Is NCIS finally coming back? The long-running CBS juggernaut has left millions of devoted fans on the edge of their seats, desperately refreshing their TV guides and streaming apps for any sign of new episodes. After a gripping fall run that kicked off with heart-pounding revenge plots and jaw-dropping family revelations, the show went dark over the winter hiatus — and now, the wait is almost over!

But hold onto your badges — there’s been a massive schedule change that’s thrown everyone for a loop, thanks to none other than the State of the Union address bumping the original return date. Yes, you read that right: politics has delayed your favorite naval crime-solving team!

The mothership NCIS isn’t going anywhere — it’s roaring back stronger than ever for Season 23, part of CBS’s powerhouse 2025-2026 lineup. This iconic series, which spun off from JAG all those years ago, continues to dominate with its elite team of special agents tackling crimes tied to the Navy and Marine Corps. From high-stakes investigations to deeply personal drama, NCIS has kept viewers hooked for over two decades.

So, when exactly will NCIS return with fresh episodes? Mark your calendars: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 8/7c on CBS! That’s the new date after the network shifted things around to avoid clashing with President Trump’s (or whoever’s) big speech on the originally planned February 24 slot.

Why the delay? CBS confirmed the pushback in January 2026, moving the midseason premiere to early March to accommodate the annual State of the Union broadcast. It means fans who were counting down to late February now have to hang on just a little longer — but trust us, the wait will be worth it!

The season originally premiered back in the fall on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 8/7c, marking a huge homecoming to its classic Tuesday night slot after years on Mondays. That move turned Tuesdays into an all-NCIS extravaganza, with NCIS: Origins at 9 p.m. and NCIS: Sydney at 10 p.m. following right after. It’s the ultimate binge night for franchise superfans!

What happened in the first half of Season 23? The season exploded out of the gate with a two-part premiere focused on Special Agent Alden Parker’s (Gary Cole) burning quest for justice. Reeling from his father’s brutal murder, Parker went to extreme lengths to hunt down mob boss Carla Marino (Rebecca De Mornay), putting his career — and the entire team’s future — on the line.

Things got even more intense in “Prodigal Son (Part II),” where Parker’s vengeance threatened deadly consequences, and his sister, Navy Vice Admiral Harriet Parker (newcomer Nancy Travis), faced an impossible family dilemma. The episodes delivered non-stop action, emotional gut-punches, and that signature NCIS blend of procedural thrills and character depth.

Later installments shifted to classic case-of-the-week vibes, like “The Sound and the Fury,” where a petty officer’s death tied into a terrifying blackmail scheme that put Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) in grave danger. Meanwhile, Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) got her shot at NCIS Elite training — setting up some epic future storylines.

The last episode before the hiatus aired on December 16, 2025, leaving fans desperate for more. Now, with the March 3 return, expect the team to dive back into high-octane cases, including Knight’s first Elite mission hunting down a cyber-terrorist version of former agent Eleanor Bishop!

The cast is back and better than ever — no major exits here! Gary Cole leads as the brooding Alden Parker, Sean Murray returns as the tech-savvy Timothy McGee (now stepping up in leadership), Wilmer Valderrama as the charismatic Nick Torres, Katrina Law as the fierce Jessica Knight, Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, Diona Reasonover as forensic whiz Kasie Hines, and Rocky Carroll as Director Leon Vance.

Guest stars and recurring players like Rebecca De Mornay as the villainous Carla Marino and Nancy Travis as Parker’s sister Harriet have added fresh layers of drama. And while Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs hasn’t been confirmed for a return yet, the door’s always open in the NCIS universe!

Showrunners have teased that Season 23 emphasizes character-driven stories alongside the usual investigations — think more personal stakes, family secrets, and team dynamics that make every episode feel like a must-watch event.

The franchise is thriving despite some spin-offs saying goodbye. With NCIS locked in for Season 23 (and already renewed for 24!), plus Origins and Sydney rolling strong, CBS is all-in on the Dick Wolf-style universe of naval procedurals.

Missed any episodes? Catch up on Paramount+ — the first nine of Season 23 are streaming now, with previous seasons available there too (and some on Netflix or Hulu depending on your region).

Don’t miss the return! Tune in Tuesday, March 3 at 8/7c for whatever explosive twists CBS has in store. Will Parker finally get closure? How will Knight’s Elite gig change the team? And could Gibbs make a surprise cameo?

One thing’s for sure: NCIS is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more addictive than ever. Grab your popcorn, set those reminders — Tuesday nights just got a whole lot more thrilling!