With Season 22 of NCIS ending on a heart-wrenching note and leaving fans reeling, anticipation is surging for what’s next when Season 23 premieres later this year. Though production has yet to begin, early teases from the show’s creative team already suggest that this upcoming season could be one of the most emotionally charged and character-driven in the show’s two-decade history.
A Franchise That Refuses to Slow Down
After more than 20 years on the air, NCIS continues to prove why it remains one of the most reliable and beloved dramas on television. With gripping investigations, unexpected plot twists, and character dynamics that have matured and evolved over time, the series continues to find new ways to keep its audience hooked.
Now, heading into its 23rd season, NCIS is poised to take things even deeper—especially when it comes to the personal lives of its central characters.
Showrunner Teases Character-Heavy Season Ahead
Speaking recently about the upcoming season, showrunner Steven D. Binder made it clear: Season 23 won’t just focus on solving cases—it’s going to shine a spotlight on the personal stories behind the badges.
“We really want to get to everybody in a big way,” Binder explained. “I know people always say, ‘I watch the show for the characters’ — that was always our thing — and I really want to make this a character-forward show in a way we haven’t seen before.”
That bold promise has set off a wave of speculation and excitement among fans, as they try to piece together what this might mean for their favorite agents.
Parker’s Grief Will Set the Tone
Following the devastating death of Parker’s father in the Season 22 finale, it’s expected that Special Agent Alden Parker will be at the emotional epicenter of the new season’s early episodes. Beyond his grief, there are lingering questions about Parker’s pursuit of truth surrounding his mother’s past—a storyline that promises to deepen the character’s complexity and possibly uncover long-buried family secrets.
How Parker copes with this loss, and what lengths he’ll go to in order to find justice, could become one of Season 23’s most gripping arcs.
McGee’s Long-Overdue Promotion?
Another major point of intrigue is whether longtime fan-favorite Timothy McGee will finally step into the role of Deputy Director. With LaRoche out of the picture and McGee now the most senior field agent on the team, it seems like the perfect time.
But as NCIS fans know all too well, promotions rarely come easy in this universe. Internal politics, emotional turmoil, and unexpected threats may still stand in his way.
Love, Loss, and Lingering Emotions
The relationship drama between Jessica Knight and Dr. Jimmy Palmer also remains unresolved. While they’ve broken up, it’s clear that both are struggling to fully move on. Could there be a rekindling on the horizon, or will lingering feelings only add emotional tension to their working dynamic?
Meanwhile, Nick Torres—always the team’s emotional wildcard—might not be done unraveling. While he’s currently seeing Jess’ sister Robin, fans are questioning whether more skeletons from his past could be waiting to resurface. Given his tendency to bury trauma, Nick’s story arc could be one of quiet intensity.
A Spotlight on Kasie
Forensic specialist Kasie Hines has long been a reliable and resourceful member of the team, but her personal life has remained largely unexplored—until recently. Season 22 started to peel back the layers, and with Binder promising a more character-focused direction, there’s reason to believe Kasie could finally get the screen time she deserves beyond the lab.
What Lies Ahead?
Of course, with the season still months away from airing, fans are left with more questions than answers. Will the emotional fallout from the previous finale alter team dynamics? Who might be next to face personal demons? And could we see new characters or past faces return as part of these deepening storylines?
What is certain is that Season 23 won’t be business as usual. If Binder follows through on his promise, we’re looking at a season that will delve deeper into the humanity of NCIS than ever before—giving longtime viewers exactly what they’ve been waiting for.
Until Then…
While we wait for production to begin and teasers to drop, fans can revisit all 22 completed seasons now streaming on Paramount+. Whether you're rewatching to catch details you missed or introducing new viewers to the world of NCIS, now is the perfect time to dive back into the lives of these characters before everything changes again.
Season 23 will air as part of CBS’ 2025–2026 TV schedule—so brace yourself. This fall, the team isn't just chasing justice. They’re facing themselves.
