Both NCIS and NCIS: Origins don’t have any new episodes tonight, November 18, 2024. CBS’ long-running police procedural has been on the air for more than two decades and it is showing no signs of slowing down. The NCIS franchise has expanded in several ways, even debuting its first international spinoff with NCIS: Sydney. In 2024, however, it also embarked on a new territory when it launched its inaugural prequel series in NCIS: Origins, which tackles Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ earliest years in the agency.
Since debuting, CBS linked up its NCIS shows to make up for its Monday primetime block. The flagship show has retained its usual 9 pm ET timeslot, while NCIS: Origins took over the canceled NCIS: Hawai’i’s spot. While the projects don’t really have that much overlap, other than both lead teams working under the same agency, they have become a tandem viewing for those who have been an avid follower of the NCIS universe for years. With that, there are understandable questions as to why there are no new episodes of NCIS season 22 and NCIS: Origins tonight.
Why There Are No New NCIS & NCIS: Origins Episodes Tonight (November 18, 2024)
CBS Is Deviating From Its Usual Programming
Currently, CBS hasn’t given any concrete reason why they aren’t airing any new episodes of NCIS season 22 and NCIS: Origins on November 18. However, it’s worth noting that this shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Network TV shows tend to take mini-hiatuses throughout their run to ensure that they have enough episodes to run until May, which is usually when finales air. These breaks are on top of the mandatory winter break that typically runs during the Christmas period well into the new year. Other times, the stations give way for special coverage like the election or March Madness.
According to CBS’ official schedule, however, the broadcaster will be airing a re-run of NCIS season 21, episode 8, “Heartless,” where Alden Parker’s Major Case Response Team (MCRT) investigates the abduction and murder of renowned Naval surgeon Erik Harper. Meanwhile, CBS is totally foregoing NCIS: Origins for tonight, with its slot taken over by a re-run of Welcome to the Neighborhood season 7, episode 2, “Welcome to the Big Sleep.”
When Will New Episodes Of NCIS & NCIS: Origins Release?
Luckily, The NCIS Franchise Hiatus Isn’t That Long
While the unexpected hiatus is disappointing, especially considering the storytelling progress for NCIS and NCIS: Origins, there’s good news that comes with it. The break isn’t going to last long for both shows as CBS is set to go back to its usual programming next Monday, November 25. What’s curious about this schedule is that the majority of scripted series are going off the air during the week of Thanksgiving to give way to special broadcasts. Somehow, however, NCIS and NCIS: Origins aren’t following that trend.
The upcoming holiday also paves the way for people to catch up on what they missed on NCIS and NCIS: Origins , so releasing additional episodes just before the holiday makes them more enticing for binge-watching.
In any case, since the procedural series are released early in the week, before the Thanksgiving break actually starts, CBS may have opted to break the norm and treat fans with new episodes of the ongoing shows from the universe. The upcoming holiday also paves the way for people to catch up on what they missed on NCIS and NCIS: Origins, so releasing additional episodes just before the holiday makes them more enticing for binge-watching. Whatever the case may be, it’s good that fans won’t have to wait long for the continuation of the NCIS franchise.
What To Expect From The Upcoming NCIS & NCIS: Origins Episodes
The Next NCIS Franchise Episodes Are Seemingly Intense
CBS has yet to release the official synopsis for the next episodes of its NCIS shows. That said, it has revealed the outings’ respective trailers, including their titles. NCIS season 22, episode 6, will be called “Knight & Day.” It’s safe to say that the narrative will put Jessica Knight at the center of its storytelling, which means that it would be her first big case since returning to MCRT after leaving in the NCIS season 21 finale. Watch the official promo clip for the episode below (via TV Promos):
Meanwhile, NCIS: Origins episode 7 is titled “One Flew Over.” Its trailer (via TV Promos) offers vital information about what to expect from it. It does seem like the episode will revisit the tragic death of Gibbs’ first wife and daughter, Kelly and Shannon. Their murder has been an important part of the character’s arc thus far, but this time, it looks like viewers will learn the extent of Mike Franks’ involvement in the NCIS tragedy. The biggest takeaway from the brief clip is Gibbs punching his mentor as if he’s blaming Franks for losing his family.