AUSTIN, Texas — NCIS is back and kicking off its 23rd season with a bang — and tonight, fans are in for the explosive conclusion to the two-part premiere.
After last week’s thrilling first installment, NCIS: Prodigal Son Part 2 airs tonight, promising major twists, team tension, and high-stakes action. Stars Sean Murray and Gary Cole — known to fans as McGee and Parker — gave We Are Austin’s Sierra Waggoner a glimpse into what viewers can expect from this milestone season.
The season began with Parker stepping far outside the rulebook in a personal mission for justice. Viewers will soon learn how that choice affects not just him, but the rest of the team moving forward.
Meanwhile, with the Deputy Director role now vacant, there’s buzz around McGee’s potential promotion. Fans can look forward to deeper character development as McGee navigates new leadership opportunities — and maybe even some tough decisions.
This fall marks a first for the franchise: an entire night dedicated to NCIS on CBS. With NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney joining the lineup, Tuesdays are officially takeover territory. The cast says the expanded universe brings even more stories, characters, and crossovers for fans to enjoy.
When asked what keeps NCIS resonating after more than two decades, the stars point to compelling cases, loyal fans, and a cast that truly feels like family. And if a crossover were on the table?
“It’s always tough to pinpoint exactly why something is successful—especially in an industry known for its unpredictability,” Gary Cole said. “Sometimes, you don’t even want to question it too much. The audience really gives you the answer by continuing to show up. Like you mentioned, NCIS means different things to different people, and I think that’s part of its strength. The fan base is diverse, and the show seems to connect with people on multiple levels. It’s had staying power, and for whatever reason, it stands on its own. Personally, I try not to overanalyze it—there’s a little bit of ‘don’t look a gift horse in the mouth’ to it. You just keep your head down, do the work, and keep moving forward.”
“It’s really a win-win,” Sean Murray said. “We kick off the night, then you’ve got NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney. We feel a special connection to Origins because it follows the younger version of the character who started it all. We’ve even filmed a crossover episode that’ll air later this season. It ties into an old case from back in the day—then, 30 years later, those same people and events resurface, and we have to deal with the fallout. It all adds to the continuity of the franchise, and hopefully fans will love it.”
Tune in to NCIS tonight and catch “Prodigal Son Part 2” at 7 p.m. right here on CBS Austin and streaming on Paramount+. Then stick around for NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney immediately after!