In February 2023, the enduring drama received a renewal for a 21st season. NCIS, which was first intended to be a JAG offshoot, grew even more popular and is now the third longest-running primetime drama in television history. The program centers on a team from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they investigate a variety of unusual cases, including murder, terrorism, and espionage.
After making its television debut in 2003, the sitcom quickly rose to the top of the ratings in a few seasons. Nearly 20 years after its debut, Variety claimed that NCIS remained the second most watched television program of 2022. The show’s great ensemble of eccentric and varied characters, who frequently add a healthy dose of humor to the otherwise action-packed plot, is what makes it so strong.
Because it’s such a long-running series, NCIS has become an integral part of many viewers’ lives, as they’ve watched the team change, with new characters joining the crew, others leaving and some longtime fan favorites growing alongside the audience. So, it’s no surprise that fans are always excited for the next season.
Here’s everything to know about the upcoming season 21 of NCIS.
Was NCIS renewed for season 21?
In February 2023, CBS renewed NCIS for its 21st season along with a slew of other series including its sister series NCIS: Hawaii and other popular shows like Young Sheldon, The Equalizer and CSI: Vegas. In a statement to Deadline, the network said, “This season CBS is continuing its winning tradition, delivering an unparalleled combination of top returning series and new hit shows that are entertaining huge audiences on both broadcast and streaming.”
When will NCIS season 21 premiere?
Brian Dietzen as Jimmy Palmer, Gary Cole as FBI Special Agent Alden Parker, Sean Murray as Special Agent Timothy McGee, Wilmer Valderrama as Special Agent Nicholas Torres and Katrina Law as NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight in ‘NCIS’.Robert Voets/CBS
Just a few months after CBS renewed NCIS, Hollywood’s writers and actors both went on strike, completely shutting down production on virtually every movie and TV show. The writers’ and actors’ strikes eventually ended in September 2023 and November 2023, respectively.
Season 21 will premiere on Feb. 12, 2023, according to CBS.
Are the stars of NCIS still on strike?
The cast and crew of ‘NCIS’ join members of the Writer’s Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild picket line on August 1, 2023 in Burbank, California.VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty
The SAG-AFTRA strike ended on Nov. 9, 2023. Many of the show’s actors were seen on the picket line in Los Angeles, including Katrina Law, Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Murray, Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover.
How did season 20 of NCIS end?
Following a shockingly large cliffhanger, Season 21 will resume. During the season 20 finale, the crew was tasked with thwarting a terrorist strike by Russi a that aimed to bring down American electrical systems and bring about the collapse of society.
In order to thwart the attack, Torres poses as a prisoner and approaches Yuri, whom he thinks is knowledgeable of the operation, for information. Additionally, Torres makes pals with an 18-year-old prisoner who believes he was set up. When a man pays the young prisoner a visit, Torres recognizes him right away.
Suddenly, power goes out in the squad room just as blackouts begin hitting the entire East Coast, with cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia all being affected. Thankfully, the team halts the plan and power is restored … leading up to the episode’s biggest moment.
With the terrorist plot foiled and Torres no longer undercover, the episode ends with him inside the house of the man he recognized from prison. The man arrives home, turns on the light and sees Torres sitting in his living room. Initially, the man is confused and doesn’t know what’s going on, but Torres tells him, “Take your time, it’ll come to you.”
Eventually, the man recognizes him, calling him “Nicky” and saying that he used to spend a lot of time thinking about him, his mom and his sister. Just before the scene ends, Torres pulls out a gun and tells the man he wants to watch him die.
Who is in the cast for NCIS season 21?
Due to the now-concluded actors’ strike, it’s unclear which actors will return and who might join the cast since actors couldn’t negotiate contracts during the strike. However, there’s no reason to assume anyone from the main cast won’t be reprising their roles, especially star Valderrama since he’s involved in season 20’s cliffhanger ending, which will likely play a major role in the season 21 premiere.
Sadly, one character who won’t be returning for season 21 is Dr. “Ducky” Mallard. Actor David McCallum, who portrayed the role, died in September at the age of 90. A statement obtained by PEOPLE says the actor died peacefully of natural causes. McCallum’s NCIS costars paid tribute to the late actor, with many taking to social media to remember their time together on set. Pauley Perrette, who played Abby Sciuto, shared a collection of set photos on her Instagram while Michael Weatherly wrote, “David McCallum made every moment count, in life and on set. Let’s raise a jug and celebrate a funny fantastic authentic man.”
Where can I watch previous seasons of NCIS?
Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance, Katrina Law as NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight, Sean Murray as Special Agent Timothy McGee, and Gary Cole as FBI Special Agent Alden Parker are the cast members of “NCIS.”TBS
Anyone with a cable subscription may watch NCIS episodes on CBS.com, and Paramount+ offers streaming for all 20 seasons of the show. Every episode of the NCIS spinoffs, including NCIS: Hawaii, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Sydney, is available on the streaming site.