Throughout NCIS’ 23-season run, the CBS procedural has seen a lot of cast exits. Such changes are natural for a show that has been on the air for so long, but it never gets any easier to say goodbye, especially when someone has been on the show since the very beginning. Mark Harmon departed NCIS early in Season 19 in 2021, and Gibbs’ final episode was pretty emotional, given he finally found peace in Alaska. Unsurprisingly, filming the episode was incredibly emotional -- until Harmon hilariously broke the ice.

By the time he left the show, Harmon was one of the only original NCIS cast members who'd been on the show since the very beginning. And I’m talking about the very beginning, with that two-part backdoor pilot on JAG. So it's understandable that his final episode would be emotional for the crew. Former NCIS writer/EP and NCIS: Origins co-creator David J. North appeared on the Partners & Probies podcast and spoke about filming Season 19, Episode 4, “Great Wide Open.” As part of that, he revealed how Harmon made sure the set was a bit lighter during the sad occasion:

I love when actors are able to still have fun while filming an emotional scene. Given that Harmon was filming a very heartfelt moment between Gibbs and McGee in which the former talked about his late wife and daughter, you’d think that even he would be in his feelings. But it’s great that he was still able to make light of everything, given the circumstances, and turn the crew's sobs into laughs. Of course, not everything was funny behind the scenes at the time.

When Harmon exited NCIS, producers felt it would be the death knell for the series, and creative decisions had to be made quickly. Cast member Gary Cole was baffled by Harmon’s exit, having previously revealed that there was no “definite plan” when Harmon left, and he felt that the entire thing was rushed. Still, it was fitting that Gibbs retired to Alaska and was able to find happiness after everything he'd been through.

Luckily, even with Harmon gone, though, NCIS is still going strong. The series is about to enter its 24^th season next month, which is wild to think about. Additionally, Harmon is going to be appearing as Gibbs in all 10 episodes of NCIS: Origins’ upcoming third season. He serves as executive producer and narrator and has appeared on-screen in a few episodes already. Yet, with him appearing in all episodes of the new season, we're seeing his most substantial role in the franchise in years.

Of course, it's unknown if Mark Harmon will ever return to the Mothership and, at present, his exit remains one of the more emotional points in the franchise's history. Fans can rewatch his final installment and all of his episodes with a Paramount+ subscription. New seasons of NCIS and NCIS: Origins premiere on Tuesday, October 6, on CBS.

Nearly three months have passed since Michael Weatherly's return as NCIS' Tony DiNozzo was first revealed, and we're so very close to finally seeing it play out when the Season 24 premiere hits the 2026 TV schedule. Though he won't be sharing scenes with former co-stars Mark Harmon or Cote de Pablo, the actor brought both of the franchise faves when explaining why now was the right time to bring Tony back to the mothership.

Speaking with TVInsider, Weatherly pointed out the first point of reasoning for Tony's return aligns with CBS' nostalgic approach with its other two Tuesday-night offerings bringing former leads back into the fold in major ways. In the Bull vet's words:

No matter how many NCIS spinoffs are crafted into existence the near future, Mark Harmon will always be one of the first things people think of when the franchise comes up. Understandable, since he can boast the bonkers stat that he's been part of 475 episodes as Leroy Gibbs. Then you have LL Cool J, who has portrayed Sam Hanna for more than 325 episodes across multiple franchise entries, and is now set to head up the latest offshoot, NCIS: New York.

Which isn't to take shots at NCIS leads Gary Cole, Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law or anyone else who joined the show after Michael Weatherly left. But it does make sense that producers would want to inject another longtimer into the mix. Plus, it's kinda fun to see Weatherly sharing the screen with the characters who only joined after DiNozzo jumped ship.

Michael Weatherly's second reason for why now is the best time for Tony to make his way back to the Washington D.C. squad. And it all has to do with what the character has lived through in the interim, particularly when it comes to his overseas adventures with his significant other and his daughter.

I'm excited to see what the connective tissue will be between Tony & Ziva and the character's return here. But for all that Tony is a more mature and professional agent now, I can't imagine he'll be totally stone-faced and free from hijinks throughout Season 24. Somebody's head needs to get smacked here.

We already know that NCIS: New York will be bringing flagship star Brian Dietzen over for Jimmy Palmer to mix it up with Sam and Scott Caan's Nick Schaeffer. Is it possible that Michael Weatherly will be one of the other guest stars planned for its first season.

NCIS will be back for its 24th season premiere on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

NCIS: New York is coming to the 2026 TV schedule, and we've since learned that NCIS actor Brian Dietzen will be in the premiere. That's not all, however, as CinemaBlend recently learned that other "familiar faces" will certainly pop up.

During a CBS press event promoting the network's Fall TV slate, CinemaBlend's Nick Venable had the chance to ask showrunner Byron Balasco about upcoming cameos in the new series and got a refreshingly honest answer. While it's not going to be the priority of NCIS: New York to bring in as many guest stars as possible, we can expect it to happen:

It would be strange for NCIS: New York to shy away from cameos right out of the gate, considering every other franchise show is adding a nostalgic player to the mix. Michael Weatherly will return as Tony DiNozzo in the flagship series, and Mark Harmon will reprise his role as Gibbs in flash-forwards in NCIS: Origins.

As for other actors who may show up, the showrunner didn't give any specifics beyond Dietzen. That said, I've seen NCIS' Diona Reasonover wish to be involved, and I'm sure other actors from the series will pop up. I want to see Nick Torres team up with Sam again, personally, as they're both the ultimate force when it comes to taking down the bad guys.

Also, let's not forget that LL Cool J's character was on NCIS: Los Angeles first, which opens the door for those characters to show up. I know there's a small army of fans who would love to see Eric Christian Olsen's Deeks show up again, as well as Chris O'Donnell and Daniela Ruah.

Of course, it's also important for NCIS: New York to establish its new core cast. Guest stars are always fun, but at the end of the day, the success of this show is going to hinge on the people we're guaranteed to see every week, and the mysteries they'll uncover in the Big Apple. It's the city that never sleeps, so I'm sure there's going to be no shortage of great stories to uncover.

I am curious to see how LL Cool J and Scott Caan work as a duo, especially with the latter being a primetime fixture but not part of the NCIS family. I'm sure Caan's time on Hawaii Five-0 will make this a smooth transition, as crime procedurals hit a lot of the same beats even if they don't share the same premise.

Catch the premiere of NCIS: New York on Tuesday, October 6th. I'm excited to see how the fans react to this new show, and if it can have as long of a run as some of the most-celebrated spinoffs of the crime series.

NCIS: New York makes its debut on the 2026 TV schedule on October 6th, and we now know LL Cool J's Sam Hanna won't be the only familiar face we see. One NCIS character will visit the Big Apple in the premiere, as Brian Dietzen announced that Jimmy Palmer is slated for the pilot.

It's a shame this couldn't be a surprise, but I get the new series wanting to give everyone watching the Season 24 premiere of NCIS a reason to stick around for the debut. I know some fans were upset to hear about this spinoff happening, but Dietzen hyping it up on Instagram is sure to change some hearts and minds. Take a look:

He's bullish on NCIS: New York, but it's not like they make actors do these posts to say negative things about the show. The main takeaway here is that Jimmy is going to be a part of the spinoff, which means his patented humor and genius will be available to Sam's team in this opening episode.

This appearance will likely revisit Sam's brief stint in NCIS Season 23, in which he first showed up to lay the groundwork for his spinoff. Jimmy and Sam teamed up, and the former confessed he planned to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro. Sam was proud of Jimmy for taking on something so big and encouraged him to share it with his coworkers, despite his fear that they might judge him for it.

I'm excited for Brian Dietzen, though a bit bummed for Diona Reasonover. The actress who plays Kasie on NCIS has been quite vocal about wanting to join the fun on NCIS: New York, but it sounds as though she won't be in the pilot. Of course, there's always an opportunity for her to pop up in a future episode, so we'll have to wait and see.

This is a big year for NCIS in general, as Michael Weatherly recently pointed out how many past alumni are headed back to the franchise. He's going to be in the Season 24 premiere of NCIS; we already know Sam Hanna is back in the New York spinoff, and Mark Harmon will return in Origins. Basically, if you're a fan of the franchise, you're going to want to make sure your Tuesday nights are wide open for the foreseeable future.

As mentioned, the fun all kicks off on CBS on October 6th, with NCIS at 8 pm ET, NCIS: New York at 9 pm ET, and NCIS: Origins at 10 pm ET. It's a late night for some, but fortunately, we live in a world in which DVR is commonplace!

NCIS will return to the 2026 TV schedule on Tuesday, October 6th, and it's bringing a big dose of nostalgia along with it. Granted, I hadn't really thought about it until Michael Weatherly brought it up and pointed out that we have returning alumni from past CBS shows appearing this season.

Weatherly, who will return as Tony DiNozzo in NCIS Season 24, is not the only familiar face we'll be seeing on Tuesday nights this fall. He laid it all out in a recent interview with TV Insider and pointed out all the legendary talent coming to primetime if you're a fan of long-running crime procedurals:

I've been writing about LL Cool J's big NCIS: New York debut and Mark Harmon appearing in NCIS: Origins all summer, but I never put this together. Each series has at least one former NCIS icon back in the saddle, so no matter which you watch, it's going to feel like a throwback.

It's not just a reunion for NCIS either, as Scott Caan will also star in NCIS: New York after his long stint in Hawaii Five-0. This Fall season feels like a love letter to longtime fans of CBS primetime, and I'm curious how many people have just set aside their entire Tuesday evening to watch it all. My guess is CBS executives are banking on people watching all night, which feels like a distinct possibility with this all-star lineup.

To speak specifically to Michael Weatherly's return as Tony DiNozzo, NCIS will waste no time getting him back in the mix. He's pictured in images for the Season 24 premiere, which will address the wild cliffhanger in which McGee's son pulled a gun on Nick Torres. I'm curious to see what Tony will have to say about all that, and how he'll factor into the adventure.

NCIS has already given fans some information on what to expect, and they may want to fire up their Paramount+ subscription. NCIS: Tony & Ziva will be acknowledged in the series, with the adventure being set about a year before DiNozzo sets up his security firm in Washington, D.C., in Season 24 of NCIS. That experience, paired with becoming a father and years of experience as an agent, will give us a more mature Tony than what we saw in previous seasons.

As mentioned, NCIS kicks off on CBS in early October, followed by the new New York spinoff and Origins as well. I can hardly contain my excitement as the weeks wind down, so it's a good thing there's plenty of other fall television popping up that's worth watching!

NCIS Season 24 will be coming soon on the 2026 TV schedule, and the excitement is palpable. That's because Michael Weatherly is set to return as Tony DiNozzo for at least a chunk of the new season following the cancellation of NCIS: Tony & Ziva on Paramount Plus. Unfortunately, he will be without his better half when he comes back. Not to worry, though, as we finally have an update on Ziva’s whereabouts.

When fans last saw Tony (and Ziva) in the season finale of the spinoff last year, the former NCIS agents had just gotten back together after a tumultuous ride, raising their daughter, Tali, together. Now, when Tony returns for NCIS, he will be in DC to expand his private security company until a case draws him back to the orange walls of the organization.

In the CBS series, he will be flying solo, but executive producer Steven D. Binder told TV Insider that the couple’s relationship is still being tested in the upcoming season. Namely, "can they be together without killing each other?" Stay tuned:

As a fan of Tiva, I was more than happy when a spinoff focusing on the two characters was announced, and was even more devastated when it was canceled. I had hoped that when Weatherly was announced to be returning for NCIS, Cote de Pablo wouldn’t be too far behind. It sounds like there aren’t any plans to bring her on just yet, but I am curious to see where things stand between her and Tony following the events of the spinoff.

Of course, Tony and Ziva’s relationship has been a roller coaster ever since Ziva was introduced in Season 3. That roller coaster continued in the spinoff, and it seemed like they were finally in a good place in the finale. With Ziva and Tali apparently just a few hours away when Tony’s in DC, hopefully we’ll be seeing them again. If anything, it also sounds like we’ll be getting plenty of updates on where the characters are at.

Meanwhile, even though we now know he will be in DC to expand his security company, fans were theorizing what else could be bringing Tony back into the fold. Since NCIS has yet to bring in someone to replace Rocky Carroll’s Director Leon Vance, some people have been wondering if Tony will be stepping into those shoes. I would be more than happy if he returned full-time AND became the new NCIS Director. That might be a stretch since he seems content with his security company, but a girl can dream.

Luckily, fans won’t have to wait too long to see what Tony is up to. The Season 24 premiere of NCIS airs on Tuesday, October 6 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, streaming the next day with a Paramount+ subscription, where coincidentally, you can always catch up on Tony & Ziva, as well.

Jimmy Kimmel made his return to late night last night, and as I hedged prior to its airing, his monologue was all over the comings and goings of President Donald Trump. He spoke of the war in Iran, the whole algae mess with the Lincoln Memorial and more. However, it was this first thing out of his mouth upon Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s return that had me shook: The show also hit a milestone episode last night.

Not that we would have known it if Kimmel hadn’t shouted it to the rooftops. When long-running shows like NCIS – which hit its 500th episode this year – hit major milestones, there’s usually a lot of lead-up and press in advance. That didn't happen in this case, and I was surprised when Kimmel kicked off with the announcement, but it makes sense.

Jimmy Kimmel’s been a late night host for the same number of years as NCIS, actually, with both premiering in 2003. Of course, late night produces a lot more episodes every year, even with the show taken hiatuses from time to time. Here’s what Kimmel had to say about hitting 4,000.

That’s a big number, and one that would have been worth celebrating no matter what. Yet, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has faced a large number of headwinds on the 2026 TV schedule and over the past year or so. The FCC’s been all over ABC and shows like Live! and The View and putting pressure on them in recent months. For its part, ABC has done work to push back on the current administration and maintain the intellectual freedom of its programs.

Despite this, in the last year Kimmel himself was suspended for a time before he saw his fellow late night series The Late Show wiped from existence. In the aftermath, Kimmel himself has admitted he feels late night has been “poisoned.”

So it’s salient the show was even airing last night, much less that the late night host cracked jokes about the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, and sarcastically joked about all the things that changed over the summer.

These are the moments that have garnered most of the headlines this morning, and you can see his full comments, below.

