— NCIS wrapped its explosive Season 22 with a jaw-dropping twist that has fans reeling — and already speculating what lies ahead in Season 23. With [CHARACTER NAME]* making an unexpected exit and the team fractured in the aftermath, the finale signals a major shift for the long-running CBS procedural.

Note: If the character hasn’t been revealed publicly, you can write “a beloved character”.

From shifting alliances to hints of a new global threat, the final moments of the episode suggest that Season 23 may mark a darker, more high-stakes chapter in the NCIS saga.

One standout moment came when [describe the specific event or twist, e.g. “Torres makes a life-or-death decision that could haunt him”], setting off a chain of events that will undoubtedly shape the team’s future.

While CBS has not officially confirmed plotlines for the next season, showrunners have teased that “what happens in that final scene sets the tone for the entire arc moving forward.”

Introduction: Why the NCIS Season 22 Finale Mattered

Let’s be real: NCIS has had its highs and lows over the past two decades. But the Season 22 finale? That was a classic mic-drop moment—one that fans will be dissecting for months. More than just another episode, it was a blueprint for Season 23. Buckle up, because this ride isn’t slowing down.

The Emotional Gut Punch in the Final Scene

What do you do when a show pulls the rug out from under you just before the credits roll? That’s exactly what NCIS did in the last few minutes of the Season 22 finale. Without spoiling too much upfront, let’s just say: emotions ran high, jaws hit the floor, and social media exploded.

Why was that moment important? Because it’s the catalyst for everything to come in Season 23.

Gibbs’ Shadow Still Looms

You may not have seen Gibbs physically in the finale, but his presence was everywhere. From subtle nods to past decisions, to a mystery envelope that only he could’ve inspired, Gibbs’ ghost is haunting Season 23. Are the writers hinting at a return? Or is this just legacy storytelling at its best?

Either way, Gibbs remains the moral compass of the team, even in absentia.

McGee’s Surprising Step Into the Spotlight

Who would’ve guessed back in Season 1 that timid Tim McGee would become the team’s de facto leader? But here we are. The finale showed a more assertive, emotionally mature McGee. Season 23 could explore his leadership potential even further.

Will he officially take on a supervisory role? Or is the team moving toward a more collaborative structure? Either way, McGee’s arc is just getting started.

A New Villain Teased? Who Was That Mysterious Voice?

In true NCIS fashion, the finale didn’t end with a bow on top. It ended with a cryptic voice on the phone, a warning, and a shadowy figure watching from a distance.

Was it an old nemesis? A connection to the larger NCIS universe? This cliffhanger is the seed for a season-long plot that’s likely to expand the show’s mythology in Season 23.

Torres’ Inner Demons Take Center Stage

Special Agent Nick Torres has always had a dark past—but in Season 22, we saw it boil to the surface. From hallucinations to violent outbursts, Torres is unraveling. The finale didn’t heal him—it cracked him open further.

Season 23 could take Torres down a redemption arc… or a dangerous road of self-destruction. Either way, it’ll be riveting to watch.

Director Vance’s Unfinished Business

Vance had a subtle but powerful storyline in Season 22, dealing with political pressure and internal affairs. But the finale suggested he’s far from done.

Could he be stepping away from NCIS? Or is he preparing a new task force that ties into a larger plot in Season 23? One thing’s for sure—Vance isn’t fading into the background.

Ducky’s Legacy and the Team’s Emotional Closure

The tribute to David McCallum’s character, Ducky Mallard, was heartfelt and real. But it wasn’t just a goodbye—it was a thematic reset for the team. His passing was a reminder of their own mortality, and a reason to reflect.

Expect Ducky’s philosophies and forensic ethics to influence the next season in subtle but lasting ways.

Jessica Knight: Ready for a Bigger Role?

Knight’s character went from new recruit to fan favorite faster than you can say “NCIS.” The finale positioned her as not just competent but crucial.

She’s emotionally intelligent, tactically skilled, and surprisingly vulnerable. Season 23 could finally give her a lead arc—maybe even a leadership test?

The Strange Absence of Kasie: Setup or Oversight?

One thing that stood out: Kasie Hines wasn’t as present in the finale as we expected. Was this just a scheduling issue? Or is something bigger happening off-screen?

Speculation is swirling about a possible side project, a lab shake-up, or even a spin-off appearance. Stay tuned, because this absence was too noticeable to ignore.

Romance Brewing Between Parker and Knight?

Yeah, yeah, romance isn’t what NCIS is known for. But the sparks between Parker and Knight? Hard to miss. The finale teased something more than just partnership—shared glances, unspoken support, subtle tension.

Will the show go there in Season 23? Or keep it professional? Either way, fans are watching.

A Return to Long-Form Storytelling

One major takeaway from the finale: this wasn’t a standalone episode. It was chapter one of a much bigger story. After several procedural-heavy seasons, NCIS seems to be leaning back into serialized storytelling.

It’s a welcome shift. Fans love their weekly cases, but a season-spanning mystery brings stakes, suspense, and binge-worthiness.

Will Mark Harmon Return in Season 23?

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: Is Gibbs coming back?

Mark Harmon’s exit wasn’t a fiery goodbye—it was open-ended. The finale nodded to Gibbs in more than one way, and fans are wondering if Season 23 might bring him back in a recurring or even guest-star capacity.

Nothing’s confirmed, but where there’s smoke…

NCIS Spin-offs Are the Key to Season 23’s Storylines

With NCIS: Sydney on the air and NCIS: Origins in the works, the franchise is more interconnected than ever. The Season 22 finale dropped Easter eggs that could tie into both of those shows.

Could we see crossovers? Inter-agency conflicts? Shared villains? The possibilities are endless—and Season 23 seems ready to explore them.

Final Thoughts: NCIS Isn’t Slowing Down Anytime Soon

After 22 seasons, most shows would be running on fumes. Not NCIS. The Season 22 finale proved the series still has tricks up its sleeve—and Season 23 looks poised to be a game-changer.

From evolving characters to deeper emotional arcs and bold storytelling choices, the next chapter of NCIS could very well be one of its best.

Conclusion

The NCIS Season 22 finale didn’t just close a chapter—it opened a whole new book. With character growth, emotional stakes, and looming threats, Season 23 has all the ingredients to reignite fan passion. Whether you’ve been watching from Day 1 or just jumped on the bandwagon, this is the time to stay tuned. Because the next season isn’t just another run-of-the-mill procedural—it’s a reckoning.

❓ 5 Unique FAQs About NCIS Season 23

1. Is Season 23 the last season of NCIS?

Not officially. While no final season has been announced, the show’s longevity depends on ratings, cast contracts, and CBS strategy. Season 23 seems built for renewal.

2. Will Gibbs return in Season 23?

While not confirmed, the finale’s hints and ongoing references suggest a potential cameo or return. Don’t count him out just yet.

3. Are there any new cast members joining next season?

No official announcements, but the finale teased new storylines that could introduce fresh faces—especially a new antagonist.

4. Is NCIS going to crossover with its spin-offs?

Highly likely. Easter eggs in the finale point toward NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney crossovers, either in plot or shared characters.

5. What’s the biggest mystery heading into Season 23?

The cryptic phone call in the finale and the mystery figure watching the team from afar. That single scene might be the launchpad for the entire next season.