NCIS, a staple of network television for over 20 years, continues to evolve. With multiple spinoffs and changes in tone over the years, the show is now taking a new approach in Season 23, focusing more on its characters than ever before.

The new season will continue storylines from Season 22, including Parker’s father’s death, Carla’s betrayal, and rising tension between Palmer and Knight. Showrunner Steven D. Binder told TVLine that Season 23 will be more “character-forward,” giving viewers a deeper look into the personal lives of the MCRT team:

“We really want to get to everybody in a big way. I know people always say, ‘I watch the show for the characters’-and I really want to make this a character-forward show in a way we haven’t seen before.”

This trend toward character-centric storytelling aligns with recent spinoffs like NCIS: Origins and the upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva.

The Challenge: Compelling Cases

While character development is welcome, NCIS has recently lacked high-stakes weekly cases. Season 22’s cases often felt routine, with only Carla’s betrayal providing the tension reminiscent of earlier seasons. To maintain viewer interest, Season 23 may need to balance personal arcs with the intense, suspenseful cases that made the show a hit.

How NCIS Can Regain Its Edge

Ratings for NCIS have dipped, in part due to competition from streaming services and other series. Reviving the show’s signature thrilling cases and continuing the storyline with formidable villains like Carla Marino could help boost engagement. Historically, NCIS’ most memorable villains have heightened tension and showcased the best of the MCRT-an approach that could save the show from further decline.