NCIS is rapidly approaching its midseason break for the holidays, but don't expect it to come back on screen until later in the new year. The show usually returns from the holiday break in January or mid-February at the latest, but this year there's a delay, and for good reason.
Fans can look forward to three more episodes before the mid-December break. NCIS season 23 episode 7, "God Only Knows", will air on Tuesday, Dec. 2, after the franchise’s one-week hiatus. Episode 8 will arrive on CBS on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and episode 9 will serve as the midseason end on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
The real reason NCIS's winter break is extended this year
NCIS fans might be disappointed by the delay, but if you're a sports fan, you might still be happy to cozy up in front of the TV this winter. The official schedule of the Olympic Winter Games 2026 lists Friday, Feb. 6 as the opening, with competitions due to begin as early as Wednesday, Feb. 4. The Closing Ceremony will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22.
Olympic sports fans will enjoy competitions in ice hockey, speed and figure skating in Milan, freestyle skiing and snowboarding in Livigno, Alpine skiing, curling and sliding in Cortina, and many more.
Although the CBS schedule hasn’t been finalized, they are expected to adjust their programming around Olympic coverage. NBC holds U.S. broadcast rights, but CBS has shown interest in spotlighting key matchups and may provide coverage or analysis, particularly around ice hockey. In fact, CBS Sports has been vocal about the ice hockey competitions schedule.
When are new NCIS episodes coming?
With the Winter Olympics lasting almost the whole of February, it makes sense for NCIS not to return in late January only to have to take a three-to-four-week break again. CBS appears to have decided it's best to wait. According to TV Insider, NCIS season 23 will return with its 10th episode on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
The rest of the season may well make the wait worthwhile. Executive producer Steven D. Binder has already teased an “explosive” season 23, and there are still several major loose ends to tie up in Parker's storyline. Episode 7 will finally address the inconsistencies surrounding his mother’s death certificate, but two or three episodes won’t be enough to reveal everything. The show is likely to gradually delve deeper into who Lily is and who was with Roman Parker the night he died.
The show has also raised a big question about McGee's future — one that the back half of season 23 might clarify. Fans hope the show will put their worries to rest and confirm he isn’t leaving NCIS. But the storyline could take a surprising turn if McGee decides to pursue his tech business and writing full-time, especially after years of being passed over for promotions.
While waiting until late February isn’t ideal, CBS’s decision ensures NCIS will return with a clean slate — no mid-month interruptions and no scheduling chaos. After the Olympic excitement fades, fans will dive right back into fresh cases and new storylines as season 23 continues.
NCIS airs on Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.
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