks are very likely.
5. Where can I watch the NCIS franchise?
Episodes will air on CBS and be available for streaming on Paramount+.
