The ever-popular procedural series NCIS is a bona fide TV institution, but will the series return for its landmark 22nd season? Debuting all the way back in 2003 as a spinoff of JAG, NCIS follows the agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service who investigate criminal cases surrounding the U.S. military. Originally led by Mark Harmon as Agent Leroy Gibbs, the show has managed to pivot since Harmon’s departure and maintain its status as one of the most-watched procedurals.
During the show’s sixth season, the first of several NCIS spinoffs debuted, and NCIS: Los Angeles went on to have its own impressive 14-season run. In the years since, other spinoffs have debuted to varying degrees of success, and the franchise continues to expand with recent additions like NCIS: Sydney and Hawaii. The NCIS universe is taking its first step in a new direction with the recently-announced NCIS: Origins which will explore the early days of Agent Gibbs. With so much hype still surrounding the franchise, NCIS season 22 seems like a foregone conclusion, but nothing is known quite yet.
NCIS Season 22 Is Not Confirmed
No News Has Come About The Next Season
Since the 21st season is still airing, it comes as no surprise that NCIS season 22 remains a mystery. The fate of the flagship series seems quite stable at the moment, and there is no indication that the long-running procedural will end with season 21. When NCIS does eventually end, CBS won’t bury the lede, and its final season will be accompanied by a ton of promotion and hype. With that in mind, the season 22 renewal is only a matter of time, and will probably come by mid-season or near the finale.
NCIS Season 22 Cast
Who Will Return?
The casts of procedural shows like NCIS change slowly, and there is often very little turnover from season to season. However, many hints in NCIS season 21 suggest something major might happen within the ensemble, which casts doubt upon season 22. However, until something is confirmed, it can be assumed that the entire main cast of NCIS season 21 will return to reprise their roles. This means fans can expect to see Gary Cole return as Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker alongside his second in command, Timothy Mcgee, played by Sean Murray.
A complete list of expected returns can be found in the chart below:
NCIS Season 22 Story
What Will The Team Face Next?
Season 21 of NCIS starts with the explosive story of Agent Torres going rogue, but that storyline will likely be wrapped up before the season concludes, thus leaving season 22 blank. Many of the best procedurals balance their case-of-the-week format with occasional story arcs that play out across a season or even several seasons. NCIS is no different, and season 22 isn’t expected to deviate from that tried and true format too much. At this juncture, it is impossible to predict exactly what will happen in NCIS season 22.