President Trump has made it clear he’s not a fan of the late night genre, though he didn’t have much to say when Jimmy Kimmel returned to the airwaves last night. He has previously made comments about being shocked “ABC gave Kimmel his job back” after the suspension, calling the late night host “not funny” and hoping he’d “rot in his bad ratings.”

Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel’s ratings have actually been up since The Late Show with Stephen Colbert went off the airwaves. The loss of CBS’ program has been good news for both of the Jimmys, actually, but particularly Kimmel, who tends to take more of a political bent than Fallon. We'll have to wait and see how this week's episodes fare.

Kimmel ended his monologue joking about Trump’s low polling rates and the upcoming midterm elections, but it’s just him being here to hit that 4,000th episode milestone that’s sticking with me the most.

When NCIS: New York was announced and it was revealed that LL Cool J would be back as Sam Hanna, it was hard not to wonder whether Scott Caan would be playing a new character or reprising his role as Danny Williams from Hawaii Five-0. Ironically, the universes haven’t just crossed over; Sam has worked with Danny before. However, that will not be happening in this new spinoff that's about to premiere on the 2026 TV schedule. Instead, Caan will be playing a brand new character, and he explained why.

Now, Caan returning to CBS to play Danny Williams wasn’t totally out of the question. According to LL Cool J, it was actually “considered.” That makes sense too, because in 2012, Hawaii Five-0 and NCIS: LA crossed over. Therefore, it’s not like Danny’s return would have been coming out of nowhere, there’s history. However, apparently, Caan wanted a “fresh, clean start,” according to the Sam actor. Explaining that point further to EW, Caan said:

That certainly makes sense. Caan was on Hawaii Five-0 for ten seasons. Between 2010 and 2020, he starred in 240 episodes of Five-0 (which you can stream with a Paramount+ subscription). While it’s fun to return to certain characters, I see why he wanted to start fresh in the NCIS universe – which, to be fair, he’d only spent one episode in as Danny Williams.

So, with that being said, allow me to introduce you to Nick Schaeffer. That’s Scott Caan’s character in NCIS: New York, and he’ll be Sam’s new partner in the city that never sleeps. Per the report, the two characters will hit it off right away when Sam finds himself in the Big Apple. Based on the trailer, it looks like they work well together but also bicker like brothers. Honestly, it sounds like a match made in heaven.

Despite not wanting to reprise his role as Danny in NCIS: New York, Caan was thrilled about the series overall. In fact, he gushed about the spinoff and explained why saying yes to it was a “no-brainer”:

Now, while Caan was all for a fresh start, LL Cool J is in the opposite boat. He played Sam Hanna in 323 episodes of NCIS: LA, which ended after 14 seasons in 2023, and he’s reprised his role in various episodes of NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i. He’ll be back leading an NCIS show with New York, and he explained that he keeps returning to play Sam because he’s “a really cool character.”

Overall, I think this mix of old and new will make this new series, which premieres on CBS on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET, even better. I love that LL Cool J is returning as a character we know and love. I’m also super excited to be introduced to a whole new team, including Scott Caan’s character. And overall, it looks like they’re all having a blast creating this new NCIS series.

However, I can’t help but wonder if the resemblance between Nick Schaeffer and Danny Williams will come up, because they do look a whole lot alike…

Mark Harmon may have left NCIS five years ago, but he’s remained attached to the franchise since then. He serves as executive producer and narrator on NCIS: Origins and has reprised his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on a few occasions for the prequel. Ahead of his much-anticipated return to Origins on the 2026 TV schedule, NCIS just dropped a sick stat about Harmon playing Gibbs that’s blowing my mind.

Fans first met Gibbs in the two-part backdoor pilot on JAG in 2003, and he has been a staple in the franchise since then. Now that he’ll be returning for Origins’ entire upcoming season, fans are as excited as ever for his comeback. To get viewers excited, the official NCIS Instagram shared some fun facts about the beloved character, and just seeing exactly how many episodes he’s been in is blowing my mind:

Playing the same character for 475 episodes across three shows is definitely impressive. Of course, there are a couple actors in the NCISverse who have been in more, but it’s still mind blowing. That being said, Harmon starring in the first 18 seasons of NCIS and appearing on Origins, his episode count was sure to be high. However, seeing the actual number makes it all the more real.

Now Harmon will be adding to that number this fall. As previously mentioned, he is set to return on-screen as Gibbs for the upcoming third season of NCIS: Origins. Unlike the first two seasons, he will be appearing in all episodes of Season 3, which will consist of just 10 episodes. According to Deadline, ghosts from Gibbs’ past will come to the surface, interrupting his peaceful retirement in Alaska. It’s going to be exciting to see Gibbs on-screen more this season rather than just narrating, and there’s no telling what will be in store.

Whether or not Harmon will ever return to the Mothership is unknown. Gibbs seems to be pretty content in Alaska. If anything, NCIS has occasionally brought Gibbs back into the fold by name-dropping him or referencing an old case, etc. And if we can’t get him on the Mothership, his appearances on the prequel definitely make up for it. Plus, since he’s so close to 500 episodes, I can only imagine that he’d want to keep it going until he reaches the milestone, whichever show he does it for.

For now, fans will be able to look forward to Mark Harmon adding to his incredible NCIS episode count when he appears in all 10 episodes of NCIS: Origins Season 3. The season premiere will be on Tuesday, October 6 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, following the series premiere of NCIS: New York. All seasons of NCIS and Origins are streaming with a Paramount+ subscription, so fans can get all the Gibbs content they need beforehand.

LL Cool J has been part of the NCIS franchise for well over a decade. He starred as Special Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles for 14 seasons and then immediately jumped over to NCIS: Hawai’i as a recurring guest star. Since Hawai’i, the rapper has appeared in a few episodes of the Mothership series. Now, he’s starring in another spinoff, NCIS: New York, premiering this fall amid the 2026 TV schedule. LL just recently explained why he's played Sam for so long and, as a fan, I love his take.

Before NCIS: New York was announced, it was hard to say wheheter LL Cool J would ever make a permanent return to the franchise or if he would just keep making guest appearances. So the new spinoff was a pleasant surprise. In a recent interview with TV Insider, LL (whose real name is James Todd Smith) was asked what he enjoys about Sam that keeps bringing him back, and I absolutely love his answer:

That’s the great thing about doing a show like NCIS. An actor can take on the role of a hero, saving lives and putting themselves in harm's way. Overall, a performer is getting the chance to step into the shoes of someone who's completely different from them. Of course, I think LL Cool J is a pretty cool person, but Sam Hanna definitely brings the action. Also, there are so many stories that can still be told about Sam. No matter how long he’s been playing this character, LL will seemingly never get tired of it:

Someone may be tempted to think that after an actor plays the same character for 14 years, the first opportunity you have to step away from the role, you’d take it. However, I'm thankful that LL Cool J immediately went to NCIS: Hawai’i after LA ended, and he’s been on a roll since. I cannot wait to see Sam Hanna regularly again once New York premieres, and I hope the show continues to build on him as a character.

Given LL Cool J has remained a staple of the NCIS franchise for almost two decades, fans may be comforted to know he has no plans to leave any time soon. Of course, it’s hard to tell how NCIS: New York will go but, either way, it seems fans still have plenty of time to spend with Sam.

Luckily, fans won’t have to wait too long for NCIS: New York. The upcoming spinoff is set to premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, following the Season 24 premiere of NCIS. Episodes will also be available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription on Wednesdays after the show premieres.

The 2026 TV schedule is heating up, with the NCIS franchise officially returning next month. Along with new seasons of the Mothership, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Sydney, CBS will be airing a brand new spinoff, NCIS: New York. LL Cool J will be reprising his beloved NCIS: Los Angeles role as Special Agent Sam Hanna, but could there be other NCIS: LA characters joining him in the Big Apple? Both the rapper and his fellow co-star Scott Caan had a cryptic response when asked who should cameo, and now I have an idea.

LL Cool J And Scott Caan’s Cryptic Response

There have been plenty of crossovers across the NCIS franchise over the years. It can be assumed that NCIS: New York will have a crossover or two, even if it’s not right away. But that doesn’t mean that the stars aren’t already thinking about who could come and play. While speaking with TV Insider, LL Cool J and Caan were asked if there was anyone in the franchise they hope to have on the new series. The two have ideas, but unfortunately, they’re not saying anything:

• LL Cool J: I mean, we’re gonna leave it open. I have someone in mind, but I’m not gonna say who.
• Scott Caan: I do too.

I hate that they’re both being so secretive about their choices, and I can’t tell if it’s because they don’t want to get fans excited if it doesn’t happen or if it’s already in motion. Even if there isn’t any crossover any time soon on New York, the show is still going to be great, but you can’t help but hope for the inevitable. If anything, it seems like the doors are open for anyone to come on, as LL Cool J pointed out:

Since the door is open to just about anyone on NCIS, who knows who could swing by. It would be fun to see LL Cool J and Caan’s characters interact with other NCIS favorites. As of now, nothing has been confirmed as to who could be appearing on the new show, and what crossovers could be happening. But I have some ideas.

Who I Need To See On NCIS: New York

Considering the amount of characters that have appeared on the NCIS shows, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. At the very least, I would love for Sam to reunite with some of his OSP buddies. Aside from Daniela Ruah’s brief appearance in the franchise’s 1,000^th episode, LL Cool J is the only NCIS: LA character who has consistently continued to appear since the show ended in 2023. It would be fun to see more NCIS: LA characters, even if it’s not long.

Unfortunately, it might be hard to get Sam’s former partner in the Big Apple. Chris O’Donnell, who starred as G. Callen, is busy running a firehouse on 9-1-1: Nashville. Eric Christian Olsen, meanwhile, may not be playing Deeks anytime soon, but he’s serving as a new executive producer on NCIS: Origins. So it's not as bad.

Meanwhile, an NCIS star is already hoping to appear, with Diona Reasonover throwing her hat into the ring. What would get Kaisie Hines to go to New York is unknown, but that would be a fun crossover, especially after she and Sam worked together during his last appearance.

Whatever happens, I just need someone from the NCIS franchise to make an appearance on NCIS: New York. If and when that happens remains to be seen. At the very least, the newest NCIS series will premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, streaming the next day with a Paramount+ subscription.

NCIS is still more than going strong over two decades after its debut, and it doesn't seem to be slowing up. The series is gearing up for its 24^th season, which is set to hit the 2026 TV schedule, and there’s a lot to look forward to. For instance, there's Michael Weatherly’s much-anticipated return as Tony DiNozzo as well as the resolution of Season 23's cliffhanger. It’s not all drama, though, as I can’t stop laughing over the reason Parker has beef with Jimmy.

CBS has released the NCIS Season 24 trailer, and it has everything. There's drama, mystery and action but, of course, there are some light-hearted moments sprinkled in as well. NCIS can definitely be a comedy when it wants to be, and fans get their first taste of what Season 24 has to offer in the new trailer. But the moment between Jimmy (Brian Dietzen) and Parker (Gary Cole) is just sweet (no pun intended).

The trailer kicks off with Jimmy happily arriving at work with some delectable treats, celebrating a “new era” at NCIS. He’s brought cake for the whole gang and offers some to Parker. Unfortunately, Parker declines, and in his most serious tone, tells Jimmy that he’s the “sweets guy.” And that makes Jimmy shut right up. Check it out:

Parker has brought the team a handful of sweets throughout his time on the show, and I never knew that he took the job so seriously. What makes the moment between him and Jimmy even wilder is that the team can't even enjoy the cake because they have to deal with a dead body in a Navy hangar. It’s almost as if that’s Jimmy’s karma for bringing sweets when he shouldn’t have. And, if the rest of the humor this season is anything like that small scene, then I'm ready to see how this plays out.

Meanwhile, the trailer also gives fans a look at Tony’s return and, even though he’s now “Very Special Not Agent Anthony DiNozzo,” it’s like nothing has changed (including the very orange walls). I’m excited to see his dynamics with the rest of the team, since he hasn’t worked with any of them aside from McGee and Jimmy. Overall, though, I just know that the sight of those three together again will be like Heaven for this fan.

Just seeing the Season 24 trailer makes me so excited for these new episodes of NCIS. I just hope that these next several weeks go by quickly. I'm eager to see all the drama play out, and that includes this potentially burgeoning desert feud between Jimmy and Parker.

NCIS Season 24 premieres on Tuesday, October 6 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, and will stream the next day with a Paramount+ subscription. All episodes of the show are also streamable on that platform, so fans can catch up while waiting for the new season.

The NCIS franchise is giving fans all kinds of returns when the various dramas hit the 2026 TV schedule this fall, with Michael Weatherly back on the flagship, LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna heading up the coast for NCIS: New York, and Mark Harmon returning to a full season of on-screen appearances in NCIS: Origins. Someone who knows more than anyone about both returns and jumping from one show to the next? Director Dennis Smith.

Starting with JAG (which he helmed seven installments of), Smith went on to direct 63 eps of NCIS proper, 37 eps of NCIS: Los Angeles, and two each for NOLA and Tony & Ziva spinoffs. (Outside of plenty of other series.) It’s been a while since he got behind the camera for the mothership series, but he stopped by the podcast Partners & Probies to talk to stars Brian Dietzen and Diana Reasonover about his prolific career, and offered a bit of hope for an eventual return. (More on that shortly.)

Smith shared the story behind his most recent NCIS gig, Season 15’s “Burden of Proof,” which came more than a year after he helmed Season 13’s “Homefront” and thought he was more or less done with that show for a while. And it might have happened if not for those meddling kids…er, I mean if not for that the show’s very influential star and executive producer. As Smith put it (via YouTube):

For a sense of how frequently he worked on the show, Smith directed at least three (and upwards of seven) episodes a season for the first 13. So when he stepped back, it didn't seem like he intended to return, and apparently was not expecting any such calls about going back. To the point where he reacted with a bit of gruff attitude when asked about it. He continued:

Had anyone else requested Dennis Smith by name to fill in during a time of need, who knows if he would have been convinced to do it? But when the main man himself puts the call out, its easy to understand why Smith agreed.

And what do you know? Mark Harmon isn't on the main stage anymore, but it may not even require his direct request to bring the director back. Smith said when he popped by the studio to reunite with everyone surrounding the NCIS franchise's 1000th episode, he chatted up Steven J. Binder and they discussed possibly getting him back to tackle at least one episode in the near future. It doesn't sound like he's got plans to hit up New York just yet, but he definitely continued helming eps of Los Angeles and Tony & Ziva after his last flagship effort.

