As we get closer to the return of shows, we start to look at episode counts. NCIS only had 10 episodes during Season 21, and the three FBI shows were cut to 13 episodes each last season. What about this year?
There’s some great news for fans. We’re getting more episodes of our favorite TV crime dramas.
The FBIs will get full season orders
When answering questions from TVLine, someone within the shows confirmed that all three would have “full season orders.”
This now means between 18 and 22 episodes. Actually, in some cases 13 to 16 episodes is considered a full season. However, considering CBS and the way it knows its viewers, it likely means more in the 20s than in the teens.
The three shows were able to get 13 episodes because these types of procedurals take up less work in the post-production process. So, 22 seems likely.
We know that not all the characters in FBI and FBI: Most Wanted will be in every episode of this season to help with cost reduction needs. FBI: International isn’t being hit with the cast reduction, and that’s likely due to the fact that there are only five series regulars as it is!
NCIS Season 22’s episode count is somewhat confirmed
As for the mothership NCIS series, showrunner Steve D. Binder hasn’t quite confirmed the exact number. He didn’t want to confirm an exact number, and this will be due to a number of factors. Filming delays and post-production problems can lead to less episodes than normal.
What Binder does say is that it’s a “nice season.” We’re hoping for a full season order!
There is no word on NCIS having to reduce its cast in episodes. It’s not like there are many characters to lose here and there, especially with Knight somewhere away from the team!
NCIS Season 22 premieres on Monday, Oct. 14 and the FBIs premiere on Tuesday, Oct. 15 on CBS.
Catch up with the latest NCIS and FBI news with Precinct TV.