Fans of NCIS will have to wait longer for new episode of the CBS show. Despite some networks like ABC and FOX starting shows early, CBS is not airing the second half of many of its shows until February. This is the case for Season 23 of NCIS. When will new episodes air and why is CBS taking a longer break?
NCIS already went on hiatus on Tuesday, Dec. 16, with an episode that finally answered the big question about Lily and Agent Alden Parker’s mother, Eleanor. The mystery has been ongoing for almost two seasons, so it was a nice way to end the year by providing him closure. The decision to close his arc also means that new ones will be able to take their place in the back half of Season 23.
In addition to the team celebrating the holidays, the fall finale also led to a stunning return. Eleanor Bishop (Emily Wickersham) will be returning as a fugitive whom Agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) is tasked with tracking down. This will likely also be a big storyline for Agent Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), who had a connection with Wickersham before she left in season 18.
No new episodes of NCIS Season 23 will air in January 2026
This surprise reappearance will likely be one of the first things NCIS addresses once the show returns. Fans are also waiting to see what will happen with the relationship between Knight and Medical Examiner Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen).
With all of this anticipation, it’s only natural we would want to see what is going to happen sooner than later. But based on the CBS schedule, it will take a little longer to see new episodes from the network, despite others air Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 8/7c, once the Winter Olympic Games have finished airing on NBC.
If CBS had new shows returning in January, there would likely be a break in the schedule. This may be due to the network not wanting to compete with the airing of the games. Unlike ABC, FOX, and NBC, which may have to take some extra breaks to ensure new episodes finish in time for May finales, CBS won’t have to deal with this issue in its programming schedule.
While we do have to wait a little longer for new episodes to arrive, fans can rewatch season 23 and before on Paramount+.
NCIS is set to return on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at 8/7c.
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