NCIS season 23 will undergo a significant revamp when it makes a comeback later this year.
CBS confirmed in February 2025 that the flagship police drama would be back for another season, with series 23 slated to premiere during the network’s fall lineup. Since 2021, NCIS has been airing on Monday nights, a shift from its original Tuesday slot since its debut in 2003. However, the show is about to revert to its roots in season 23, moving back to its original Tuesday night timeslot.
Adding to the excitement, CBS plans to dedicate its entire Tuesday night schedule to the NCIS franchise when the show returns. Both NCIS season 23 and its prequel, NCIS Origins season two, will transition from Monday to Tuesday nights, along with NCIS Sydney, which will move from its Friday slot for its third series.
While there’s no official word yet on when the three NCIS shows will kick off, based on past release schedules, they’re likely to start sometime in September or October. When the premiere episode of NCIS season 23 does air, viewers will have plenty to digest following the dramatic conclusion of season 22. The grand finale revealed that the leader of the Nexus organization, known as The Butcher, was actually an AI construct. In truth, the Kansas City mob was led by Carla Marino (Rebecca De Mornay), who was responsible for the murder of Alden Parker’s (played by Gary Cole) father, Roman Parker. Additionally, it was revealed that Gabriel LaRoche (Seamus Dever) was a double agent, leading to his forced resignation from NCIS.
The long-running crime drama NCIS has been a staple on CBS for over two decades. But as we head into Season 23, things are about to look a little different. Big changes are coming, and not just in the plot or cast—we’re talking about a serious schedule shake-up. If you’re a die-hard NCIS fan or even a casual viewer, you’ll want to pay close attention.
Let’s dive into what’s changing, why it matters, and how it could impact the future of the franchise.
What’s the Big News About NCIS Season 23?
CBS recently confirmed that NCIS Season 23 will not air in its usual Monday night time slot. That’s right—after years of dominating Monday primetime, the show is getting bumped. This kind of move is rare for a show with such strong ratings and loyal viewers, so naturally, fans are buzzing.
New Time Slot Revealed: When Will NCIS Air Now?
While CBS hasn’t officially locked the final air time across all markets, insiders suggest NCIS will move to a mid-week slot—likely Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 9 PM ET/PT. This shift could make room for new CBS dramas or allow other shows to ride the NCIS wave.
Why Is CBS Changing the NCIS Schedule?
It’s not just for fun. There are several strategic reasons behind this move:
1. Ratings Optimization
CBS is hoping to spread out its high-performing shows to maintain consistent viewership across the week.
2. Lead-In for New Shows
By shifting NCIS, CBS can give new or underperforming shows a better lead-in, which could boost overall network performance.
3. Programming Refresh
After more than 20 years, even hit shows like NCIS need to shake things up to stay relevant.
How Fans Are Reacting to the Schedule Shake-Up
Fans are… well, not thrilled. Social media exploded with mixed reactions:
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“Why mess with perfection?”
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“NCIS on Wednesday? My whole week is ruined.”
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“Tbh, maybe this could be a good change.”
So yeah, reactions range from outrage to cautious optimism. But one thing’s clear—people care deeply about this show.
What This Means for NCIS Spin-Offs
Let’s not forget that NCIS is a whole universe now, with shows like:
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NCIS: Hawai’i
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NCIS: Sydney
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(And former hits like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans)
This change could also affect how CBS schedules the spin-offs. We might see:
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Back-to-back NCIS programming blocks
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Crossovers in similar time slots
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Strategic re-runs to boost overall NCIS visibility
The Strategy Behind TV Scheduling: It’s All Chess, Not Checkers
Moving a show like NCIS isn’t random—it’s a high-stakes move designed to win the ratings game. With streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Paramount+ competing for eyeballs, CBS needs to keep its linear TV lineup sharp.
By shifting NCIS to a new night, the network might attract:
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New viewers who don’t watch TV on Mondays
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Less competition from Monday Night Football
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More crossover potential with mid-week dramas
Could the Time Change Hurt NCIS Ratings?
It’s a risk, no doubt.
Long-time viewers are creatures of habit, and moving to a new day could cause confusion or even drop-offs. But CBS is betting that the NCIS fanbase is loyal enough to follow the show wherever it goes.
And let’s be real—streaming options make it easier than ever to watch later, so any short-term dip might level out.
What to Expect in NCIS Season 23 (Beyond the Schedule)
Aside from the time slot change, here’s what else fans can expect this season:
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New Story Arcs: Fresh cases, new villains, and some seriously twisted crimes.
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Character Development: Expect deeper dives into Special Agent Parker’s leadership and Knight’s backstory.
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Guest Stars & Crossovers: Rumors are swirling about a few familiar faces returning.
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Tributes to the Past: It’s Season 23, after all. Expect callbacks and emotional nods to classic NCIS moments.
Cast & Crew Reactions to the Change
The stars of NCIS aren’t staying silent. In interviews, they’ve said things like:
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“It’s a new era—we’re excited!” – Sean Murray (McGee)
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“Wherever we air, the fans show up.” – Katrina Law (Knight)
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“Monday nights were iconic, but change is good.” – Gary Cole (Parker)
Seems like the cast is rolling with it and hoping the fans do too.
What Should You Do as a Fan?
Here’s your action plan:
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Follow CBS on social media for official schedule updates.
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Set your DVRs and streaming alerts for the new time slot.
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Talk to your fellow fans—hype up the new time and keep the energy alive.
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Support the show—live viewership still matters in 2025, even with streaming.
Is This the Beginning of the End for NCIS?
Let’s not panic. While some fans worry the time slot shake-up is a sign of decline, the reality is NCIS remains one of CBS’s top performers.
With global spin-offs launching and merchandise still selling, NCIS isn’t going anywhere soon.
A Quick Look at NCIS by the Numbers
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22 Seasons Completed
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Over 450 Episodes Aired
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Watched in 60+ Countries
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Average Viewers: 10+ Million Per Episode
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Franchise Value: Estimated $5 Billion
That’s not a show CBS gives up on easily.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Change
If you’ve loved NCIS this long, don’t let a time slot throw you off. Change is tough, sure. But it can also breathe new life into a beloved series. Who knows? Tuesday night might just become your new NCIS tradition.
