NCIS – Season 23 (2025)
The season kicks off with Special Agent Alden Parker shattered by the murder of his father at the hands of the notorious mob boss, Carla Marino. Consumed by a desire for personal justice, Parker ignores protocol to hunt down his nemesis, forcing the entire MCRT to go off-book to support their leader. The team must work to save Parker’s career while facing a high-stakes case that tests their loyalty and limits.
Length: 0h42m
Genre: Police Procedural, Crime, Drama
This Title is: Gritty procedural drama centered on family and betrayal
Cast
Gary Cole, Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Rocky Carroll
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: TV-14 – Intense violence, profanity, and mature thematic elements
FAQ
- Is NCIS – Season 23 (2025) Based on a True Story?: No. It is a fictional procedural show, although it is based on the real Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
- Where was NCIS – Season 23 (2025) filmed?: Primarily filmed in and around Santa Clarita and Valencia, California, which double for Washington D.C.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: N/A. The original iconic theme was created by Numeriklab, and the series features music from various composers.
Filmmaker Profile
Showrunner Steven D. Binder, a veteran of the series since 2002, guides the season. He is known for blending intense crime work with essential character development, ensuring that even in its 23rd season, the show maintains its signature mix of humor and high-stakes emotional stakes.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This latest season successfully raises the personal stakes for the team, moving beyond simple case-of-the-week stories. The opening episodes reset the show with thrilling, immediate action and a return to the character-driven mysteries that audiences appreciate. It solidifies the new team’s dynamic while honoring the franchise’s long history of spectacular crime resolution.
Main Character Deep Dive
Alden Parker experiences a profound character journey, starting the season driven by raw grief and a thirst for vengeance. Gary Cole’s performance is exceptional, capturing the struggle between the measured agent and the heartbroken son. His internal conflict allows us to see a darker, more vulnerable side of the team leader, making his quest for justice one of the season’s most memorable elements.
Unforgettable Quote
“If you want to catch her, you don’t follow the book.”
Trivia
- Season 23 marks the return of the show to its original Tuesday night time slot on CBS, after airing on Monday nights since Season 19.
- The premiere episode featured a guest appearance by Rebecca De Mornay as the recurring mob boss antagonist, Carla Marino.
- The storyline about the truth of Parker’s mother’s death is a major mystery arc explored throughout the first half of the season.
Trailer
Stream NCIS – Season 23 (2025) on:
Our Review
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I was incredibly impressed by how fresh the team felt, even after twenty-two previous seasons. The writers brilliantly put Alden Parker through the emotional wringer, giving Gary Cole superb material to work with. The intensity of the two-part opening set a high bar, immediately thrusting the agents into an deeply personal, high-risk situation. I enjoyed the blend of rapid-fire action sequences and the quieter moments focused on team relationships, especially the developing bond between Jimmy Palmer and Jessica Knight. The production quality remains top-tier, featuring clean, sharp editing and a pace that never lags. It’s a testament to the creators that they continue to find ways to expand the show’s universe and give these beloved characters powerful arcs that feel earned. The way they handle long-standing character mysteries, such as the details surrounding Parker’s mother, provides satisfying rewards for longtime viewers and adds new layers of intrigue to the procedural format. I found the whole experience exceptionally entertaining.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you enjoy emotionally resonant, high-octane police procedurals that prioritize character history and team dynamics over simple one-off cases.
You can see the actors Gary Cole and Sean Murray discuss their roles and what fans can expect in the new season [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN6eZO2TcXg).
