Impending doom is looming over our brave NCIS officers.
Will they make it out of the tunnel? Let’s find out!
With the exit of Mark Harmon from NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigation Service Major Case Response Team) after a successful two-decade-long hustle, fans were worried about the subsequent events that were to follow. Some even questioned the tenacity of the series in retrospect of the exit of its main character. However, February 21st was a miraculous day! A renewal for Season 21 was announced, and the fans couldn’t have been happier. It seems like the perfect cliffhanger at the end of Season 1 was the ultimate catalyst for another season’s renewal.
Ever since the unanimous renewal announcement in February 2023, a lot of events have transpired, causing a delay in production as well as production-related announcements for NCIS Season 21. Here, we will dive into the updates and events that followed the miraculous renewal day of February 21 and then tread into what Season 21 will serve on the piping-hot NCIS plate!
🚨 BIG news – get ready to grab your gear, because we’ve got more work to do. #NCIS has officially been renewed for Season 21! We’ll see you there. pic.twitter.com/Khog7IiXY1
— The NCISverse (@ncisverse) February 21, 2023
NCIS Season 21 Release Date Updates: Will It Come Out In 2023?
As stated above, the series was vouched for a Season 21 renewal, so the infamous procedural crime drama will return to the big screen. However, the big question is WHEN?
It seems like our prayers were answered when CBS released their initial fall schedule and NCIS Season 21 cut! It bagged the Monday 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. slot. However, the initial renewal and return joy were short-lived. We are currently entering the third month of the WGA strike, and there is no telling when this will end. If the writers are not free, we do not have a script for NCIS Season 21. Hence, practically, we cannot expect NCIS Season 2 Episode 1 to air this fall or even in 2023, for that matter.
Moreover, it is befuddling to comprehend how a fall release will follow. Technically, for a fall release, the writing should be wrapped up by summer and in post-production before fall, but that cannot be the case since the writers are on strike. Hence, a more calculated prediction would lead us to a mid-2024 release at best!
However, CBS then clarified that they will not release NCIS Season 21 this fall! Instead, they are going to air reruns of the show on the CBS network and have picked the slot on Mondays, 9/8c. For the time being, we urge the readers to check out the new revised fall CBS’s 2023–24 schedule, which, on a positive note, includes the NCIS 20th anniversary marathon that will air on September 25, 2023, as a bonus for the lack of NCIS content. For the time being, we also urge the readers to check out the new revised fall CBS’s 2023–24 schedule, which includes the following shows:
Mark your calendars! 🗓 The CBS Fall Premiere dates have been set! 🍂 pic.twitter.com/BbLDZ5V2e7
— CBS (@CBS) August 3, 2023
At least we have something to look forward to this fall, even if it doesn’t mean we get an entirely new season. This might be the perfect opportunity for you to re-watch the earlier 20 seasons of NCIS!
NCIS Season 21 Updates: How Will The Long Break Affect The Story?
It will be a considerable while before we find NCIS Season 21 on our screens, given that all the potential fall 2023 releases have been shifted to a mid-season release in 2024. Between the inconsequential premiere delay and the never-ending strikes, will we ever reach a consensus? Even if negotiations are met, and the strike dissipates by the end of the year, it does not leave enough wiggle room for the production and post-production process to end before the new season releases within the first quarter of 2024.
It is definitely not enough time to shoot 22 episodes, as Season 20 contains 22 episodes. So it looks like we will be viewing a shorter season this year if you want Season 21 to reach your screens by mid-season 2024. This won’t affect what the story will portray per se because filming has not begun yet, but it will only present a shorter season, with major stories being pushed into another season down the line.
NCIS Season 21 Cast: Who Will Reprise Their Roles For The New Season?
Since the writing for Season 21 is on a hiatus, we have not received any official announcements on additions or deductions to the cast. One thing we know for sure. Mark Harmon will not be returning for Season 21. In addition to this, some rumors are saying they will be bringing back Michael Weatherly in Season 21, as was done before in Seasons 16 and 17, as well as Cote De Pablo!
TV Fanatic reports,
“Bosses are tearing their hair out over their terms.” This is in tune with the demands the actors are placing for their return to the show. So, we will need to wait and watch over the developments that take place in this context.
Other than that, this is the cast list of who we can expect to watch in the reruns that CBS has scheduled for the fall season:
- Sean Murray as Timothy McGee
- Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres
- Katrina Law as Jessica Knight
- Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer
- Diona Reasonover as Kasie Hines
- David McCallum as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard
- Rocky Carroll as Leon Vance
- Gary Cole as Alden Parker
Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs (considering these are reruns)
The creation of the series can be attributed to Donald P. Bellisario. NCIS is produced by Bellisarius Productions in association with CBS Studios. Steven D. Binder, Chas. Floyd Johnson, Mark Horowitz, Mark Harmon, Scott Williams, David North, and Bellisario serve as executive producers.
NCIS Season 20: Episode Run-Down
*Spoiler Alert*
This is to help you understand the premise of the series from where Season 21 will build up:
S20.E1 ∙ A Family Matter
Wed, Jan 18, 2023
Alden Parker is still on the run with his ex-wife, Vivian. The team is investigating on who might have a personal vendetta against him in hopes of clearing Parker’s name.
S20.E2 ∙ Daddy Issues
Mon, Sep 26, 2022
McGee’s personal life and professional life intersect when a dad from his children’s school is linked to a break-in at a government storage bunker.
