NCIS’ 1000th episode features an interesting case that prompts the agency to revisit its history. Not long after celebrating being on broadcast for two decades, CBS’ long-running police procedural franchise is commemorating another milestone, as NCIS marks its 1000th overall episode. Despite the contribution from all its spinoffs over the years, the accolade will be primarily celebrated via a special outing of the mothership series. After all, it did kickstart the whole universe. That said, there will still be participation from other branches of the agency since the case is bigger than HQ.
Special Agent Alden Parker and his team have already gone through a lot in the short time that they have been back for NCIS season 21. They had to deal with the possibility of seeing Nick Torres go to prison, mourn the death of Ducky, welcome back Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo Jr., and most recently, tackle a case that delves deep into the mystery surrounding extraterrestrials. Amid all of this, the agency’s toughest mission in its shortened year is still likely to come, with the writers crafting up an extra special narrative for NCIS’ 1000th episode.
NCIS 1000th Episode Release Date & Time
Because of the dual Hollywood strikes of 2023, which involved both WGA and SAG-AFTRA, NCIS, much like all the scripted shows, was delayed in returning from its usual summer break. The new year premiered on February 12, Monday, reclaiming its old timeslot. Since then, it has already released a total of six outings, with a couple of mini-hiatus in-between, including to pave the way for CBS’ annual March Madness coverage. The show has recently taken a one-week break, but when it returns, it will air NCIS’ 1000th episode on April 15, Monday, 9pm ET.
NCIS 100th Episode Cast: Who Is Returning?
As a milestone episode, there is an expectation that CBS will bring back some familiar faces for a special NCIS’ 1000th episode cameo. There are several characters already confirmed to appear, including Daniel Ruah, who will return as Special Agent Kensi Blye-Deeksfrom NCIS: Los Angeles‘ 14-season run. Meanwhile, Vanessa Lachey, who currently leads the NCIS: Hawai’i team as Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant, will also have a cameo, although it’s uncertain if she will be physically in the Washington DC office. Finally, Joe Spano will reprise his role as Tobias Fornell, former FBI liaison to help the agency.
Is Mark Harmon’s Gibbs In NCIS’ 1000th Episode?
While NCIS is technically an ensemble, Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs has been the face of the show (and universe) for the longest time. Even after two years since he left and the team has moved on with Parker at the helm, he remains associated with the show. Given this, Gibbs will always be at the top of the list of dream cameos on any occasion, let alone NCIS’ 1000th episode, considering his importance to the universe.
This means that there will be a significant focus on Gibbs when he re-appears, which cannot be done in NCIS ‘ 1000th episode because it’s already way too busy.
There is no official word if Gibbs will return for the NCIS’ 1000th episode, but given the circumstances, the chances of him appearing are very slim to none. While the door is always open for him to return, the creatives behind NCIS have made it clear that they will only bring him back if they can make the most out of the time that Harmon will return. This means that there will be a significant focus on Gibbs when he re-appears, which cannot be done in NCIS’ 1000th episode because it’s already way too busy.
NCIS 1000th Episode Story: What Will Happen?
Specific plot details about the outing are still being tightly under wraps. That being said, the outing will beNCIS season 21, episode 7, “A Thousand Yards,” with the title a nod to the milestone that it is celebrating. The official synopsis mentions that the agency will be under attack from an old foe, which means that the team will have to revisit its history for potential clues. Meanwhile, Director Leon Vance will be an integral part of storytelling, as he reconnects with his estranged son. Read the full brief below:
NCIS comes under attack by a mysterious enemy from the past. Also, Vance tries to mend fences with his estranged son by explaining why, despite the ongoing dangers of his job, he still chooses to stay at NCIS
Previously, Sean Murray revealed that NCIS’ 1000th episode will feature the show’s pilot episode from 2003. Titled “Yankee White,” the premiere’s case had Gibbs and his team investigate a mysterious death on Air Force One. The case paved the way for the squad to cross paths with Sasha Alexander’s Caitlin Todd, who was working for the Secret Service then. If the NCIS 1000th episode goes back all the way to the beginning of the series, expect that it will also reference some of its biggest cases in the last two decades.
NCIS 1000th Episode Trailer
Several days before the release of the outing, CBS released the NCIS 1000th episode trailer, which properly establishes the premise of the story. The team realizes that the whole agency is under attack, with Tim McGee figuring out that they are dealing with someone who knows their history. Interestingly, the footage also shows a snippet of Todd and the late former NCIS director Tom Morrow. Watch the video below:
