The Winter Olympics are almost here, and that means a number of shows will take some breaks. At the same time, we’re still waiting for the CBS crime dramas to return from their winter breaks. While there are some great arrivals at the end of the month, there are many others that won’t return until March.
So, which shows should we get ready for? Which ones are heading on an extended break? Here are seven crime dramas not to expect in February 2026 at all. We’re not including Chicago PD on this list, as there will be one episode on Wednesday, Feb. 4 and it will then be on a break until March!
NCIS season 23
Originally, NCIS (and the franchise as a whole) was supposed to return at the end of the month. Then the State of the Union Address was set for Tuesday, Feb. 24, which meant that the broadcast networks had to shift their plans. CBS has pushed NCIS season 23 to a March start — returning on March 3, 2026.
We do have some ideas of what to expect, though. Bishop will be back, as Knight’s NCIS: Elite team will need to go after her. The last we saw Bishop, she had joined Ziva’s former handler, Odette, to help bring justice to more places, but it looks like it means skirting around the law.
NCIS: Origins season 2
Like NCIS, the prequel series was supposed to return in February, but now it is being pushed to Tuesday, March 3. It’s disappointing, especially after the shocking moment at the end of the fall finale, but we know that it will be worth the wait.
There’s a lot to cover when the show returns, as everyone will need to learn that Gibbs has married Diane in a shocking turn of events. Everyone will have their opinions about that, but our question is, how long will this marriage last?
NCIS: Sydney season 3
After going on an impromptu break, likely due to the Bondi Beach attacks, NCIS: Sydney season 3 is finally coming back in March. It was originally supposed to air in February, like the rest of the NCIS franchise.
The episode will be the originally intended fall finale. The team is heading to Antarctica to deal with a murder. However, they have a limited amount of time to do it, because if they don’t leave on time, they will be stuck for six months.
Watson season 2
After getting a surprise premiere in the fall, Watson season 2 went on its winter break at the end of December. The bad news is we knew it wouldn’t return on Mondays with FBI, as CIA is finally ready to arrive.
It means the show is pushed to Sundays, and that pushed it into a March return. John Watson certainly has his work cut out for him when there’s a flesh-eating bacteria affecting patients after a tornado. While treating the patients, he’ll need to finally deal with his Army trauma and Shinwell’s betrayal with Moriarty.
Tracker season 3
Likewise, Tracker went on a break, but the plan was always for it to return in March 2026. It’s all due to the way the days fall after the Winter Olympics comes to an end. However, it is a later return than we’re used to — as usually, we only have to wait until the Super Bowl airs.
The episode will pick up off the back of the cliffhanger from the fall finale. Colter will need to get medical help while in the wilderness with no cell reception. At the same time, he needs to keep his friend alive, who was gravely injured at the end of the fall finale.
Marshals season 1
If you’ve been looking forward to the Yellowstone spinoff focused on Kayce Dutton, you’re not alone. The bad news is we have to wait until March for the show to begin. The good news is that it gets a prime timeslot on Sundays at 8/7c to kick off the night.
The series follows Kayce, as he steps away from the Dutton Ranch and follows a new adventure as a U.S. Marshal in Montana. It looks like from the trailer that this decision is after some heartbreak, but he is also ready to prove that he is more than the struggling Navy SEAL he used to be on Yellowstone.
RJ Decker season 1
If you’re looking for something quirky and light, you’ll love Tuesday nights on ABC. Will Trent and High Potential currently hold the fort, and they’ll be joined by another crime drama in March. RJ Decker gets its premiere on Tuesday, March 3.
The series follows a former photographer who changes career after being released from prison. He takes on the life of a private investigator in Florida, and that’s sure to bring plenty of crime, drama, and romance.
Get ready for a March filled with crime dramas returning and news!