S20.E3 ∙ Unearth
Mon, Oct 3, 2022
When a dead body is found at an ancient burial site that is thought to be cursed, the team tries to determine the motive and the symbolism behind the crime. As Torres continues therapy with Dr. Grace, he discovers that their lives are in danger.
S20.E4 ∙ Leave No Trace
Mon, Oct 10, 2022
Agent Knight’s past resurfaces when her ex-boyfriend, a National Parks Service agent, teams up with NCIS to investigate a campsite murder.
S20.E5 ∙ Guardian
Mon, Oct 17, 2022
Agent Parker steps up to protect Director Vance after a terrifying home invasion. The team detects advancements in Jessica and Jimmy’s blossoming romance.
S20.E6 ∙ The Good Fighter
Mon, Oct 24, 2022
While investigating the death of a fellow NCIS agent who was cat-sitting for a friend, the team realizes that one of their own has been secretly investigating them to locate a possible mole.
S20.E7 ∙ Love Lost
Mon, Nov 14, 2022
NCIS should investigate the Secretary of the Navy when her husband starts accusing her of trying to murder him.
S20.E8 ∙ Turkey Trot
Mon, Nov 21, 2022
An unknown shooter causes chaos at an annual Thanksgiving 5K, time is of the essence for the NCIS team to find the culprit. Kasie joins Knight for Thanksgiving lunch at Knight’s sister’s house.
S20.E9 ∙ Higher Education
Mon, Dec 5, 2022
The team investigated the death of a college student who was hit by a truck, after inexplicably stripping in the street before running into the road.
S20.E10 ∙ Too Many Cooks
Mon, Jan 9, 2023
The entire NCISverse who are in Washington D.C. to celebrate the retirement of their former professor. However, their worlds intertwine when the NCIS agents are forced to investigate the same professor’s suicide.
S20.E11 ∙ Bridges
Mon, Jan 16, 2023
Parker discovers he’s a victim of identity theft while investigating the unusual murder of a Navy ensign. Knight and Jimmy face hurdles in their relationship as their connection heightens.
S20.E12 ∙ Big Rig
Mon, Jan 23, 2023
When an old pal of Torres’ comes to him – disheveled and bloodied – for guidance amid an undercover FBI operation and then disappears, NCIS helps track him down. McGee prepares to be a contestant on a popular game show.
S20.E13 ∙ Evil Eye
Mon, Feb 6, 2023
In preparation for a role, a world-renowned actress shadows the NCIS team as they investigate a decapitation case.
S20.E14 ∙ Old Wounds
Mon, Feb 13, 2023
Parker grapples with his emotions when a con man from his past turns up as a murder suspect.
S20.E15 ∙ Unusual Suspects
Mon, Feb 27, 2023
NCIS investigates the death of a ride-share driver who was found after a car accident. Parker’s dad, who is temporarily living with him, assists the team in their investigation.
S20.E16 ∙ Butterfly Effect
Mon, Mar 13, 2023
The NCIS team starts to investigate on who is responsible for a potential bio-terror attack at a strip mall parking garage.
S20.E17 ∙ Stranger in a Strange Land
Mon, Mar 20, 2023
When a marine is killed, the team investigates. They learn the man worked at a Center that helps Afghan immigrants. They go there and learn the man had a heated discussion with an Afghan. They learn the marine worked with his father when he was stationed there and he tried to get his family out, but his parents were killed by the Taliban. They think he blamed him for their deaths. They try to talk to him but he runs. They learn he has bomb-making materials. They eventually apprehend him and he tells them the marine was trying to help because someone was forcing him to make the bomb only he doesn’t know. So they need to find out who and what they want the bomb for. Palmer is concerned about his daughter going on a date.
S20.E18 ∙ Head Games
Mon, Apr 10, 2023
The NCIS team digs deep to investigate a Navy lieutenant who’s accused of trying to murder her husband, but has no memory of the attack; Kasie navigates a potential medical scare.
S20.E19 ∙ In the Spotlight
Mon, May 1, 2023
Agent Knight saves a mother and child from a potentially fatal car accident and she is now viral for this reason.
S20.E20 ∙ Second Opinion
Mon, May 8, 2023
NCIS works to solve the murder of a senator’s daughter who has a rebellious reputation and a large online following: Jimmy gets competitive with an old college rival.
S20.E21 ∙ Kompromat
Mon, May 15, 2023
When a suspicious murder occurs in the classified section of the National Archive, NCIS must investigate a string of Russian spy encounters that may be linked to the crime.
S20.E22 ∙ Black Sky
Mon, May 22, 2023
Torres finds himself in prison as the team tries to stop an impending terror attack on U.S. soil.
Where To Watch NCIS Season 21?
NCIS Season 21 has not reached our screens yet. However, as mentioned above, CBS scheduled the episode reruns on Mondays at 9/8c. When it does, it will air on the official CBS network channel and later on Paramount Plus. This gives you ample time to catch up to the prior 20 seasons on the following platforms:
- CBS App
- YouTube TV
- Fubo TV
- Hulu +
- Live TV
- Netflix
- Vudu (rent or buy)
- Amazon Instant Video (rent or buy)
- iTunes (rent or buy)
- Google Play (rent or buy)
NCIS Season 21 Trailer: Is It Out Yet?
Since the writing for Season 21 has not yet taken shape due to the writer’s strike, there is no official trailer release! We will update you as soon as we get relevant information on the same.
As we are updated on a potential release date or any updates on the cast, plot, and recent developments, we will update you along the way. All you need to do is turn on your notifications to Web News Observer so that you don’t miss out on any updates.