The NCIS fanbase is buzzing with excitement for Season 23 of this iconic CBS crime drama. Since its debut in 2003, the show’s blend of intense investigations, heartfelt character moments, and unexpected twists has kept viewers glued to their screens. With Season 22 ending on a jaw-dropping note, curiosity about what’s next is at an all-time high. Here’s everything known about NCIS Season 23.
When Does It Air? Release Date and Time
CBS has locked in Tuesday, October 14, 2025, for the NCIS Season 23 premiere, bringing the show back to its classic Tuesday night slot after years on Mondays. Expect episodes to air at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT, an hour earlier than the recent 9:00 p.m. slot. This move sets up a full NCIS night, with NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney airing afterward. Missed the live broadcast? Catch new episodes the next day on Paramount+ for streaming at your own pace. While the exact number of episodes isn’t confirmed, past seasons suggest around 20-23 episodes are likely.
Who’s in the Cast?
The NCIS team is back, with no major cast shake-ups reported from Season 22. Here’s the lineup expected to return to the Navy Yard:
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Gary Cole as Alden Parker, the team’s leader dealing with personal loss and a burning need for justice.
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Sean Murray as Timothy McGee, the tech-savvy agent and the show’s longest-running star.
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Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres, the undercover expert with a knack for intensity.
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Katrina Law as Jessica Knight, whose spot on the team was secured after a shaky Season 21.
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Brian Dietzen as Jimmy Palmer, the medical examiner piecing together critical clues.
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Diona Reasonover as Kasie Hines, the forensic whiz delivering sharp insights.
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Rocky Carroll as Leon Vance, the NCIS Director steering the team through tough missions.
Look out for Rebecca De Mornay as Carla Marino, Parker’s cunning adversary, whose actions in Season 22 set up a major conflict. Fans are also whispering about possible cameos from NCIS legends like Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) or Cote de Pablo (Ziva David), especially with their NCIS: Tony & Ziva spin-off hitting Paramount+ in September 2025. Nothing’s confirmed, though. Seamus Dever as Gabriel LaRoche, the shady Deputy Director, might also stir up trouble again.
What’s the Plot About?
Season 23 will mix the classic NCIS case-of-the-week vibe with a deeper, emotional storyline. The Season 22 finale hit hard: Alden Parker found his father, Roman Parker (Francis X. McCarthy), dead, with signs pointing to Carla Marino and her Nexus cartel. This loss pushes Parker into a darker mindset, chasing Marino with a fierce determination that might clash with his team’s values. Showrunner Steven D. Binder teased that Parker’s arc will explore some heavy, conflicted emotions, pulling the team into his personal storm.
Another big thread involves Jimmy Palmer uncovering a tampered death certificate for Parker’s mother, hinting she might not be as gone as everyone thought. This mystery, tied to Parker’s vendetta, will weave through the season, balancing standalone Navy and Marine Corps cases—think murders, espionage, and high-stakes ops. The team’s trust is also tested by Gabriel LaRoche, whose mole-like behavior in Season 22 could spark betrayals and investigations into NCIS itself. With NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney sharing the night, crossovers or tie-ins could add extra flavor to the NCIS universe.