Fans won’t have to wait too much longer to see Mark Harmon back in Gibbs mode, as NCIS: Origins Season 3 will premiere on CBS on Tuesday, October 6, at 10:00 p.m. ET, two hours after NCIS’ Season 24 debut at 8:00 p.m. ET, and right after NCIS: New York’s series premiere at 9:00 p.m. ET. All three shows’ episodes will be available to stream the next day via Paramount+ subscription.

NCIS' return to the 2026 TV schedule will be exciting for a few reasons, but mainly because a big star is set to return. Michael Weatherly will pop back in the mix as Tony DiNozzo, and after plenty of teases, we finally know why he'll return.

Michael Weatherly hinted at what's to come at Comic-Con Midlands, but could only say so much at the time. While he couldn't get into specifics, the one thing he made clear was that his spinoff Tony & Ziva won't be erased in this big return:

The actor has continued to emphasize the Paramount+ series, although cancelled, is still worth watching because it will tie into Season 24 of NCIS. As for how much, we can only wait and see, but I think it's a positive sign that the actor is a fan of what is to come.

On the heels of that, a new pic of Tony was shared over at EW. With its arrival comes new details on the character from showrunner Steven Binder. Following the conclusion of the Paramount+ spinoff, here's a little more concrete detail what Tony is up to when Season 24 premieres on CBS:

Just in case you forgot, or haven't watched the other series, Salus Mondiale is the security company the couple started in NCIS: Tony & Ziva. As we've heard from Michael Weatherly and others, there will be some crossover between one adventure series and the other. Not that I think anyone should be surprised by that, as the spinoff was totally in line with the franchise, and there should be some fan crossover as well.

However, if you do want to catch up, now's a great time. NCIS: Tony & Ziva is still available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription,

To note, Binder went on to talk about Michael Weatherly returning to NCIS as Tony, and spoke about how great it was to see the character back in the flagship series. Fans can expect to see the character they know and love, but who is a bit different from when they last saw him.

Season 24 of NCIS likely won't be the season where Tony DiNozzo is working with the team nonstop, as there are plenty of other arcs to handle. There's a pretty big Season 23 cliffhanger to resolve. Gary Cole has teased that Alden Parker may not be done skirting the law as he did last season, and I'd love to see Tony be a part of that.

What I'll be most eager to see is how NCIS fans respond to the return, and if it results in Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo having a bigger presence in future seasons of the series or other spinoffs. I'm just glad to see these actors get a chance to tell more stories, especially after their spinoff was canceled.

NCIS returns to CBS on October 6th. I can't wait to see the crime shows back on network TV this fall, as my summer has been pretty light on crime and punishment.

Mark Harmon is returning as Gibbs on the 2026 TV schedule, with live-action appearances as his beloved character on NCIS: Origins. As we prepare for the character's return to the CBS spinoff, I couldn't help but laugh at this interview in which Harmon shared the "funny" way Gibbs changed.

As fans freak out about the return and ogle new images of the veteran actor, I'm reminded of when he talked to ET about returning for the role a while back. He laughed at his current role as the series' narrator, noting that Gibbs was prided on his quiet demeanor on the original NCIS:

While he hadn't appeared on-camera on NCIS: Origins, Mark Harmon has served as the series' narrator for its first two seasons. As mentioned, it's a funny job to give the character, considering he wasn't known for speaking a ton on NCIS and was known for having a quiet intensity. He's also known for having a bunch of rules, which has me wondering if one of them includes not saying much.

Mark Harmon's appearance on NCIS: Origins comes after the character made an offscreen appearance on NCIS and helped Alden Parker kill Director Vance's murderer. Gibbs then presumably returned home to Alaska, or off to whatever adventure we're about to see in NCIS: Origins.

I feel like it's relevant to bring up Gibbs' last mention in NCIS, because reintroducing the elder version of the character in Origins feels like an easy way to establish a crossover special. It'll be cool to see if that happens, and how a mystery from the past could play into something in the present day.

Of course, just because the old Gibbs is coming to NCIS: Origins doesn't mean the new one is going anywhere. Austin Stowell might've passed on the idea of playing the character initially, but he's still the star and will continue to tell stories from the character's early days. Stowell even got some tips from Tom Cruise to ensure he's able to do action roles as he ages, and I couldn't think of a better person to give advice on that.

As for what's ahead in NCIS: Origins Season 3, we saw the previous season end with Gibbs sharing a kiss with Lala. In addition to seeing that relationship grow, we'll undoubtedly see more adventures from the character prior to the events of the original series, and maybe learn some new things we hadn't previously known about.

Check out the initial preview video below!

Catch the Season 3 premiere of NCIS: Origins on CBS on October 6th. I'll be tuning in to hear Mark Harmon narrate and run around for what should be another great season of heart-pounding action and double the Gibbs fun.

NCIS is returning to the 2026 TV schedule in a matter of weeks and, while there’s a lot to look forward to, there is still one thing on everyone’s mind. The Season 23 finale ended on a cliffhanger that left viewers questioning whether or not Wilmer Valderrama’s Nick Torres is still alive. It would be harsh to kill him off after the series shockingly killed Rocky Carroll’s Leon Vance in the 500^th episode earlier this year. The episode was tough to watch, and Carroll watched it in a room full of people -- and had one concern as he did so.

Director Vance sacrificed himself in order to save NCIS. It was heartbreaking and emotional, and it even included a reunion with young Ducky before Vance was ushered through the white light to be reunited with his late wife. Of course, given it was the 500^th episode, it was bound to be surprising, and you don’t get any more surprising than a character death. However, Carroll was unsure how everything would turn out, as he told The Hollywood Reporter:

Very rarely is an NCIS episode boring, in my opinion. Yes, there have been episodes where not a lot happens, more often than not, they are still pretty entertaining. Luckily, for Carroll, as he soon noticed, the 500^th episode was definitely entertaining on top of being heartbreaking. There was not a boring moment at all. I can only imagine how intimidating it can be watching an episode like that in a room full of people, especially during an event like aSAG screening. Ultimately, he had nothing to worry about.

The notion of the episode being boring wasn't the concern Carroll had. He previously shared that he had a knee-jerk response to finding out that Vance was going to die. The veteran actor was surprised that it was so definitive, and he only found that out two episodes before they filmed it. I’m still mourning Vance’s death so many months later, but it’s possible Carroll could come back via a dream or an hallucination.

On that note, the show has yet to reveal permanent replacement for Director Vance and, at this point, it’s unclear who it could be. It’s also unclear when a decision could be made, whether it’s a permanent replacement or a character who is only acting director until a new one is chosen. Whoever the new director is, it’s going to be hard to get used to, since Carroll was on the series for 18 years. At the very least, his final episode was far from boring.

Fans can watch the 500^th episode of NCIS and all seasons of the long-running procedural now with a Paramount+ subscription. Season 24 is set to premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. And it will surely be anything but boring.

NCIS: Origins is headed back to the 2026 TV schedule for Season 3, meaning Austin Stowell is back in the saddle once again as Gibbs. What's wild, however, is that the actor recently admitted he said "no" to playing the legendary NCIS character at first, and it all stemmed from a worry that surprised me.

While I'd think many actors would revel in the opportunity to follow in Mark Harmon's footsteps and be the next Gibbs, Stowell had doubts. The actor was a guest on NCIS' Partners & Probies podcast and got into why he immediately turned down the opportunity when it was sent to him:

Stowell was afraid of committing to network television for various reasons. It makes sense, considering any television show can have tension between cast members, who all have to put that aside and continue filming for months at a time. Even NCIS has had to deal with that kind of drama, so I have to say Stowell's concern was valid.

Obviously, he ended up doing NCIS: Origins, so what turned things around? The persistence of its co-showrunners, who Austin Stowell revealed were able to get him on a call:

I can't help but laugh at the fact that Austin Stowell initially backed out of NCIS: Origins because he was afraid of commitment, and now openly says he's single because he's married to a television show. Maybe there's a deeper fear there of commitment in general, but what do I know as a random entertainment reporter?

In any case, Stowell has gotten the stamp of approval as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. And the actor appreciates getting the opportunity to play such a beloved and storied character, even if he was apprehensive about joining television as opposed to movies.

NCIS: Origins has a big season coming up, with Mark Harmon joining the series to reprise his role as Gibbs. The character was briefly mentioned in Season 23 of NCIS, but Harmon did not appear on-screen as his character.

Fortunately, he's confirmed to be on-screen in every episode of Season 3 of NCIS: Origins. I'm intrigued by his return, as we've learned that the story will jump between the present day and the 1990s.

With the CBS franchise bridging the gap between NCIS and Origins, I have to wonder if this will lead to some sort of crossover between the flagship show and its prequel spinoff, and bringing back Harmon as Gibbs was the only way to make it happen. In any case, it'll be fun to see this season all the same.

NCIS: Origins will premiere Season 3 on CBS on October 6th. Catch up on previous episodes right now with a Paramount+ subscription, and see how Austin Stowell plays the role compared to Harmon.

The NCIS franchise is returning this fall on the 2026 TV schedule, with a new show in tow. LL Cool J will once again be returning as Special Agent Sam Hanna for the upcoming spinoff, NCIS: New York. This will mark his third NCIS series appearance since NCIS: Los Angeles ended in 2023. And he has a surprising reason for always coming back.

On the heels of NCIS: LA’s finale, the rapper joined NCIS: Hawai’i’s third season in a recurring guest spot. Then earlier this year, he returned to the Mothership, appearing in a two-episode arc. It was hard to tell if he'd ever portray Sam Hanna again on a more permanent basis, but it surprisingly didn’t take long for CBS to formally announce NCIS: New York. The actor/rapper is now in his 17^th year of playing Sam, and still loves it, telling Deadline what brought him back for this new round, and why he's still as enthusiastic as ever:

It’s going to be fun seeing Sam in this new environment. Of course, while it’s new for the fans, it’s not new to him since he is from New York. We’ve seen him in Los Angeles, in Hawaii, overseas for several cases, and in D.C. Having him in a New York setting with a new partner and new team should be fun. It definitely keeps things fresh for someone who has played the same character for nearly two decades in mostly west-coast locations.

The stories and the context are not the only reason why LL Cool J constantly comes back to Sam Hanna. He genuinely enjoys the character and the kind of person Sam is. Knowing that LL Cool J loves the role so much that he’s up for basically anything, as long as the story makes sense, just makes it all the better:

Filming for NCIS: New York has started, and I am as excited as ever to see Sam Hanna again. While the spinoff already has some haters and passionate fans of previously canceled NCIS spinoffs, the hype is certainly there. It’s hard to tell how this new show will go, especially since the only looks we’ve gotten are behind-the-scenes photos and videos. The wait will be worth it, though, and at the very least, we’ll be reuniting with a beloved character very soon.

Fans won’t have to wait too much longer for Sam Hanna’s permanent return to the NCIS franchise. NCIS: New York will officially premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, streaming the next day with a Paramount+ subscription. I cannot wait to see what happens and how this new show will do compared to its predecessors.

NCIS will come back to the 2026 TV schedule in the fall, and while we wait, the people who made it iconic are sharing some of the show's biggest secrets. Now we're getting the story behind the reason the show freezes frame and fades to grey before a commercial break.

Pull up any episode of NCIS with a Paramount+ subscription, and you'll see these in an episode. Did you know it had a name and how that name came about? Let's get into the history of the "foof" as explained by producer Charles Floyd Johnson.

Who Created The Foof?

"Foof" is an odd name, but it's fitting once you learn the context of it. Johnson explained the origin to FoundationInterviews, and how calling it a foof is oddly perfect:

I never even questioned it until now, but now that I know the sound is meant to mimic an old flash photography bulb, it makes perfect sense. Of course, now I feel as though I'm going to frequently imagine there's some hobbyist photographer following the team off-camera, and choosing the most dramatic times to snap a photo.

And so it became tradition in NCIS, with some of the other favorite spinoffs adapting their own twist on it. While modern shows like NCIS: Origins have not adapted the long-running trend, it remains a staple we'll no doubt see continue when the Season 24 premiere resolves that wild cliffhanger.

How Did Actors Respond To Foofs?

While the "foof" ultimately became a staple in NCIS, there was obviously a period of time in which creatives and actors had to be among the first to adapt to it. Fortunately, Charles Floyd Johnson said it didn't take long for the talent to get with the program:

I can see, having had it explained, how the "foof" is an attractive feature for actors. It's a badge of honor in NCIS to get included in that freeze frame, and you can tell actors do their best to make a serious face that will resonate with the viewer until after the commercial break.

It's wild to think, in hindsight, how one unique decision to put an endcap on scenes could have such an impact. Granted, it's not like NCIS started a trend that all crime procedurals now follow, but it's had a lasting legacy on the show and is a beloved part of its bones.

As mentioned, NCIS is set to return in the fall, and it's going to be a big premiere. Season 23 ended with a tense stand-off between Nick Torres and McGee's son, as the latter pointed a gun at the agent. Showrunner Steven D. Binder already confirmed that no one is going to die in that exchange, but obviously there's going to be some fallout that characters will have to deal with.

I can't wait to see how it all unfolds, and what "foofs" I'll end up remembering when NCIS returns to CBS. I'm sure we'll be getting one with Michael Weatherly, given the hype around his return, but who else will get those honored slots in each episode?

Throughout its 23-season run, NCIS has had a lot of surprising moments. And that probably won’t stop with Season 24 on the 2026 TV schedule, especially with the way Season 23 ended. One of the most surprising moments, however, happened during the show’s early years when it killed off Sasha Alexander’s Caitlin Todd. For Michael Weatherly, though, filming the scene had an unexpected side effect.

Alexander starred in the first two seasons of NCIS as NCIS Special Agent Caitlin Todd before the character was killed off in the final seconds of the Season 2 finale. She was shot in the head at the hands of Mossad double-agent Ari Haswari, who fans later learn was Ziva David’s half-brother. The death came pretty quickly, with the bullet and blood coming instantly. Special effects supervisor Dan Gaspar Jr. shared on the NCIS: Partners & Probies podcast just how they pulled it off:

That one filming choice may have looked cool on camera, but it had an impact on Michael Weatherly due to the blood that would soon splatter on his face. The scene in question has Caitlin, Tony, and Gibbs standing on a rooftop together and talking, with Tony standing directly behind Caitlin. When she was killed, it came as both a surprise and not too much of a surprise for those who watched Weatherly closely, as star and podcast co-host Brian Dietzen shared:

Of course, when you first watch the Season 2 finale and that scene, you don’t think anything of it because you’re thinking that everyone’s safe. The finale is almost over; Caitlin was shot, but her vest protected her. And then she gets shot in the head. It was a surprising moment, but when you look back at the scene, it's an amusing Easter Egg as you can very clearly and hilariously see Weatherly bracing himself for the impact. And to hear another side of what happened is pretty great.

