Following the emotional and fatal finale of NCIS Season 22, big changes are in store for the long-running CBS procedural. Season 23, premiering October 14, 2025, will not only shift the narrative but also change its time slot.
The series is moving back to Tuesday nights at 8/7c, an hour earlier than its recent Monday night airing. This return to its original timeslot (Seasons 1–18) is part of CBS’s broader scheduling shake-up, likely to accommodate other NCIS spinoffs.
What to Expect in Season 23
Showrunner Steven D. Binder promises a more character-driven approach in Season 23, spotlighting personal and professional arcs across the team. Binder emphasized:
“We really want to get to everybody in a big way… If you’re invested in these people, this is going to be the season for you.”
Central to the upcoming season is Alden Parker (Gary Cole), whose world was shaken in the Season 22 finale. According to Binder, Parker will be “destabilized” and “out for revenge,” a shift from his typically composed demeanor – much like how Gibbs or Bishop reacted in past arcs.
Complicating things further is the fallout from Palmer’s (Brian Dietzen) discovery about Parker’s mother’s tampered death certificate. Meanwhile, Nexus is likely targeting LaRoche following his betrayal, setting the stage for intense storylines ahead.
What’s Next?
Alongside the main series, CBS is doubling down on the NCIS universe. NCIS: Origins (Season 2) and NCIS: Sydney (Season 3) will also premiere on October 14, 2025, possibly creating a Tuesday-night lineup of interconnected NCIS content.
More updates will surface as production continues, but one thing’s certain: Season 23 will be a fresh chapter with deeper character focus, high-stakes drama, and a new time to tune in.
