As fall approaches, fans are gearing up for the highly anticipated return of NCIS, with season 23 promising big drama and deeper character stories.
The season 22 finale left fans with two major questions: who k1lled Alden Parker’s (Gary Cole) father, Roman (Francis X. McCarthy)? And which team members will return to help solve the case?
“This isn’t just another murd3red victim,” Cole told Us Weekly in May. “It becomes personal.” He confirmed his return, teasing that Parker’s hunt for the k1ller – and his turn toward vengeance – will be a major focus.
Here’s who’s back for season 23:
Sean Murray
Murray returns as Timothy McGee for his 23rd season. He confirmed the news in July by sharing a photo of McGee’s computer screen reading, “NCIS SEASON 23 10/14,” revealing the October premiere date.
Wilmer Valderrama
Valderrama, who plays Nick Torres, confirmed his return in May, promising an intense season. “You’re going to see a team that’s willing to go rogue,” he said, adding that Torres is “a little more unhinged than most.”
Katrina Law
Law, who plays Jessica Knight, will also return. She teased that season 23 will show “how far we’re willing to go for one of our own.” In July, she shared a group selfie from set with the caption, “NCIS SEASON 23!!!!! Let’s goooooo!!!!”
Gary Cole
Cole’s Alden Parker will take center stage as he deals with his father’s death. Cole said Parker will be consumed by “rage and vengefulness and guilt.”
Brian Dietzen
Dietzen, who has played Chief Medical Examiner Jimmy Palmer since season 1, confirmed his return with a July Instagram post showing Palmer’s signature glasses and the caption, “We are so back.”
Diona Reasonover
Reasonover is expected to reprise her role as forensic scientist Kasie Hines, continuing her vital work in the lab.
Rocky Carroll
Carroll will return as Director Leon Vance, overseeing the team once again. He confirmed his participation in a July promotional video.
Mark Harmon
While Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs hasn’t been seen since season 19, CBS has not confirmed any appearance this year – though fans continue to hope.
Nancy Travis
New to the cast, Travis joins as Parker’s sister, Navy Vice Admiral Harriet Parker. Showrunner Steven D. Binder said her arrival will shed light on Parker’s troubled past. “She’s the good kid; he was the bad one,” Binder explained. “Their dynamic will come to a head – and not just over Thanksgiving dinner, but in the middle of a global crisis…