Weatherly previously shared his side of the story about filming the scene, revealing he was waiting for the blood pack at the back of Alexander’s head to explode and he could see the special effects coordinator right in front of him. So he was just waiting for it to splatter all over his face, which is why he flinched just seconds before Caitlin was shot.

I do wonder if there are any other moments throughout NCIS, or even any other show, where an actor is anticipating a death, explosion, or anything similar before it happens because they know what’s going to happen and what’s going to be going on their faces. The fact that Weatherly’s flinch is still a topic of conversation 21 years after the episode aired is hilarious. And fans can rewatch it with a Paramount+ subscription along with all 23 seasons of NCIS now.

When the 2026 Fall TV schedule arrives, NCIS fans may be inclined to think that CBS attained access to a time machine, with Mark Harmon returning in full for NCIS: Origins, Michael Weatherly reprising Tony DiNozzo on NCIS proper, and LL Cool J bringing Sam Hannah back for NCIS: New York. These are magical times indeed, and all now we have our first look at present-day Leroy Gibbs in Season 3, which has sparked some fun reactions from fans.

CBS shared the entirely too-quick promo on social media, giving fans a quick juxtaposition between Mark Harmon’s Gibbs and Austin Stowell’s younger iteration from the early ‘90s. Check it out below!

It's not a ton, but no complaints! We get to see Gibbs jotting away in his notebook, no doubt coming up with a rule about the proper way to craft S'Mores over an open flame, or even something actually relevant to the storyline. He's also still wearing the Titus Bait & Tackle hat that he donned in his final NCIS episode back in Season 19, which ties everything together nicely.

Harmon, who has served as narrator for NCIS: Origins since its debut, will appear on screen in every episode of the third season, for a present-day mystery that ties back to his Camp Pendleton days in the '90s. It's promised to be an action-packed story, and one that could potentially lead to more from Gibbs in the future, depending on how everything goes.

It seems like everything is going pret-ty good for this fan that clarified their dual reasoning for being a fan of the actor.

Classic Instagram fan behavior, that. It's like, why even bring Harmon's 40-year-old Playgirl appearance into the conversation if it isn't the #1 reason for being a fan. It's like saying I'm a fan of Coca Cola for the color of the can, but I like the taste more. Or maybe it's not like that, since soda isn't an adult entertainment mag. (No matter how many attempts I put forth with that specific alchemy.)

For further context, Harmon appeared in Playgirl back in 1986, bolstered by his run as St. Elsewhere's Dr. Robert Caldwell, as well as being named People's Sexiest Man Alive in January of the same year. Perhaps as a way to hyperbolize People's title, Playgirl dubbed the actor "Mr. Perfect," and his stardom only grew with the release of Summer School the next year.

Back to NCIS: Origins, though, where Franks and Gibbs could conceivably stumble across a copy of that Playgirl issue. One of the other more noteworthy reactions to the first-look promo came from NCIS: L.A. vet Eric Christian Olsen, the newly installed executive producer on the prequel drama. He simply wrote:

Now let's highlight some of the other hyped-up comments.

• Gibbs Gibbs Gibbs - @liz_h3
• The way I missed this man on the show (even if it's just origins) is unreal 😂😂 - @drawings.ncisandmore
• I've missed LJG - @tonyhlfc
• My guy 🙌 - @Aubriver
• Cannot wait! My hero!! - @onpointskillz_
• Oooooohhhhhh I can’t wait ❤️ - @caribare

Here's hoping the first full-length trailer for NCIS: Origins Season 3 will give us more to gnaw on as far as what the current-day mystery is. As well as a few looks at any other characters Mark Harmon might be interacting with on screen, assuming he's not doing all his investigating from in front of a campfire.

NCIS: Origins will return to CBS for Season 3 on October 6, 2026, with episodes streaming via Paramount+ subscription the next day.

Special Agent Sam Hanna is coming back to lead the upcoming NCIS spinoff, NCIS: New York, and I couldn't be more excited. The latest series in the long-running franchise is set to make its debut on the 2026 TV schedule in October. LL Cool J will be reprising his fan-favorite role from NCIS: Los Angeles, and to hype the fans up even more, he and the crew celebrated the start of filming with a sweet BTS video.

Production kicked off on NCIS: New York in July, so already, the excitement is high. Not everyone is pumped about the new spinoff due to previous NCIS cancellations, but this show is undoubtedly a thrilling addition to the universe. So, to add to the anticipation, the official NCIS Instagram shared a fun video of LL Cool J, Scott Caan, and the rest of the cast and crew in action:

Considering NCIS: New York came as a total surprise when it was announced, getting footage from the set was extra thrilling. Of course, I’m definitely itching for an actual promo that gives us insight into what will happen on this show. However, this little peek is still wonderful. Plus, there is just something about seeing Caan and LL Cool J back on CBS that is making me very nostalgic.

Of course, LL Cool J has been back on the network numerous times since NCIS: LA ended. He was a recurring guest star on NCIS: Hawai’i and recently appeared in two episodes of NCIS. Now, it'll be amazing to see him in every single episode of his own show. Plus, honestly, it felt like it was only a matter of time before he returned to the franchise on a full-time basis.

In NCIS: New York, Sam will be returning to his hometown of New York City to NCIS’ field office, where he partners with Caan’s roguish NCIS Special Agent Nick Schaeffer. Sam will help lead a new team as they are tasked with high-stakes missions to defend one of the most vital cities and ports in the world. Along with LL Cool J and Caan, the cast also includes Jennifer Beals, Jacqueline Byers, Shane Harper, and Devin Druid.

With NCIS: New York only two months away, it shouldn’t be long until these BTS videos turn into official promo clips from the show. Hopefully, a trailer is released soon, but at the very least, knowing that the show is filming is keeping me pumped. And it's always fun to get a peek behind the curtain at how they make the series within this beloved franchise.

Now, the countdown is truly on, because NCIS: New York will premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, streaming the next day with a Paramount+ subscription.

Summer's been a blast, but it won't be long until the 2026 TV schedule brings back fall shows and crime procedural action via NCIS. CBS is hyping up the return of Season 24 with some photos from the set, which are sweet. However, fans are pretty miffed about the type of donuts seen on a table.

Yes, it appears the fall TV season can't come soon enough, as NCIS fans are latching on to any and all details they can about the upcoming episodes. Before we get into the details of why people are up in arms, take a look at the photo below and see if you can figure out why there are comments about those pastries:

I'm an NCIS fan, but even I didn't clock the reason for the outrage immediately. However, bigger fans than myself seemed to notice the detail right way. Alden Parker is a morning pastries connoisseur, and many seem to think he wouldn't simply bring in something as basic as glazed donuts:

• Parker would never bring in plain donuts, this is an outrage. - clubgcole
• Yeah, but Parker wouldn’t do plain donuts - gianna_a76
• We all know who brought the donuts 😂- jessicascenes
• No, Parker. Morning pastries [are] his thing - jessicascenes
• Too boring, let Parker bring the pastries, he is the best. - lamarche_am_
• Parker's desk 😂😂😂 - drawings.ncisandmore

I guess that's true, but let's try to remember a few things. To start, we have no idea who brought these pastries. It's possible that these donuts were brought by returning agent Tony DiNozzo, who will reappear on NCIS in Season 24. Michael Weatherly's character wouldn't know that it's Parker who traditionally brings in sweets, so this could be his doing!

Another possibility is that Parker is distracted as NCIS heads into Season 24. Fans do know, after all, that he was responsible for the death of Director Vance's killer and set up the circumstances for Gibbs to take him out. Gary Cole hinted that Parker breaking bad could unlock a side of him that fans haven't seen, and maybe that slippery slope starts with uninspired pastry choices.

The final possibility is that it's just not that deep. Those donuts could be for the crew, who are all hard at work filming all the fallout from that Season 23 cliffhanger that we've already had slightly spoiled. Showrunner Steven D. Binder already confirmed that while the season ended with Torres in an armed showdown with McGee's son, no one is going to die in this exchange. That's important, because we heard a shot ring out into the night. However, viewers never saw who fired, or who was shot.

What I have glimpsed are scenes of Nick Torres running around and fighting crime on CBS adverts promoting the new season. So I'm inclined to say he'll be back on the job pretty quickly even if he is injured. Either that, or he shot McGee's kid, and I can only imagine how awkward things could be between them in Season 24. Maybe he's the one who bought the pastries as a way to apologize?

Jokes aside, I remain thrilled for NCIS' return, which is coming back to CBS in October. The return of fall TV is rapidly approaching and, as much as I love summer, I can't wait to get all cozy with the cooling weather and watch one of my favorite crime shows. For now, catch up on episodes by streaming them with a Paramount+ subscription.

We are getting dangerously close to fall programming returning to the 2026 TV schedule. Network TV is getting back off the ground and filming this month for September and October premieres, some of which are making us happier than others. Among those will be the return of NCIS prequel Origins. We got the first look at the upcoming episodes, and the show is absolutely taking a note from Captain Marvel.

No, that doesn’t mean Season 3 is going to be an upcoming Marvel project and there won't be any villains popping in from space. What I mean is that NCIS: Origins is definitely planning to hit on a location inspiring nostalgia in a similar way to how Captain Marvel did in 2019. Yes, that means bringing in Blockbuster Video. Take an Instagram official look from the set, below.

There’s nothing that will inspire fond thoughts of the ‘90s quite like a Blockbuster Video. Captain Marvel proved that a few years ago when Carol Danvers crash landed from space into a strip mall featuring – you guessed it – a Blockbuster. The location was used in tons of promotions for the movie prior to its release, and was a major talking point at the time. Years later, it’s still an identifying factor for the movie.

Given Origins kicked off in 1991, the decade is really a ripe time for the video rental store. Families would pop over on a Friday night and bring home everything from family movies to scary movies, plus snacks! Don’t forget the snacks. Granted, Origins is a lot grittier than what we usually get with NCIS, but one thing the prequel has always done well to differentiate from the other sequels and franchise spinoffs is with its period details, and Season 3 looks to be no exception.

I remember when the show was coming together CBS head honcho Amy Reisenbach spoke about all the period details, noting it’s hard to think of the ‘90s as “period,” but that’s exactly what it is.

If Blockbuster Video isn’t enough of an appeal element, we know Mark Harmon will be back in Season 3 (and not just in a narrating capacity this time). So there’s a lot to look forward to coming up, and not just with Origins but in the NCISverse as a whole. Info about the upcoming episodes is still scarce at this point. We’ll keep you posted as more news breaks, and in the meantime don’t forget to “be kind, and rewind.”

NCIS is such a massive franchise on the 2026 TV schedule, and it's been a mainstay on television for decades. So, it's hard to imagine a time when there were battles and questions about it. However, back in the early days, there were. In fact, there was one fight that happened between CBS and CSI over NCIS's title.

NCIS co-creator Don McGill appeared on the NCIS: Partners & Probies podcast, where he told hosts and NCIS stars Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover how the show’s title came to be. Even though it is only four letters long, it evidently became a pretty big problem for a different show whose title is only three letters long:

Considering how similar NCIS and CSI are when it comes to the title, it makes sense that the latter would make a big deal out of it, especially since they were on the same network. Plus, CSI was only a few seasons in by the time NCIS launched, so the series was still trying to find its footing before it went on to top the TV ratings. So the team at NCIS had to go through a couple of title variations during the show’s early years before eventually landing on the title that would stick for over 20 years:

It’s pretty insane knowing that the spinoff of JAG could’ve been stuck with Navy NCIS, which is saying Navy Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The second one wouldn’t have been as bad, since CSI’s full title is CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. It might have followed in CSI’s footsteps, but it wouldn’t have been nearly as close as NCIS and CSI. However, NCIS definitely fits better. It’s simple, it’s short, and it’s easier to say and tack a spinoff title onto.

I am definitely thankful that CSI ultimately backed off when NCIS was really starting to forge its own path, because it’s hard to imagine the franchise having any other name. Plus, Navy NCIS: Origins and Navy NCIS: New York don't have the same ring to them as just NCIS: Origins and NCIS: New York.

The NCIS franchise will be back on the 2026-2027 schedule with a total of four shows airing throughout the year. So there will be plenty more of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, just not the entire name, and fans can watch most of the franchise now with a Paramount+ subscription.

NCIS has remained strong over the last two decades and continues to do so as the series prepares to head into its 24^th season on the 2026 TV schedule. Even with Mark Harmon’s exit believed to be the “death knell” of NCIS, it’s definitely managed to hold its own. Harmon had joined NCIS as Leroy Jethro Gibbs when it was still just a JAG backdoor pilot, and when it came time to cast the character, a co-creator’s wife made a spot-on prediction about Harmon.

When they were casting for NCIS, plenty of A-listers were being tossed around for the role of Gibbs, such as Harrison Ford. Not surprisingly, Harmon was on the short list for potential actors to play Leroy Jethro Gibbs that CBS had sent out. What is surprising is that one particular person had a feeling that if Harmon got the role, NCIS would go far. Co-creator Don McGill shared on the NCIS: Partners & Probies podcast that his wife actually predicted the show’s success:

Of course, it’s hard to predict how far a show will really go, especially one that is the spinoff of an already successful show. And NCIS struggled during its early years, so you couldn’t really tell just how long it was going to last. Obviously, McGill’s wife turned out to be right, and I am so thankful that she was. I can’t imagine NCIS without Harmon as Gibbs, and he’s still such a big part of the franchise, so much so that he’s returning for NCIS: Origins’ upcoming third season.

There was no way of knowing just how much of a success NCIS would turn into, and I’m sure even McGill’s wife couldn’t have predicted 24 seasons and seven spinoffs by 2026. There are a lot of pieces of the puzzle that have made it successful, between the cast and the storylines, but you can’t argue that Harmon was definitely a big part of that, at least during the first half of the run.

Meanwhile, McGill’s wife may have predicted NCIS’ success because of Harmon, but Harmon admitted to being shocked that NCIS is still on the air. It did not do well when it was first starting out, struggling with ratings and trying to really find its footing. But knowing that it’s doing as well it is today is pretty remarkable. After over two decades, the NCIS franchise remains one of the most successful television franchises ever, and it doesn’t seem to be dying any time soon.

