NCIS continues to prove its staying power. Despite a turbulent year for network television, CBS granted the long-running procedural an early renewal — a rare move considering the wave of cancellations sweeping through other shows. This early green light isn’t just a comfort to fans; it’s a creative opportunity. With Season 23 secured, the NCIS team has more freedom to take bold storytelling risks, especially as the current season races toward its finale.
According to series regular Diona Reasonover, who plays forensic scientist Kasie Hines, fans should brace themselves for some big changes. In an interview with TV Insider, Reasonover teased that the Season 22 finale would introduce significant leadership shifts and shake up the relationships between the core characters. “We’re seeing changes that will impact the team on a deeper level,” she explained, hinting at a storyline that won’t simply reset by the next episode. “It’s not just about who’s in charge — it’s about how everyone fits together.”
This signals a shift in how NCIS might approach its future. After more than two decades on the air, the show has often stuck to a reliable procedural formula: a case-of-the-week structure with just enough serialized elements to keep longtime fans invested. But now, it seems the writers are leaning further into long-form storytelling. The upcoming finale isn’t just setting up a dramatic end to Season 22 — it’s laying the groundwork for a new era of character-driven conflict and evolution.
CBS also recently revealed that Season 23 will kick off with an episode titled “Empty Nest,” premiering Monday, October 14. The premiere will center on the search for a missing undercover agent during an intense hostage situation. While the action remains front and center, it’s the emotional and professional fallout from the finale that could set the tone for everything that follows.
With leadership in flux and deeper interpersonal dynamics on the table, NCIS seems poised to evolve yet again. After 21 seasons of adapting to cast changes, shifting audience tastes, and a transforming TV landscape, the show is still finding ways to surprise — and that may be the key to its longevity.
