Before NCIS Season 23 comes to a close, viewers will once again see Patrick Keleher return as Mateo, the son McGee only recently discovered he had.
The storyline first surfaced in Episode 12, revealing that McGee’s former girlfriend Olivia had kept her pregnancy secret for years. Although the shocking twist promised major emotional consequences, attention soon shifted to the aftermath of Director Leon Vance’s unexpected death.
Now, the series is preparing to revisit McGee’s personal journey. In a recent episode, he admitted he’s struggling to connect with Mateo—but also made the first move toward rebuilding their relationship.
With just four episodes remaining this season, Mateo’s return could become a key step in shaping McGee’s future both as an agent and as a father—possibly setting up an even larger storyline in Season 24.