NCIS fans, get ready—Season 22 is bringing back a beloved character! While CBS has yet to confirm exactly who, speculation is running wild. With over two decades of unforgettable moments, there are plenty of familiar faces that could make a triumphant return.
So, who’s coming back? I have seven strong contenders in mind, and any of them would send shockwaves through the NCIS fandom. Let’s break it down!
A Look at NCIS Season 22’s Big Comeback
Bringing back former characters isn’t new for NCIS. Over the years, we’ve seen old agents pop up in guest appearances, flashbacks, or even full-on returns. But with Season 22, it feels different—this comeback is hyped as a major moment.
Could it be a long-lost team member? A villain-turned-ally? A heart-wrenching farewell that gets undone? Let’s dive into the most likely candidates.
1. Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) – The Ultimate Comeback Queen
If NCIS wants to make a splash, bringing back Ziva David is the way to do it. After faking her death and returning in Season 17, she left to reunite with Tony and their daughter. But what if she’s needed back on the team?
Why Ziva Could Return
- Unfinished business with the team
- A crisis could bring her out of hiding
- Fans would lose their minds if she came back full-time
Wouldn’t it be incredible to see Ziva back in action alongside McGee and Parker?
2. Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) – The Charming Wild Card
Michael Weatherly has been teasing something big on social media, and fans are convinced it’s an NCIS return. After all, Tony left to raise his daughter after Ziva’s “death,” but now that she’s alive, what’s stopping him from coming back?
Why Tony’s Return Makes Sense
- Weatherly’s Bull series ended, freeing up his schedule
- The chemistry between Tony and the team is unmatched
- A return would set up an epic Ziva-Tony reunion
Could we finally get the Tiva endgame we’ve all been waiting for?
3. Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) – The Heart and Soul of NCIS
Let’s be honest—NCIS hasn’t felt quite the same since Abby left. Her quirky, caffeine-fueled energy was irreplaceable. With NCIS looking for a nostalgia-fueled return, who better than the goth genius herself?
Why Abby Might Return
- The show is leaning into fan-favorite characters
- A one-time guest appearance wouldn’t be out of the question
- Fans would love to see her dynamic with Kasie
Could a crisis bring Abby back to the crime lab?
4. Mike Franks (Muse Watson) – A Ghostly Mentor’s Return?
Mike Franks may be dead, but when has that ever stopped him from appearing? As Gibbs’ longtime mentor, he has shown up in visions and flashbacks before. With NCIS: Origins focusing on Gibbs’ past, maybe Mike Franks has one more surprise visit in him.
Why Mike Franks Could Return
- NCIS has used ghostly cameos before
- The upcoming Origins series might bring back familiar faces
- He was a fan-favorite, and his wisdom still impacts the team
A ghostly Mike Franks visit? It wouldn’t be the first time.
5. Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly) – A Director’s Second Chance?
NCIS directors don’t always last long, and Jenny Shepard was no exception. But in the world of NCIS, anything is possible. Whether in a flashback, a secret past mission, or a twist that rewrites history, Jenny’s return could shake things up.
Could Jenny Be Coming Back?
- NCIS loves a good mystery twist
- Flashbacks to Gibbs’ past are happening more often
- She had an unfinished story with Gibbs
Wouldn’t it be wild if Jenny’s story wasn’t actually over?
6. Ned Dorneget (Matt Jones) – A Redemption Arc in the Making?
Ned Dorneget was a promising young agent who tragically died in Season 12. But what if—stay with me here—his death wasn’t as final as we thought? In a world where spies fake their deaths all the time, could Ned have survived and gone deep undercover?
Why Dorneget’s Return Would Be Huge
- His death was shocking, but off-screen deaths are always suspicious
- His lighthearted energy balanced the team’s serious tone
- A deep-cover storyline would fit perfectly in NCIS
Imagine McGee’s reaction if Ned was alive all along!
7. Jackson Gibbs (Ralph Waite) – A Touching Tribute to the Past
With the heartbreaking passing of Ralph Waite, bringing back Jackson Gibbs in some capacity could be a way to honor both the character and the actor. Whether through a flashback or old case files, seeing Gibbs’ father again could be a tearjerker moment.
How Jackson Gibbs Could Return
- A heartfelt flashback sequence
- A case connected to Gibbs’ family history
- A tribute episode featuring past moments
Wouldn’t it be touching to see a final tribute to Jackson Gibbs?
Who’s the Most Likely Candidate?
If NCIS is going for maximum impact, Ziva or Tony seems like the best bet. They have unfinished storylines, massive fan followings, and connections to the current team. However, Abby’s return could also be a game-changer, and Mike Franks is always a solid wild-card choice.
Whoever it is, one thing’s for sure—Season 22 is about to get a whole lot more exciting!
Conclusion
With NCIS Season 22 set to bring back a beloved character, speculation is running high. Whether it’s Ziva, Tony, Abby, or even a long-gone mentor like Mike Franks, this return will be one for the history books.
Which NCIS character do you want to see return? Let us know in the comments!