During the fall TV season, fans will be getting three NCIS shows, including Season 3 of NCIS: Origins, which will see Harmon reprising his role as Gibbs for all 10 episodes. Additional details about his appearance should be revealed in the coming weeks, but fans can watch the first two seasons of the prequel and all seasons of NCIS with a Paramount+ subscription.

Three years after NCIS: Los Angeles ended, Sam Hanna is officially back on the job in a big way. While LL Cool J had a recurring guest spot on NCIS: Hawai’i and appeared in a couple of recent episodes of NCIS, his fan-favorite character is returning full-time for the new spinoff, NCIS: New York. The hype is building for the new show, which is premiering this fall on the 2026 TV schedule, and if you want a sneak peek, we’ve got you covered.

CBS announced NCIS: New York in April, and LL Cool J wasn’t the only surprise casting. Hawaii Five-0’s Scott Caan is starring alongside the rapper, so the hype for this show is understandably real. Now, the ball has finally started rolling on the series, with production starting up in New York City. Pictures from set have gotten out, and since there aren’t any formal trailers yet, this is the first look we’ve gotten at LL Cool J and Caan in New York, and I love it already:

It should be pointed out that despite NCIS: LA’s crossover with Hawaii Five-0, Caan is not reprising his role as Detective Danny “Danno” Williams for NCIS: New York. He is playing a completely new character, Sam’s roguish partner, NCIS Special Agent Nick Schaeffer. It is going to be hard to get used to, but just seeing the duo together, I can tell this is going to be a special partnership. Of course, none of Sam’s partners can replace Callen (Chris O’Donnell), but I’m excited for what they could bring. It's just good to see Sam Hanna back on a full-time basis.

Here's the full cast lineup of regulars, including the most familiar faces.

• LL Cool J as Sam Hanna
• Scott Caan as NCIS Special Agent Nick Schaeffer
• Jennifer Beals as NCIS Director Robyn Wells
• Jacqueline Byers as NCIS Special Agent Addison “Addy” Ross
• Shane Harper as NCIS Special Agent Wyatt Hill
• Devin Druid as NCIS tech specialist Sean Sullivan

Another new photo shows LL Cool J, Caan, Harper, and Byers on set together and wearing the NCIS vests that are all too familiar to viewers now:

Even though CBS had announced that a new NCIS spinoff was on the way, it was still hard to believe since there was no warning whatsoever, and I was still mourning over NCIS: Tony & Ziva’s cancellation. Seeing the cast on set and filming definitely makes it all the more real, and this has certainly made me even more stoked.

As of now, CBS has not revealed premiere dates for the fall TV schedule, but it shouldn’t be too much longer now, especially as more shows start filming. These NCIS: New York set photos will have to do for now, but the wait will certainly be worth it. In the meantime, fans can always watch most of the NCIS franchise with a Paramount+ subscription to prepare for the newest iteration. NCIS: New York will be coming this fall to CBS.

NCIS Season 24 is coming soon on the 2026 TV schedule, and someone very special is returning with it. Following the heartbreaking cancellation of NCIS: Tony & Ziva, Michael Weatherly is officially back as Anthony DiNozzo for a season-long arc on the Mothership. Production has started on the new season, and as Weatherly begins playing his character again, fans have a theory about his upcoming story that I can’t stop thinking about.

Anthony DiNozzo Is Back

When Weatherly announced he'd be returning for NCIS, fans were happy but also understandably concerned, not knowing what this would mean for the events in NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The actor recently confirmed that his appearance would not retcon the Tiva spinoff, and now he’s getting fans even more pumped about his comeback. Take a look at this fun photo he shared on Instagram:

Like many, I was heartbroken when NCIS: Tony & Ziva was canceled, especially since it had been so long since we’d seen Tony and Ziva (Cote de Pablo) together. But I am definitely looking forward to Tony’s return on NCIS, and just seeing Weatherly back on set is hyping me up.

Now, I am curious why exactly he's come back into the fold. Thankfully, fans have a theory I really love.

What The Fans Are Saying About Tony's Return

Details surrounding Tony’s storyline have not been revealed, so we don’t know why he’s back in D.C. and why he’s going to HQ. We do know that he’ll be in a chunk of Season 24; which makes my main questions: how and why? Some fans took to the comments of Weatherly’s post to share their own theories that answer those questions, and they really have me wondering:

• Hmm... as Director DiNozzo or Special Agent DiNozzo? -cebuanafilipina101
• Welcome back! But how do we call you now? Agent Dinozzo? Mr. Dinozzo? CEO DiNozzo? 👀 can't wait to find out 😍 -cotestiva
• We missed you…director? 😂🔥👏 -average_jooo
• So excited for this comeback! Will you be Very Special Director DiNozzo🙌 -amandawoolery517

Ever since Director Vance’s surprise death in the 500^th episode earlier this year, NCIS has been short a director. There has been some talk about who could replace him, but as of the Season 23 finale, no one has been formally picked. It would be interesting to see Tony taking the reins, or at the very least, stepping back into his Very Special Agent DiNozzo shoes.

However, if his appearance isn’t supposed to retcon Tony & Ziva, his stepping up as Director might be hard since he was thriving at his private security business at the end of the spinoff. I don't think it's impossible though.

Along with Tony’s reason for returning, I hope his storyline addresses what he’s been up to since the events of NCIS: Tony & Ziva or how Ziva and Tali are doing. As of now, de Pablo is not set to appear on NCIS alongside her on-screen better half, but filming did only just start, so you never know.

With all that said, fans will have to see if their theories are correct when NCIS Season 24 premieres this fall on CBS. Meanwhile, all 23 seasons and NCIS: Tony & Ziva’s first and only season are streaming with a Paramount+ subscription.

NCIS: Los Angeles ran for 14 seasons before ending in 2023. It was the first spinoff and second-longest-running series in the NCIS franchise, just behind the Mothership, even though Daniela Ruah didn’t think the show would get picked up. So, with all that in mind, it's hard to imagine the franchise without NCIS: LA, and it’s even harder to picture different actors starring in the series. So, yeah, I can't believe the cast almost didn’t include Eric Christian Olsen as Marty Deeks.

Olsen joined NCIS: LA towards the end of Season 1, and officially came on as a series regular in Season 2. He was often the comedic relief, and he was one-half of fan-favorite couple Densi. Deeks is arguably one of the best characters on NCIS: LA, and it’s definitely because of the way Olsen played him. Which makes me even more shocked to hear that he wasn’t the first choice, as Olsen recalled on the NCIS: Partners & Probies podcast:

Considering how beloved Deeks is by fans, it blows my mind that executives didn’t initially want Olsen in the role. He explained to hosts and NCIS stars Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover that he had done a development deal at Fox, and he was also doing pilots at ABC while juggling a handful of movies. But, echoing what Dietzen had said earlier, he wanted to be in Los Angeles and do a steady TV show. Naturally, he called his agent, who told him about NCIS: LA:

Despite hilariously never having heard of NCIS: LA or the Mothership, Olsen ended up listening to his agent and going to the meeting. He met with creator Shane Brennan, who was a writer and executive producer on NCIS, and the meeting included some fake action scenes involving finger guns and some big discussions about partnering with Ruah’s Kensi Blye. Not knowing the vibe of the relationship, Olsen tried out a few different scenarios:

Deeks and Kensi’s relationship was a mixture of flirty and sarcastic with a lot of back-and-forth between them, and that’s why it worked so well. It’s all because Olsen improvised during this meeting, making fun of Kensi. While their playfulness may have been a highlight for fans, it wasn’t so much for the executives, at least not at first. Olsen admitted that they weren’t too fond of what he did, but Brennan wasn’t willing to give up so easily:

Olsen was only supposed to do a few episodes until Brennan fought to bring him back for Season 2, and the rest is history.

Deeks went from LAPD detective to NCIS/LAPD liaison officer to NCIS Investigator throughout NCIS: LA’s run. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Olsen's journey with the show began with executives passing on him to joining the cast as a series regular to now serving as an executive producer on NCIS: Origins. So, now I am as grateful as ever that things worked out, because the show would have been entirely different without Eric Christian Olsen.

Some NCIS fans were no doubt disappointed when the Tony & Ziva spinoff was canceled after just one season. However, it looks like they have reason to be happy again as Michael Weatherly preps for Tony's return to the mothership show amid the 2026 TV schedule. Weatherly recently spoke about rejoining the long-running series, and it sounds like the spinoff isn't as dead as believed.

To be clear, Paramount+ subscription holders shouldn't expect to see Tony & Ziva Season 2 at some point. Yet Weatherly confirmed during an appearance at Comic Con Midlands in Birmingham, United Kingdom, that his return to NCIS would not erase the events of the failed spinoff. He teased a bit of what's on the way during a panel with co-star Cote De Pablo (via @a11laura):

It's makes a lot of sense that Tony & Ziva will be acknowledged in NCIS, especially since the show experienced some streaming success post-cancellation. And, of course, the producers may also want to ensure that the continuity remains intact. While the offshoot won't return to streaming for another go-around, fans who've been campaigning for it to return can, at the very least, take solace in the fact that Anthony DiNozzo's reappearance on NCIS will take the spinoff into account.

That aside, NCIS has its own cliffhanger to resolve at the start of Season 24, and there are some other big character arcs the show is building as well. Still, Michael Weatherly is banging the drum and promising the return will be worthwhile, hyping up the flagship series in the process:

If I had to guess what's on the way for Tony's return, I'd say it'll be some sort of storyline that plays into the fallout from Tony & Ziva. I wouldn't expect that storyline to encapsulate the entire season, but rather be a two-to-three-episode arc, if we're lucky.

The biggest question right now is whether Cote De Pablo will join Michael Weatherly in his return or if Ziva David is going to be hanging back with her and Tony's daughter, Tali, at that time. I can imagine there being some disappointment amongst fans if both Tony and Ziva aren't in the mix, and I think the producers know that. All this to say, I wouldn't be shocked if CBS is sitting on another announcement about De Pablo's involvement, or is even keeping her return a surprise. That's just an assumption, though.

Of course, if she doesn't show up, I'm sure Tony will explain Ziva's absence. At the end of the day, I'm just happy there's still a show for these two to return to and that their spinoff will remain canon.

NCIS returns to CBS in the fall, and I'm stoked to see what Michael Weatherly brings to the table when he reappears as Tony. I'm also excited to see what's going on with the rest of the characters, especially after THAT dramatic standoff in the Season 23 finale.

Throughout NCIS’ 23-season run, the CBS procedural has had a lot of guest stars gracing the halls of HQ. A lot of them were actors who were not quite stars yet, such as Zac Efron and Glen Powell, while others were already pretty big names, including Mark Harmon’s Freaky Friday co-star Jamie Lee Curtis. Bob Newhart is also on this impressive list, but he did more than just guest star. He gave Mark Harmon an F-bomb-laced piece of advice, too.

The late great Bob Newhart guest starred in Season 8, Episode 12, “Recruited,” back in 2011. He portrayed Dr. Walter Magnus, a retired chief medical examiner who trained and mentored Ducky. He was only in one episode, but he left a mark on the show and is one of the greatest NCIS guest stars. He also made quite the impact behind the scenes too, as executive producer Scott Williams recalled the advice he gave Mark Harmon on the NCIS: Partners & Probies podcast:

Newhart would know. The comedian had two very successful programs that ran for well over 100 episodes: The Bob Newhart Show and the subsequent Newhart. (The latter of which had one of the most memorable TV endings of all time.) Still, the fact that Newhart said that during Season 8, and now the show is gearing up for its 24^th season, is mind-blowing.

Ultimately, Mark Harmon hasn't been on board this specific train this the entire time, as he departed as Leroy Jethro Gibbs at the beginning of Season 19, but technically, he still followed Newhart’s advice. He has since become an executive producer and narrator on NCIS: Origins, where he has appeared on-screen a few times. He is also set to be in all of Origins’ third season this fall. So, he is still very much riding not just the show but the franchise "into the ground."

However, Harmon is not the only one who took Newhart’s advice. Williams admitted that his perspective about NCIS changed when he heard it too. To this day, the NCIS franchise remains a worldwide phenomenon and a very successful television franchise. Williams credits Newhart for the inspiration, and it’s made me love NCIS even more:

Despite the prescient advice, I don't think anyone could have predicted during Season 8 that NCIS would still be going on 15 years later -- and with even more spinoffs added to the lineup. Clearly, they really are doing exactly what the comedic legend urged them to do.

While NCIS is returning for Season 24, along with three spinoffs, during the 2026-2027 season, it’s hard to tell just how much longer the franchise will run. As of now, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight, so perhaps Williams really is riding it until he no longer can. CBS has not announced when the new seasons will premiere, but the first 23 can be watched with a Paramount+ subscription.

NCIS: Los Angeles debuted on CBS way back in 2009. If NCIS: New York makes it just three TV seasons, that means LL Cool J will have been with the franchise in varying capacities for 20 years, starring in LA, then hopping to Hawai’i before its cancelation, and guest-starring in the flagship series around the time New York was announced. It’s been an impressive run, and some recent comments from the rapper-turned-actor highlight exactly why he’s still around.

LL Cool J was at CBS Fest recently, answering questions about reuniting with fellow Los Angeles star Scott Caan and other franchise pals. His genuinely enthusiastic attitude to coming back for the new series is infectious, and perfectly illustrates why he’s maintained relationships with so many different people and shows in the popular franchise.

He’s giving Vin Diesel with that last bit, but I do think LL Cool J’s general chillness is a key to why he keeps coming back as Special Agent Sam Hanna on the show. His former co-stars have talked about this energy in the past. Chris O’Donnell, who starred in Los Angeles with the rapper, spoke about his co-star’s attitude a few years back, telling the TV Academy:

At the time, the actor, whose real name is James Todd Smith, confirmed he really does try to bring cheery vibes to work. It’s a philosophy that has served him well over the years.

This exchange was back before NCIS: LA had gotten canceled by CBS. Despite that hardship, you can see his positive attitude in the full clip from the more recent event below.

We don’t have to wait much longer for more cheery vibes from the longtime actor. NCIS: New York will be hitting the 2026 TV schedule when network shows make a triumphant return this fall. He’s bringing with him some old faces and new, and I hope this will end up being a second series with some major longevity in the franchise for the actor.

