NCIS Season 23 Renewal Sparks Fan Excitement Amid Cast Changes
NCIS Season 23 Renewal Sparks Fan Excitement Amid Cast Changes...
CBS officially renewed NCIS for a 23rd season on April 7, 2026, confirming the long-running procedural drama will return for the 20262027 television season. The announcement comes as the show continues to dominate ratings, averaging 9.2 million viewers per episode this season despite recent cast departures.
Fans took to social media to celebrate the news, with #NCISSeason23 trending on Twitter within hours of the renewal. The show remains a cornerstone of CBS's lineup, even as it navigates the departure of series regular Wilmer Valderrama, who exited earlier this season after eight years as Nick Torres.
Speculation about potential new cast additions is already circulating, with TVLine reporting CBS is considering at least one major signing to refresh the ensemble. Production is expected to begin in late July 2026, maintaining the show's traditional fall premiere schedule.
The renewal makes NCIS the second-longest running scripted primetime drama currently on air, trailing only Law & Order: SVU. Its continued success defies industry trends, as most network shows struggle to maintain audiences beyond 1012 seasons.
CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach credited the show's "remarkable creative team and loyal fanbase" for its longevity. The network has not yet confirmed whether showrunner Steven D. Binder will return, though sources indicate negotiations are underway.
NCIS remains a profit powerhouse for CBS, generating significant revenue through syndication and streaming deals. Paramount+ reported the series was among its most-streamed shows in Q1 2026, particularly among viewers aged 3554.
The season 22 finale airs May 19, 2026, with producers promising a major cliffhanger that will set up the 23rd season. CBS will announce its full fall schedule at the network upfronts on May 15 in New York.
With this renewal, NCIS moves closer to potentially surpassing Gunsmoke (20 seasons) as the longest-running primetime drama in U.S. television history. The original NCIS series has now produced over 500 episodes since its 2003 debut.
