CBS’s long-running drama NCIS season 20 returns Monday night Sept. 19 at 9 p.m. ET as part of a big premiere crossover event with NCIS: Hawai’i.
Both shows will be premiering new seasons on Monday night. NCIS will air on CBS at 9 p.m. ET and NCIS: Hawai’i will premiere right after at 10 p.m. ET also on CBS. Viewers without cable looking to stream the series can do so by using DirecTV Stream, fuboTV and Paramount+. All three streaming services offer new users free trials and Paramount+ plans start at just $4.99. According to CBS’s description of the show, “NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it’s a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.
Fubo TV’s description of “NCIS’” Episode 1 titled “A Family Matter” reads “with Special Agent Alden Parker still on the run with his ex-wife, the team investigates who from his past might have a personal vendetta against him in hopes of clearing Parker’s name.” Here is a look at the new seasons of both shows: Episode one’s description on FuboTV of “NCIS Hawai’i” says, “Tennant’s team, along with NCIS agents Nick Torres and Jessica Knight, tracks The Raven’s whereabouts to the island of Oahu and learns about his plans to attack the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise.”
CBS’s description of “NCIS Hawai’i” reads, “The world’s most successful television series continues on the seductive shores of Hawai’i as the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor takes command. She and her team balance duty to family and country, investigating high-stakes crimes involving military personnel, national security, and the mysteries of the island itself. This NCIS: Hawai’i team is a skilled mix of mainland transplants who’ve re-located to the tranquility of the Pacific and wizened locals who know their mahalo from kapu.”
If you’re an NCIS fan, you already know the hype is real. Season 20 kicked off with a bang, bringing back edge-of-your-seat suspense and sharp storytelling that keeps viewers glued. But here’s the big question: How can you watch it without paying for cable or a subscription? Let’s walk through the best ways to stream NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i for free, plus all the juicy details on the premiere episode, how to catch up, and where the series is headed next.
The NCIS Universe Is Expanding—And You Don’t Want to Miss It
NCIS has built a legacy that spans decades and cities. From Washington, D.C. to the sunny shores of Hawai’i, it’s not just a show anymore—it’s a full-blown franchise.
What Happened in the NCIS Season 20 Premiere?
Episode Title: “A Family Matter”
Air Date: September 19, 2022
Plot Summary: The premiere picks up where Season 19 left off, with the team reeling from the cliffhanger. Alden Parker, now on the run, works with his former team to clear his name. The stakes? Higher than ever.
NCIS: Hawai’i Crossover—Double the Drama
For the first time, NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i collide in a special crossover event. Yes, two elite teams—one mission. Special Agent Jane Tennant and her team assist Parker in uncovering a deep conspiracy.
How to Watch NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i Season Premieres for Free
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Want to stream these episodes without dropping a dime? Here’s how to make it happen.
Option 1 – CBS Official Website (Limited-Time Free Streaming)
How it works:
CBS often makes season premieres available for free on their official site after airing. Head to look under “NCIS” or “NCIS: Hawai’i.”
Pro Tip: No sign-up required in most cases for the first episode!
Option 2 – Use Paramount+ Free Trial
What You Get:
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7-day free trial
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Full access to NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i back catalogs
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Live streaming of CBS
Steps:
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Click “Start Free Trial”
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Choose your plan (don’t worry, it’s free for 7 days)
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Start watching instantly
Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be charged.
Option 3 – Stream Through Pluto TV (Totally Free!)
Yes, it’s legit.
Pluto TV offers select CBS content, including older NCIS episodes, entirely free. Occasionally, you might even catch recent premieres.
Heads up: This option works better for catching up than watching the exact premiere night.
Option 4 – Amazon Prime Video Free Trials
If you haven’t used your Amazon Prime Video free trial, now’s the time. You can add Paramount+ as a channel and unlock the NCIS premiere without paying upfront.
International Viewers—Here’s What to Do
NCIS airs in multiple countries, but schedules and platforms differ.
Watch NCIS in Canada
Use Global TV’s website or app. They often stream the latest episodes free for a limited time after airing.
Watch NCIS in the UK
NCIS is available on Disney+ in the UK. While not free, you might use a trial or bundle deal if you haven’t subscribed yet.
Use a VPN to Access U.S. Platforms
Geo-blocked? No problem.
Download a reliable VPN, connect to a U.S. server, and access CBS or Paramount+ as if you’re stateside.
Popular VPNs:
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NordVPN
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ExpressVPN
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Surfshark
What Makes NCIS Season 20 So Special?
After 20 seasons, the writing still feels fresh. That’s not easy.
Character Arcs Deepen
We’re seeing more emotional depth in key characters like Parker, McGee, and Knight. Relationships are shifting, secrets are coming to light.
New Threats, Familiar Tension
This season explores cyber warfare, political espionage, and personal vendettas. Classic NCIS vibes with a modern twist.
The Power of the NCIS & NCIS: Hawai’i Crossover
Why did fans love the crossover so much?
Characters Collide in High-Stakes Action
Seeing Torres, Tennant, and Parker share screen time? That’s pure TV gold.
Dialogue-Driven Drama With Real Impact
The writing feels real. Witty banter one moment, life-or-death decisions the next. The blend keeps viewers hooked.
Tools to Enhance Your Streaming Experience
Here are a few tools to improve your NCIS binge-watching setup.
TV Time App for Tracking Episodes
Never forget an air date again.
Set Google Alerts for “NCIS Episodes Free”
You’ll get notified whenever a network makes an episode free.
Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
Drown out distractions. NCIS deserves your full attention.
Can You Binge Past Seasons of NCIS?
Absolutely. With Paramount+, you get all 20 seasons of NCIS and all episodes of NCIS: Hawai’i.
Must-Watch Storylines from Earlier Seasons
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Season 6: Ziva’s heartbreaking exit
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Season 13: DiNozzo leaves the team
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Season 18: Gibbs’ final goodbye
Each season has at least one unforgettable moment.
Conclusion: Ready to Stream the Action?
Now that you know exactly how to watch NCIS Season 20 and NCIS: Hawai’i for free, there’s really no excuse. Whether you use CBS, Paramount+, or even Pluto TV, you’ve got solid options that won’t cost you a thing.
So grab some popcorn, settle in, and dive back into the world of high-stakes investigations and unforgettable characters. You deserve front-row access to the drama.