NCIS: Los Angeles ended over three years ago, but the series has remained a big part of the NCIS franchise, even now more than ever. At present, LL Cool J is preparing to make big return as Sam Hanna in the upcoming spinoff, NCIS: New York, which drops later this year on the 2026 TV schedule. At the same time, Eric Christian Olsen is rejoining the franchise as a producer for NCIS: Origins. The show means a lot to Olsen, and I'm loving his comments about Hetty still needing "closure."

It was definitely a shock when CBS announced back in 2023 that NCIS: LA would be ending after its then-current 14^th season. As far as finales go, though, there was a lot of closure for most characters. The final minutes of the finale never sat right with me, though. Viewers see Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam being sent on a mission and meeting up with Nell (Renée Felice Smith) and her team to help rescue Hetty (Linda Hunt), who got herself “into a pickle,” as Nell put it. However, Hetty's story was never properly resolved, as Hunt was absent due to various reasons for many of the later seasons.

The uncertainty of Hetty's status still seems to weigh on fans, and even the cast. While speaking with franchise stars Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover on their NCIS: Partners & Probies podcast, Olsen shared his thoughts on Hetty, revealing that Hunt actually asked him to write her last episode. He recalled shooting Season 9’s “Monster” and how much dialogue Hunt had to do for the heavy episode. He recalled:

Hunt appeared in NCIS: LA throughout much of its run but, beginning with Season 10, she began to appear less frequently. Of course, those absences were understandable is understandable, given the now-81-year-old actress' health, 2018 car accident and the eventual COVID restrictions. It’s disappointing that we haven't gotten the ending for Hetty that Hunt wants, but Olsen is still trying to make it happen -- and I desperately need him to succeed:

It can be argued that Hetty is one of the NCIS' most beloved characters. While she was the Supervisory Special Agent of OSP, she also served as a parental figure of sorts for the team and dropped some pretty quick one-liners at times. It was heartbreaking when her absences began to become more frequent. Considering how important Hunt's Hetty was to LA, it's a shame the character's fate is still uncertain. She deserved a sweet ending just like the other characters.

Dietzen, who has written a few episodes of NCIS, told Olsen that the door is always open for him to tell Hetty’s conclusion on the Mothership, and he would be more than happy to write it with him. I'm honestly not sure what such an episode would look like, but I'm loving Olsen's enthusiasm:

I'm not sure I'll ever stop thinking about Hetty, and here's hoping there will be an opportunity for her to return down the road. Luckily, the NCIS franchise is still going strong, so there are plenty of ways in which Linda Hunt can reprise her role. My hope is that we get an update on her during NCIS: New York, which airs this fall on CBS and will stream the next day with a Paramount+ subscription.

NCIS' creative team had a heads up Pauley Perrette would be leave her role as Abby on the crime procedural, which ultimately led to the creation of her successor, Kasie Hines. Diona Reasonover got a front-row seat to hearing how her character came to be, thanks to a conversation with the man who created Kasie, Scott Williams.

As we wait for NCIS' return to the 2026 TV schedule to resolve that wild cliffhanger, writer Scott Williams appeared on the Partners & Probies podcast to talk about a litany of topics. This included the beginnings of forensic scientist Kasie Hines, which Williams explained was a response to the series losing Abby:

Abby's final appearance was in "Two Steps Back," Episode 22 of Season 15. After recovering from a shooting, Abby decided to leave the agency and honor a past colleague, with her final scene being a note to Gibbs and her using sign language to say "I love you," from her car across the street. The moment lives on as a bit ironic, given Pauley Perrette's exit from NCIS was allegedly tied to tensions with Gibbs actor Mark Harmon.

Perrette was beloved on NCIS, to the point that fans still have hope she'll return any time she appears alongside former co-stars. I think people take for granted just how hard it was to replace her, but that's a credit to how well Diona Reasonover has done as Kasie.

Of course, the writing helped as well. Scott Williams talked about how they constructed the character, making a point to put some connective tissue between Kasie Hines and Abby Sciuto:

Kasie Hines made her entrance in Episode 17 of Season 15, "One Man's Trash," as a graduate assistant of Donald "Ducky" Mallard. She had two more appearances that season before becoming a full-time member of the NCIS team in Season 16 to present. She's appeared in 156 episodes total, which is impressive, but she still has some seasons to go before matching Pauley Perrette's 354.

Scott Williams also had an interesting anecdote about Kasie's name originally being "K.C." and why it was changed during the character's creation. As Williams explained, spelling her name that way would create a headache for writers thanks to screenwriting software Final Draft. As he explained, the software automatically creates a double space and capitalization after someone types a period. It would require lots of fixes to scripts, so Williams suggested going with Kasie, which was how a friend spelled her name.

The rest, as they say, is history, and now Kasie Hines is as iconic as anyone else on the cast of NCIS. Diona Reasonover remains a big part of the cast, and even has hopes of joining other spinoffs in the future. As someone who has long said Kasie needs to be spending more time out of the crime lab, I'm 100% on board with that idea.

Will any character ever be enough to fill the Pauley Perrette-shaped hole in the heart of NCIS fans? It's hard to say, but thankfully there are plenty of episodes available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription that show Abby doing what she does best. Who knows, maybe we'll one day see Abby return, and she'll team up with Kasie.

As mentioned, NCIS returns to CBS with new episodes this fall. I'm ready for more of Kasie and curious to see what other adventures she gets into when the rest of the team is out in the field.

As NCIS prepares its return to the 2026 TV schedule and is (hopefully) ready to resolve its huge cliffhanger, its cast is looking back at some of the other big mysteries of the series. Co-stars Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover recently did an interview with EP Scott Williams and finally got into the mystery surrounding Gibbs' boat.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs enjoyed building boats, and while NCIS: Origins got into the reason behind that, Williams was a guest on Partners and Probies to discuss a question fans had for a long time. For years, Gibbs was building a boat in his basement. For those who were unaware, here's a picture:

It's a beaut, but the hosts had to put Williams on the spot because it felt similar to building a ship in a bottle. Fans couldn't figure out how Gibbs would remove the boat from the basement after he built it, though the EP revealed they did cheekily address that in an episode a while back:

As revealed in Gibbs' final NCIS appearance (Mark Harmon will return in NCIS: Origins), the character broke a hole with a sledgehammer in his wall just large enough for a boat to fit through. The boat ultimately blew up, but we know that Gibbs escaped with his life and even recently returned off-camera to deal some vigilante justice to the killer of Director Vance.

The answer to the boat mystery wasn't the most exciting explanation, but as Scott Williams pointed out, the mystery was never really the point of the boat storyline. The process of building a boat, and what it meant to Gibbs, was the real story, so Williams wasn't too worried about any explanation of how it would be removed:

I also like that, and think it adds more depth to the already mysterious Gibbs. I do think it's weird he never had a better plan for removing the boat, however, especially for a guy who prides himself on following a strict set of rules. Do you think after he had to break a wall, he added "Never build a boat in a basement" to his list?

With Mark Harmon showing up in NCIS: Origins, I do wonder if this means we'll also see him in a new episode of NCIS in the future. As previously mentioned, he helped Alden Parker break the law and bring Director Vance's killer to justice. There were suspicions that Parker and Gibbs were involved in the murder, but an investigation into the issue was never officially opened.

We'll see what's in store when NCIS returns to CBS on the fall schedule. In the meantime, fans can revisit past episodes with Gibbs over on Paramount+, and see him working on that boat from time to time.

What's old is new again, and what was already new is...maybe irrelevant? Whatever the case, it's clear that CBS' NCIS-verse is making a concerted effort to bring absent fan-favorites back into the fold in big ways both on- and off-camera. The latest gobsmacking update? Michael Weatherly is now set to reprise the role of Tony DiNozzo when Season 24 hits the 2026 TV schedule, and it won't be a mere "special guest" role, either.

One day after CBS and NCIS: Origins revealed that Mark Harmon's Leroy Gibbs will be back in the mix for a season-long present-day storyline — and seven months after Paramount+ canceled the spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva — the network let the cat out of the bag that Weatherly is already signed on to bring DiNozzo back. And this video announcement, complete with amusingly self-serious narration, is a hoot.

What will bring Tony back to working alongside the minimal former colleagues who are still around? It's unclear for now, and we'll probably have to wait until Season 24 trailers are dropping before learning any major details. But we do know that he'll be around for the bulk of the new episodes, so expect him to get to know characters who were introduced after Tony's exit, such as Gary Cole's Parker and Wilmer Valderrama's Nick Torres.

Are We Really Getting Tony Back Without Cote De Pablo's Ziva?

Without a doubt, the most prominent reactions on social media to Michael Weatherly's return are positive and welcoming. But butting right up against all that blanketed positivity are two sets of other reactions. One is a continued distaste and judgment against Paramount+ for NCIS: Tony & Ziva having ever been canceled in the first place, with plenty of "#SaveTonyAndZiva" tags as comments.

The other wave of replies is mainly iterations of the all-important question: will Weatherly's DiNozzo be accompanied by his TV wife and child, or is this going to be a solo mission? Here are just some of the many comments clamoring for Ziva to also be on board.

• This is great news. What about Cote? - @pattimarinoara
• We need Ziva too!!! - @sere_balistrieri89
• wait?! what?! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!! and Ziva better be with you lol - @natedagr8t
• There is no Tony without Ziva and their daughter so maybe just give us our own show back? - @tivaswiftie99
• I miss you and ZIVA I stopped watching after ziva was gone. 😢 - @michaela_jones_
• Michael this is only allowed if you bring Cote De Pablo with you 😘 - @rachel_jamrose
• He MUST bring Ziva and Tali along! 🤞🤞🤞 - @cheernanna
• Yea idgaf if ziva isnt with him WTF - @jesslovinggg

Considering NCIS: Origins is also bringing in NCIS: LA vet Eric Christian Olsen as an executive producer, and Olsen's former co-star LL Cool J is heading up the new NCIS: New York spinoff, the time couldn't be more perfect for Cote De Pablo (and anyone else, really) to make plans to return for Season 24. Because otherwise, I'm sure the writers will attempt to breezily justify why he's able to just leave his family behind for months on end, and I doubt fans will freely allow that to happen without any blowback.

The one way Tony returning for a solo seasons would work, at least in my mind, would be if he's being groomed to take over as Director. If that ends up being the case, then it's at least feasible that Ziva and their daughter would move back to be with him at a later date. Here's hoping we get more details in the coming weeks.

All seasons of NCIS and the lone Tony & Ziva season are currently available to stream via Paramount+ subscription.

As the NCIS franchise prepares to return on the 2026 TV schedule this fall, fans are going to be seeing some big changes. Perhaps the biggest and most exciting change is that Mark Harmon will be back as Gibbs for the upcoming third season of NCIS: Origins. He’s not the only NCIS alum making a comeback, as I’m pumped that another familiar face is joining forces with the franchise again but in a different capacity.

NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen (who played Marty Deeks) will be joining Origins as an executive producer, according to Deadline. The actor will serve as EP under his Cloud Nine Productions banner, alongside showrunner David J. North, Harmon and his son Sean, and Michele Greco. Of course, Olsen is no stranger to executive producing, as one of his few EP credits includes fellow CBS drama Matlock, which he’s been attached to since the first season.

Even though NCIS: LA ended three years ago, that hasn’t stopped the cast from returning to the franchise in some way, shape or form. Olsen’s on-screen wife and real-life sister-in-law, Daniela Ruah, directed an episode of NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i and reprised her role as Kensi Blye in the franchise’s 1,000^th episode. LL Cool J, meanwhile, has had a more prominent role since LA, recurring on Hawai’i and appearing in multiple episodes of NCIS. He’s also set to permanently return as Sam Hanna in the upcoming spinoff, NCIS: New York, this fall.

It makes me so happy to see Olsen following in his former co-stars’ footsteps by returning to NCIS. Of course, since he’s going to be an EP on Origins, it feels like fans probably shouldn't expect Olsen to reprise Deeks. Though I would still love to see Olsen cameo as Deeks on the mothership show at some point. That aside, Olsen's work on the prequel show should help ensure additional creative continuity behind the scenes.

As far as we know, it doesn’t seem like Origins will interfere with Olsen’s work on Matlock. On top of that the former show has been confirmed to receive a shortened season and will run for just 10 episodes this fall. Also, Matlock has also been pushed to midseason 2027 due to creator Jennie Snyder Urman opting for a delayed start to give writers more time to flesh out a new story. With that, the Kathy Bates-led show's third season will only have 13 episodes.

But, all in all, it appears Eric Christian Olsen could be quite busy with producing work for the foreseeable future. Of course, here's also hoping that his NCIS producing gig is a small step towards him playing Deeks again at some point.

A premiere date for NCIS: Origins Season 3 has not been announced. Still, between Mark Harmon returning as Gibbs for every single episode of the season and Eric Christian Olsen joining as an executive producer, there's a lot to look forward to. That doesn’t even count the cliffhangers at the end of the Season 2 finale. So catch up on the show by streaming the prequel show by streaming the first two seasons with a Paramount+ subscription.

I can’t remember which rule says “Always wait several years before reprising your most beloved character on the small screen,” but it’s quite relevant this week, as CBS formally announced that NCIS vet Mark Harmon is returning to the hit franchise as its rule-making former head honcho Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Needless to say, there was much rejoicing to be had, seeing as how it’ll fully make five years in October since the character self-exiled in Alaska in Season 19.

Understandably for such a huge update, details are pretty light as far as what viewers can expect to see or hear when the return hits the 2026 TV schedule, but the post below actually does put the focus on Gibbs for a line after laying out that he’ll be back not on the mothership series, but on the prequel spinoff NCIS: Origins.

I do think it's interesting that the video shows off Mark Harmon in full, since that has to be an implication that fans will legitimately see current-era Gibbs in the flash, as opposed to only hearing his voice utilized for reflective narrations. Those voiceover bits weren't as prominent in Season 2 as they were in the first, so maybe this is a way to give fans more of the character they've been missing.

Speaking of the fans, there were more than a few abundantly excited reactons to the Gibbs news, despite some sporadic gruff about the appearance happening on Origins instead of NCIS proper. Here are some of the ones that stood out to me.

