NCIS seems to have set up the perfect exit strategy for McGee

NCIS season 23 episode 2 was focused on Agent Parker and settling his debts with Carla Marino once and for all, but it also opened new doors for the other characters and dropped a number of hints on fans that didn't go unnoticed.

Is McGee going to leave NCIS for something bigger? The show seems to suggest it and foreshadows his plans for the future. I can't imagine the team without him, but I can picture McGee as a CEO. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

NCIS season 23 episode 2, Prodigal Son (Part II) — “Prodigal Son (Part I“Prodigal Son (Part II)” – NCIS. Pictured (L-R): Sean Murray as Special Agent Timothy McGee, Katrina Law as NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight, and Gary Cole as NCIS Special Agent Alden Parker. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | CBS

NCIS season 23 episode 2 reveals McGee's personal project

We saw how McGee transformed Gibbs's old forest cabin into a high-tech hideout for him and Parker in episode 2. To continue their off-the-books investigation, McGee uses "solar power, satellite internet, and moose-enhanced Wi-Fi".

From there, we soon learn that McGee has been working on a personal side project. "MooseNet" is the same self-sustaining network that he installs at Gibbs's cabin. Kasie is impressed by his ingenuity, suggesting McGee's creation might have a market waiting.

NCIS season 22 finale, Nexus — “Nexus” – As NCIS investigates a dangerous connection between the Nexus cartel and Parker’s longtime nemesis, mob boss Carla Marino, the team uncovers a high-stakes plot involving stolen nuclear material. With time running out, Parker is forced into an uneasy alliance that could determine the fate of the operation – and his own future, on the 22nd season finale of the CBS Original series NCIS, Monday, May 5 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ | CBS

Will McGee leave the field to focus on tech?

It certainly wouldn't be the first time McGee aimed for something higher than his current position. Maybe if he had gotten the Assistant Director position during season 22, he wouldn't have ever considered leaving NCIS. But as he lost that opportunity to LaRoche (and we all remember that drama), McGee just might be looking into starting his own tech business.

According to ScreenRant, McGee has registered his invention for a patent already, so he is serious about it. If MooseNet proves a success, it could be McGee's way to exit the stage, focus on family, and have financial security without the daily stress and risks coming with the field job.

NCIS season 22, Empty Nest — “Empty Nest” – NCIS searches for a missing undercover agent in the midst of an active hostage situation, on the 22nd season premiere of the CBS Original series NCIS, Monday, Oct. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ | CBS

NCIS can't keep McGee stuck in his current position forever

McGee has been the senior agent for many years; naturally, he wants to progress in his career. And it's not like he hasn't demonstrated leadership abilities in the past. He was offered the team leader position before Parker showed up, but at the time, he didn't want a "desk job". He was even Acting Director when emergencies required it, and he handled the job impressively.

If he doesn't leave NCIS for good to focus on his budding personal project, at least he could be offered the Deputy Director position now that LaRoche is out of the picture.

McGee’s possible exit might break fans’ hearts, but it also feels inevitable. He has outgrown the field and found a new purpose that honors everything he learned. If NCIS is preparing us for goodbye, at least it’s giving McGee the send-off he deserves.

NCIS airs on Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.

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