As fall approaches, NCIS fans are counting down the days until season 23 – and the show’s cast is ready to dive back into action.
The season 22 finale left viewers reeling with two big cliffhangers: who k1lled Alden Parker’s (Gary Cole) father, Roman (Francis X. McCarthy), and which members of the NCIS team would return to help solve the mystery?
“This isn’t just another murd3red victim that this team runs across. This is one of our own,” Cole told Us Weekly in May, adding that Parker’s story will take a much darker turn. After Roman’s body was discovered inside Parker’s home – with two wine glasses hinting at a mysterious guest – Parker will wrestle with both grief and rage. “The way the last moment was written was that [Parker] goes from this shock and grief to immediately vengeful,” Cole explained.
Here’s a look at who’s officially on board for season 23:
Sean Murray
One of the few remaining original cast members, Murray will return as Special Agent Timothy McGee. He confirmed his comeback in July with a teaser on Instagram, posting a photo of McGee’s computer screen that read: “NCIS SEASON 23 10/14.” The post also doubled as the announcement of the season premiere date.
Wilmer Valderrama
Valderrama, who has played Special Agent Nick Torres since 2016, teased that season 23 will show a more intense side of his character. “You’re going to see a team that’s going to be willing to go rogue,” he said at CBS Fest in May. “When someone hurts, Torres hurts. And Torres is a little more unhinged than most.” In July, he posted a behind-the-scenes video from set, giving fans a look at his monogrammed chair, his on-set routine, and the inside of the bullpen.
Katrina Law
Law, who joined the cast as Special Agent Jessica Knight in season 18, is also back. She teased that the upcoming season will show the NCIS team uniting in a way audiences haven’t seen before. “I’m really interested to see what we are willing to do for one of our own and how far we’re willing to go for the love of one of our own,” she shared in May. In July, she confirmed her return with a cheerful group selfie captioned, “NCIS SEASON 23!!!!! Let’s gooooooooo!!!! 🩷.”
Gary Cole
Cole’s Alden Parker remains front and center this season as he seeks answers – and revenge – for his father’s murd3r. Since taking over as team leader in 2021 following Mark Harmon’s exit, Cole has steadily become the anchor of the show. This season, fans will get a more personal look at Parker’s past as he confronts both loss and buried family dynamics.
Brian Dietzen
Dietzen, who started on the series as Ducky Mallard’s assistant and is now Chief Medical Examiner Jimmy Palmer, also confirmed his return. In July, he teased fans with an Instagram post of his character’s glasses, writing: “Hello Jimmy Palmer. Hello NCIS. Hello season 23.” Viewers are also eager to see whether Palmer’s will-they-won’t-they relationship with Jessica Knight gets more attention this season.
Diona Reasonover
Reasonover, who plays forensic scientist Kasie Hines, hasn’t shared any updates from set, but she is expected back to provide her lab expertise and quirky humor.
Rocky Carroll
Carroll returns once again as NCIS Director Leon Vance. While Vance doesn’t always appear in every episode, he confirmed his participation this season through a promotional video released on the show’s official Instagram.
Who Might Not Return
Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs has remained absent since season 19, though fans continue to hold out hope for at least a flashback or cameo. As of now, CBS has not revealed any plans for Harmon’s return.
A New Face
Nancy Travis is joining the cast as Parker’s sister, Navy Vice Admiral Harriet Parker. According to showrunner Steven D. Binder, Harriet’s arrival will shed new light on Parker’s troubled childhood and the complicated relationship between the siblings. “She’s this super squared-away Navy admiral, and then you’ve got Alden Parker, who’s got this ‘bad kid’ seed,” Binder explained. The sibling tension is expected to bring both drama and humor – especially as the two clash during a high-stakes global crisis.
With beloved veterans returning, a fresh face joining the mix, and a powerful storyline driving the season, NCIS season 23 promises to be one of the most emotional and action-packed yet. The new season premieres October 14 on CBS.