Some Of The Most Excited NCIS Fans' Reactions

• Our prayers have been answered!! 😭🙏 - @rebecca1356
• Wait ah min…. I’m hyperventilating… GIBBS… YESSSSSSS!!!!!! - @cutfromadifferentcloth_
• I love NCIS, Origins! The cast is phenomenal and the writing is superb, but having Mark Harmon narrate brings everything full circle. It’s a brilliant concept, flawlessly executed! - @michelle.federico11
• Best news ever!! Gibbs has been missed for sure!!! - @maryjanesdesk
• we're NOT gonna be surviving this I fear 😭😭😭😭 - @austin.h.abbas
• My Heart🤩🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 - @behindthefavor
• can you hear me screaming - @official.emmagrace
• What about the actor playing young Gibbs? He’s out now? I liked him! - @brittbach35

Anybody who reacts to anything with dozens of party emojis can't be all bad, amirite? Also, that last comment isn't celebratory, but it amused me that the commenter seemed to think that Mark Harmon would be replacing Austin Stowell as "Young Gibbs" in the prequel, which is a hilarious concept in and of itself.

Mariel Molino Weighed In With A Very Promising Comment

NCIS: Origins star Mariel Molino, who portrays Gibbs' partner Lala Dominguez, shared a comment below the post that could potentially give fans something they've wondered throughout the prequel's run to date: where was Lala during the timeline of NCIS proper? Here's what she chimed in with, which sparked a fun response from co-star Caleb Foote.

• MARIEL MOLINO: I hear Alaska’s nice this time of year…
  • CALEB FOOTE: save Randy first! Get yo head outta the future

It's a fair cop from Foote, whose tech-savvy Randy was kidnapped in the Season 2 finale, leaving his fate totally up in the air ahead of the third season. For what it's worth, at least one other fan shared that learning about Randy's safety was at least as important as learning about Gibbs.

Regardless, Molino's comment sets up the speculation that NCIS: Origins will jump forward in time to the current day, possibly to show fans that Lala is still alive and in contact with Gibbs, without him needing to come out of hiding to make it happen. Of course, it might not indicate that at all, but I'm keeping the faith.

As exciting as it is to know that Gibbs will be around in some capacity, there's the caveat that NCIS: Origins Season 3 will be one of several CBS series whose season orders were cut down. So don't expect to see Harmon's Gibbs for, say, eleven episodes, as we're only getting ten.

Both of the prior seasons, as well as all 23 seasons of NCIS, can be streamed in full via Paramount+ subscription.

NCIS is one of the biggest crime procedural franchises in the world, and for as long as I've been a fan, I always assumed the flagship series was the favorite. That was up until I saw the question posed online, and learned that opinions on which is the best spinoff vary wildly from person to person.

As we wait for NCIS, NCIS: Origins, and the brand new NCIS: New York spinoff to come to the 2026 TV schedule, Reddit is in a debate on which show is the best. This includes the original series it was a spinoff of, JAG, and it feels like everyone has a different take:

• NOLA is my absolute favorite but Origins is coming for that spot tbh - RedditLeaveMeAlone2o
• NCIS origins, NCIS , Fin. The other spinoffs are lame - NotAUserNamm
• I loved the NCIS Hawaii and I was really surprised it didn’t get at least one more season. I haven’t seen many of the others, I saw the early original NCIS so I’d say that was better then Hawaii but Hawaii was better than original NCIS from after I stopped watching purely because original NCIS had lost my attention - Wild-fleurs
• NCIS, NCIS LA, Never saw the others. I think I saw a couple epsidoes of NOLA and it wasn't for me. - WhatTheJessJedi
• I feel like original NCIS needs to be broken into groups of seasons. Must see in the beginning, not so much now. - lalamarie513

Here I thought everyone was in agreement that the original NCIS was superior to all others! Speaking personally, I was never able to latch on to any of the spinoffs in the way I was the the original, and maintain it's doing things as great as ever with its latest season finale. Now I'm finding out everyone may not be on the edge of their seat waiting to see who was shot between McGee's son and Torres?

Also, for what it's worth, one the commenters above noted the absence of NCIS: Tony & Ziva, conceding that they think of it as a standalone series. But then the lone streaming series of the bunch didn't seem to land at the top of anyone's picks.

The unique thing about this thread is not that people have different favorites. Everyone has their favorite superhero movies or the order they prefer to watch Star Wars. What's interesting to me is that there doesn't appear to be a general consensus, at least in the thread, of which series is the best.

Perhaps the fact that NCIS has so many fans of different shows is evidence that it's somewhat surpassed the need to be accepted as a crime procedural series. It feels like one of those series that'll always be around, which is a good thing in the midst of this shift in how people consume television on a weekly basis. Whether you watch on CBS weekly or decide to throw in on with a Paramount+ subscription after being away for years, all these shows will be there, and still be relatively easy to follow.

As mentioned, a bunch of NCIS shows are headed back to CBS in the fall and are available to stream over on Paramount+. As long as you like seeing bad guys get arrested, you'll be right at home watching all of them and have a blast trying to figure out the killer.

Following the New York Knicks’ long-hoped-for NBA championship win, fans have been in a frenzy. This includes celebrity Knicks fans, as plenty of stars rooted on the team during their historic postseason run. Amid the buzz, though, some TV fans might wonder which fictional characters would be ecstatic about the team's victory. On that note, I never realized how much I needed to know if NCIS: Los Angeles’ Sam Hanna was rooting for the Knickbockers until LL Cool J was asked.

In honor of both the Knicks and the new NCIS spinoff, NCIS: New York, coming to CBS this fall on the 2026 TV schedule, LL Cool J repped his team and his character. In an Instagram video posted by the official NCIS account, the rapper/actor revealed the NBA team Sam regularly rooted for, and I love how the star is taking "creative license" with this part of Hanna's life:

Since LL Cool J himself is a Knicks fan, as if it wasn’t obvious by the video, it’s not surprising that he'd say Sam Hanna is one as well. However, that’s not the only reason Sam would be a Knicks fan. The character is canonically from Brooklyn and, despite living and working in LA for a long time, LL's assertion would suggest he still loves his home team.

Now that Sam will be going back to New York for the new spinoff, I wouldn’t be surprised if he started repping Knicks merch or at least referenced them once in a while. I'd imagine LL would love that amid his full-time return to the NCIS franchise.

As a Bucks fan, I admittedly love the fact that LL Cool J is confirming where Sam’s loyalties lie, and the star's enthusiasm is infectious. What I'm wondering now is if there will be any Knicks references in NCIS: New York, especially following the championship win. It would honestly feel weird if it didn't come up at all, even as part of light banter amongst characters.

Knicks references or not, fans won't have to wait too long for NCIS: New York to arrive. CBS announced in April that it had ordered the new spinoff for the 2026-2027 season, with LL Cool J returning as Sam Hanna. Additionally, Hawaii Five-0 and Alert: Missing Persons Unit star Scott Caan will be starring in the series, However, Caan will not play his Five-0 character, Detective Danny Williams, despite that crossover with NCIS: LA. A premiere date has yet to be announced for the new show, but it will air later this year.

Following LL Cool J's declaration that Sam is a Knicks' fan, I really hope the writers take that to heart and make it canon. And, hey, with Knicks star Jalen Brunson campaigning to be on Law & Order: SVU, maybe the upcoming NCIS spinoff can welcome a member of the team or two?

NCIS: New York premieres this fall on CBS and will be streamable with a Paramount+ subscription.

It’s hard to believe NCIS started as a JAG spinoff, because not only is it one of the longest-running shows on primetime television, but it has also spawned a whole franchise. However, JAG is not the only show we have to give credit to when it comes to the origins of NCIS. We have to thank Law & Order, too. So, yeah, Mariska Hargitay and co. deserve our gratitude.

Since NCIS debuted over 20 years ago, it’s always interesting hearing BTS facts about the show's early days and how different things were back then. It’s even more interesting to learn about how the show came to be. Case in point, longtime executive producer Mark Horowitz reflected on NCIS’ run while appearing on the podcast NCIS: Partners & Probies, telling hosts and stars Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover the original pitch for the CBS hit, which took inspiration from a big NBC legal drama:

I love knowing that Law & Order basically had a hand in NCIS, even if it didn’t go in that direction after the backdoor pilots. By the time the JAG backdoor pilots aired, Law & Order was in its 13^th season, while SVU was in its fourth, so both shows, as well as Hargitay, Sam Waterston, and the rest of the cast on the two series, probably had a hand in inspiring the soon-to-be CBS hit.

This revelation is even more mind-blowing, knowing that the NCIS and Law & Order franchises are arguably the two most notable television franchises today. Both have had multiple spinoff series, and each franchise has projects that have been on the air for well over two decades.

However, I do have to admit, it does make me sad that they are on separate networks, so we’ll never get to see the franchises crossover.

Anyway, knowing that Law & Order inspired the original concept for NCIS, I do wonder what would have happened had L&O never premiered, or hadn’t become a show until much later. Truly, the butterfly effect is a crazy thing, and I’m certainly glad it worked its magic here. I'm also happy that NCIS ultimately went in the direction it’s currently in, because who knows how long it would have lasted had Law & Order in the Navy stuck around.

The original concept is not all that Horowitz revealed about NCIS’ early days. He also shared on the podcast why the squad walls are so orange, noting that they modeled the set after seeing the interior of a building in LA, and the lighting was just too perfect.

So, even after over 20 years, there’s a lot to learn about NCIS, and fans can go back and watch their favorite episodes, as well as the JAG backdoor pilot during Season 8 of the series, with a Paramount+ subscription. And while you do that, don't forget to say thank you to Law & Order as well.

Brian Dietzen is one of the longest-running actors on NCIS, and that’s continued throughout the 2026 TV schedule. Since the first season of the CBS procedural, Dietzen has portrayed Dr. Jimmy Palmer and, as it stands, it (thankfully) doesn't seem like the actor is looking to step down from that post. And, as if acting in 23 seasons wasn’t enough, Dietzen has also written four episodes and, evidently, it was a somewhat uneasy chat with a producer that led to that responsibility.

For context, Season 19 marked the first installment of NCIS to be written by Dietzen, as it was Episode 13, “The Helpers,” from 2022. He also wrote an episode each for Seasons 20 and 21, including the emotional Ducky tribute episode, “The Stories We Leave Behind.” And Dietzen most recently penned a script for Season 23.

While appearing on the NCIS: Partners & Probies podcast, series executive producer Mark Horowitz mentioned to co-hosts Dietzen and Diona Reasonover, who has also written a few episodes, that they’re the only stars to not only act but write on the long-running procedural. With that, Horowitz questioned them about how they started writing for the show. Dietzen recalled wanting to do right by Jimmy and how that contributed to a discussion with EP Steven D. Binder:

NCIS isn't the first project that Dietzen has written for, as he co-wrote the 2012 family romance dramedy Congratulations and served as co-director. I appreciate how Dietzen really took notice of Jimmy's characterization and realized that his dialogue was not where it should've been. Such honest comments speak volumes to the affection the actor has for his character and the series overall. Nevertheless, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't have been a little shaken after that talk with Binder.

Thankfully, though, those weren't the last words Binder and Dietzen exchanged with one another on the matter. Ultimately, Dietzen took his collaborator's suggestion to heart, and that culminated in a follow-up chat that was much more relaxed:

The rest is TV history, and I'm so glad it all worked out. As a massive NCIS fan, I'd say it's all the better for having Brian Dietzen's voice in the writers' room.

As Horowitz pointed out, there are a lot of shows on which actors step behind the camera to direct, including NCIS. However, not a lot of them have actors writing episodes as well, and the fact that the military drama has not one but two of them is pretty impressive.

With NCIS is returning for Season 24 this fall following the big cliffhanger, it’s possible that Brian Dietzen could once again write an episode. Of course, nothing has been confirmed, and filming hasn’t even started yet. However, even if it doesn't happen, fans till have a lot look forward to following Season 23. In the meantime, viewers check out the episodes Dietzen wrote by streaming them with a Paramount+ subscription.

NCIS has evolved a lot over its 23 seasons, especially as we've watched so many cast members like Mark Harmon leave. However, one thing that hasn't changed as the show prepares to return to the 2026 TV schedule is those walls in HQ. For over two decades, they've been very orange, and now a producer has finally explained why that's the case.

The orange squad walls have become a staple on NCIS over the years, but I didn't realize there was a whole story behind why the show used them in the first place. I do know that as a viewer, you can't help but notice them. While producer Mark Horowitz was on the podcast NCIS: Partners & Probies, he shared his thoughts on the walls and why they're so iconic... and hated on by people on set.

There are a lot of shows that have a distinct feature that sets them apart from others. For instance, Love Is Blind uses gold wine goblets, and NCIS has very orange walls for the squad room, offices, and hallways at HQ. Even though it seems like too much of the color sometimes, you can definitely tell what show you’re watching as soon as you click onto an episode.

The reason for the orange is deeper than just being distinctive. Horowitz recalled the show’s early days when it was a backdoor pilot on JAG, and he explained the work he did alongside Don Bellisario and Don McGill to bring this story to life. When it came to developing the sets, they found the perfect building, and it came complete with these wild orange walls.

So, this is the full story behind the color, and it's one of the many great BTS facts about NCIS we've gotten over the years. Yes, now I want to go back and rewatch the JAG episodes with a Paramount+ subscription to see what the squad room looked like in those backdoor pilots.

It sounds like they just happened to find that building, and everything fell into place. I'd imagine if they hadn't discovered it, the entire squad room would have been pretty different (and probably less '70s looking). Luckily, it all worked out:

I would like to spend one final minute pointing out the squad room and all of HQ has seen a few interior explosions during the course of NCIS' run. Still, the orange has remained. Will the squad room, hallways and offices ever get a major paint job? Clearly there are some complainers out there who would love to see it, but if I had to put money down, I'd bet the orange will stay as long as the series does.

We know it's not going anywhere. NCIS was renewed for Season 24, and it will return in the fall. Now that this entire saga has been pointed out, my new dream is for the orange walls to be acknowledged on the show proper.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva was canceled at the end of 2025, but could we still see the franchise's favorite showmance on the 2026 TV schedule? I'm not ruling it out completely, especially after spotting an interview with Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo in which it was hinted that there are still more stories to tell between them.

Weatherly signaled there was more to cover with Tony and Ziva in a Reels shared by EW, as they spoke about the dynamic between the two that NCIS fans have loved for so long. While readers can revisit the one-off season with a Paramount+ subscription, Weatherly hinted there were stories beyond that adventure worth getting into beyond that:

The good news is that even if NCIS: Tony & Ziva is over, the couple always has the ability to appear in a storyline on the flagship series or even the new spinoff NCIS: New York. I know there are some people hating on the latest series on the way, so maybe bringing back Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo's characters for a guest appearance could smooth the waters.

There weren't enough Tiva fans to support a series on streaming, but surely enough to help give a boost to a new network television spinoff. At the end of the day, the show ending wasn't a result of lost chemistry between its two stars. As Cote de Pablo mentioned how their first day of shooting the spinoff went:

Having seen the two interact at San Diego Comic-Con before NCIS: Tony & Ziva premiered, I can confirm that there's something special about Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo's dynamic. I would love to see them return in future adventures, and maybe there's even room for that on Season 24 of NCIS.

The CBS procedural appears to be hinting at a romance between Nick Torres and Jessica Knight. I think Tony and Ziva would be the perfect couple to mentor two NCIS agents who are thinking about a relationship and letting them in on the ins and outs of doing dangerous work alongside your partner. Maybe they can stop by when Jessica's ex Jimmy Palmer leaves to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Season 24 of NCIS seems like it'll be a jam-packed season, with a big cliffhanger to resolve and a hint that Alden Parker may lean into his darker side. While he's flown the straight and narrow in terms of abiding by the law so far, he helped execute Director Vance's killer when he cut a deal that would've left him walking free instead. I'm curious to see how much the series will lean into that storyline, and who may need to stand in for Parker if he's put on leave. I know two former agents who would be great stand-ins!

NCIS: Tony & Ziva is available to stream on Paramount+. I'm not sure the streamer will be convinced to revive the series after its cancelation, but I'd say the odds of them showing up in another series are better than not.

NCIS recently wrapped its 23^rd season on the 2026 TV schedule, and both Sean Murray and Brian Dietzen remain the only stars who have been along for the ride since the very first season. While neither actor started on the show as a series regular, their respective characters Timothy McGee and Dr. Jimmy Palmer have become a vital part of the NCIS ecosystem. For his part, Dietzen will always give props to the late David McCallum for landing him the role of a lifetime.

In the latest episode of the NCIS: Partners & Probies podcast, which Dietzen hosts with co-star Diona Reasonover, the two spoke to Young Ducky actor Adam Campbell and took some time to remember McCallum, who passed away in 2023 at 90 years old. The late actor's Donald “Ducky” Mallard didn't appear as much in the later seasons, with the character becoming a mentor to Dietzen’s Jimmy, and their relationship off-screen was very much similar. Below, Dietzen credits McCallum for getting him a permanent spot on the show:

It’s pretty crazy that Dietzen was originally supposed to be in only an episode or two of NCIS, at least before the producers realized they had struck gold. The Ducky and Jimmy dynamic was definitely a highlight of the series, especially in the early years, so I’m not surprised to hear that the chemistry was instant between Dietzen and McCallum.

Even after all these years, it’s clear that those first episodes with McCallum meant a lot to Dietzen. To share something so special with someone who he considers a friend and mentor who will always have an impact on him is important. It makes me wonder just how different NCIS would have been had they not had that bond, but it’s a good thing we’ll never have to find out.

McCallum has had quite a lot of influence on NCIS, and not just with keeping Dietzen on. Dietzen previously admitted that his mentor once convinced him to request a stunt double instead of running down a hill for one scene. While Dietzen ended up not using the stuntman as he did the stunt himself, he was still paid for a day’s work, which was the whole point of hiring him, as McCallum pointed out. It was definitely a sweet gesture, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Dietzen continued to use the same trick every once in a while.

It’s unknown how much longer Brian Dietzen plans to be on NCIS, since it's been a long time, but it’s all thanks to David McCallum that he’s even still on the show in the first place. Things would have been different if Jimmy hadn’t stuck around or if he had just stayed on as a recurring character. Some things, luckily, are fate, and that includes Dietzen and McCallum’s instant chemistry. Fans can see that bond on NCIS, streaming with a Paramount+ subscription. Season 24 premieres this fall on CBS.

To this day, Pauley Perrette remains one of NCIS' most notable stars who will almost assuredly never film for the crime procedural again. Fans loved Perrette's portrayal of Abby Sciuto, but the actress left the series due to issues with co-star Mark Harmon. And, even after Harmon's own exit, the chances of Perrette ever returning to the series feel slim. That said, she was recently spotted at a concert with co-star Brian Dietzen, so it seems she's still tight with at least one cast member on the show.

Dietzen posted a picture with Perrette on Instagram, noting that he hung out with his former on-screen crime lab buddy at a recent show in Los Angeles. Check out the sweet photo to see Perrette (as you almost assuredly won't see her on the 2026 TV schedule):

This photo may spark some nostalgia for those who've long enjoyed NCIS. It honestly warms my heart to that Perrette is still tight with someone from CBS' long-running military drama, even if she may never appear on the series again. To start, she's officially retired from acting and, based on the seldom updates she's provided in recent years, she seems quite happy with the decision to step away from the profession.

Given that, I don't imagine we'll see her in any future episodes of NCIS. Of course, fans can still enjoy plenty of old episodes featuring Abby, provided they have a Paramount+ subscription. Still, in an entertainment landscape dominated by nostalgia, there may be a possibility that Perrette reappears in some capacity.

Personally, though, I think it's fine that Perrette hasn't returned, especially since Abby Sciuto got a solid send-off from the series near the end of Season 15. Following the death of Clayton Reeves, Abby left for London to start a charity in his honor, which felt like a noble conclusion for her story. Plus, fans have seen far worse exits for long-running characters in NCIS, including the recent death of Rocky Carroll's Director Vance.

It's also worth mentioning that story-wise, Season 24 might be a bad time for Perrette to potentially return anyway, given Mark Harmon's Gibbs was just linked to a big moment of vigilante justice. Season 23 heavily implied that Alden Parker worked with Gibbs to kill Director Vance's killer, after he cut a deal with the agency to be granted immunity.

Gary Cole hinted that Parker's dark side may be explored in NCIS Season 24, which premieres this fall. If that's on the table, I do wonder if Harmon might return as Gibbs should the team look into Parker's role in the murder, considering his sister already suspects he rigged a vehicle to break down, allowing Gibbs to take the shot.

So, all in all, Pauley Perrette's Abby theoretically wouldn't fit into such a narrative smoothly. That aside, though, I'm just glad to see Perrette hanging out with one of her former co-stars and continue to wish her the best in this phase of her life.

NCIS has been through a lot over the course of its 23-season run, and this includes numerous cast changes. Perhaps the biggest casting change came when Mark Harmon exited at the beginning of Season 19, with his departure thought to be the “death knell” of NCIS (at least at the time). Seasons later, Sean Murray has recalled learning about his co-star's decision to leave... and the phone call that made him feel better about it.

Murray has been on NCIS as Special Agent Timothy McGee since the very first season. So, both he and Brian Dietzen, who has been playing Jimmy Palmer since Season 1, have been on hand to witness all the casting changes. While speaking with Dietzen and Diona Reasonover on the Partners & Probies podcast, Murray reflected on the switch-ups, noting change is always hard.

Harmon's exit is one of the biggest changes the show has ever been through, but the McGee actor explained the phone call that made it easier to deal with:

Considering how important a character Gibbs was and how important Harmon was to NCIS, it was probably hard to imagine anyone else coming in as the team’s leader. However, Gary Cole’s Alden Parker has been doing a pretty great job, and Murray seems to have been pretty happy to get that call about his new on-screen boss.

The team has definitely changed up more than a few times, and every time someone new joins, they fit right in. Of course, it’s never easy saying goodbye to a character and seeing someone new come in. However, in Cole’s case, there was no one better to step in after Harmon left. Plus, cycling through team members over the years probably helped Murray come to terms with Harmon’s departure. Knowing Cole would be coming on made it even better.

Unfortunately, the casting changes are continuing. Season 23 of NCIS killed off Rocky Carroll’s Director Leon Vance after 18 seasons, and the season finale might have killed off another beloved character. NCIS is never predictable, and even after all these years, the shakeups are still happening. While it keeps the show fresh, it’s also keeping fans and the cast on their toes.

Meanwhile, Harmon has returned to the NCIS franchise since then. He currently serves as executive producer and narrator on prequel series NCIS: Origins, which follows a young Gibbs. He’s appeared on the show a couple of times, most recently with the NCIS crossover last year. It’s unknown whether he’ll ever return to the Mothership, even if it’s brief, but at least the team is in good hands.

If anything, fans can always watch their favorite Gibbs episodes with a Paramount+ subscription. NCIS Season 24 will premiere this fall on CBS.

NCIS Season 23 ended with Nick Torres having an armed standoff with McGee's son Mateo, and a shot ringing out into the night before the credits rolled. Now, as we wait for the show to return on the 2026 TV schedule, Wilmer Valderrama spoke about that jaw-dropping cliffhanger and warned fans they may not like how it shakes out.

Someone was shot, but did Mateo end up shooting Torres, or was it the other way around? Either outcome isn't great, and while Valderrama recently told People he's not 100% sure if plans are finalized for the storyline ahead of the show's new season, he dropped a hint that not everyone will be happy about what's to come:

Valderrama might not have known what he could or couldn't say, but fortunately, showrunner Steven D. Binder already confirmed that "someone was hit" during the exchange, and no one is dead.

Even then, the potential for drama is huge. Either McGee's son was shot by Torres, or he shot Torres. The consequences of either will upend his life, which actor Sean Murray said he'll enjoy playing as an actor. I do wonder if he may see his son put behind bars, or if the department will do McGee a solid and opt not to press charges.

NCIS Season 23 had another big moment when it was revealed that Alden Parker contacted Gibbs to help kill Director Vance's killer. Gary Cole has hinted we may see a darker side of Parker as we head into Season 24, and I can only imagine what that means.

The main takeaway here is that NCIS did not kill off Wilmer Valderrama's Nick Torres, which I think would've been a major bummer for viewers. He's one of the show's major stars, and killing him off before we see his hinted hook-up with Katrina Law's Jessica Knight would be a shame. I mean, maybe Jimmy would prefer that not happen, but who's to say?

NCIS returns this fall to CBS, with NCIS: Origins and LL Cool J's NCIS: New York appearing on the schedule as well. It's going to be an action-packed fall season for fans of crime procedurals, so make sure to get caught up and see how that Season 23 cliffhanger plays out for Torres!

NCIS Season 23 ended on a wild note, but Sean Murray is excited about what it could mean for Tim McGee. With the 2026 TV schedule promising some resolution to McGee's son pulling a gun on Torres, the actor reveled in what this could mean for his character in the episodes ahead. Now, I really can't wait for the show to return so we can see how this all unfolds.

Murray was a guest on the official NCIS podcast, Partners & Probies. During his conversation with co-stars Diona Reasonover and Brian Dietzen, the hosts mentioned that Season 23 revealed a lot of McGee's past, and of course, ended with a wild cliffhanger that the showrunner had already mildly spoiled a bit. Even so, the actor talked about what we all learned and how he expects that to impact his character going forward:

Can McGee find his center after his son was shot by a fellow agent or the other way around? My guess is he may struggle to find his way, and it's that massive shake-up that delights Sean Murray and keeps him excited for the series decades into playing the character.

While CinemaBlend previously speculated that Sean Murray might be written off of NCIS, it seems like there's still plenty in the tank to cover when it comes to him. It's a good thing too, as he's the one with the closest connection to Gibbs, who sneakily returned to help Alden Parker take care of Director Vance's killer. While Mark Harmon's character didn't appear onscreen, he was alluded to after it was said the killer was a proficient sniper, and Parker cooked up some "fresh Alaskan salmon," presumably having received it from Gibbs.

We've learned that this moment will be big for Parker and may reveal that the latest head of the division isn't as squeaky clean as viewers might've thought. I would think that as one of the team's most senior members, it may be on McGee to put Parker in check and ensure that the NCIS team as a whole continues to operate on the right side of the law and not be as corrupt as those they've fought.

NCIS will return to CBS in the fall, and it will be joined by LL Cool J's NCIS: New York. Get ready for all sorts of crime procedural fun when the fall season kicks off, and maybe some real adversity for McGee in Season 24.

Michael Weatherly starred in 13 seasons of NCIS as Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo and, as one of the leads, he took part in some major scenes. Fans would probably agree with the notion that the veteran actor handled that material like a pro. Hilariously enough, though, he found himself thrown for a loop when asked to be in a scene — in a background capacity. Faced with that, however, Weatherly apparently found a very funny way to get himself out of doing a lot of background work afterwards.

NCIS cast members Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover recently welcomed the franchise’s longtime recurring actor Joe Spano to their Partners and Probies podcast. The trio covered more than a few topics related to the long-running CBS drama series. Eventually, they reached the topic of filming scenes, with Spano noting that even if someone is a background actor in a scene featuring 40 people, they have to stay put until the work is done. As seen in an Instagram clip, Dietzen then recalled the funny story involving Weatherly:

To be fair, I can understand why Michael Weatherly would be somewhat perplexed by the notion of being asked to shoot a scene only for background purposes. Still, the job is the job, and he did film it, just not the way the crew probably intended, though. What Weatherly ultimately did could be described as A+ trolling, and I’m chuckling just thinking about it. I’m not completely sure he never ever had to do any more background work after that, yet I could surely imagine the production team having cut down on that material for him, at the very least.

Weatherly’s tenure on NCIS’ mothership show has long since ended, though, as he exited the series in 2016. Around that time, Weatherly shared his reasons for deciding to step away from the series (and, no, they don’t involve any background acting obligations). Weatherly shared that the prior exit of co-star Cote de Pablo (who played his on-screen love interest, Ziva David) partially prompted the decision. Aside from that, though, Weatherly also felt as though he’d “stayed at the party for too long” and wanted to try new endeavors.

Both Weatherly and de Pablo did, however, reprise their roles in the spinoff series Tony & Ziva. Unfortunately, the show was ultimately canceled by Paramount+ after only a single season, and fans didn’t hold back their displeasure. Of course, the writers could find a way for the characters to return to the franchise somehow. Weatherly actually joked about doing something along the lines of NCIS: Retirement Home. If Weatherly does return to the franchise as Tony, though, I can’t imagine him doing much background work.

Stream NCIS now using a Paramount+ subscription, and check out Tony & Ziva’s sole season on that platform as well. Additionally, know that the mothership show is set to return to CBS alongside prequel series NCIS: Origins this fall amid the 2026 TV schedule.