Is NCIS Season 23’s New Direction Enough to Save the Show from Collapse?

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In a more conversational tone,

Season 23 of NCIS is keeping us on the edge of our seats with its main narrative, but it might not be enough to keep the show going strong. After more than two decades on air, NCIS has become a household name. However, the show has undergone some significant transformations since its early days in the 2000s. The original series has even spawned numerous NCIS spinoffs, but not all changes are necessarily for the better.

In the upcoming season 23 of NCIS, several plotlines initiated in season 22 will be further developed, such as the repercussions of Parker’s father’s passing, Carla’s deception, and the growing animosity between Palmer and Knight. Additionally, the new installment may delve deeper into the personal lives of the characters. This exploration could potentially introduce fresh romantic elements to the series, but it might also lead to decreasing viewership and eventual cancellation.

NCIS Season 23 Will Further Lean Into Personal Storylines

The MCRT Will Be In The Foreground Of NCIS

In the future, NCIS television series is set to shift its focus, with more emphasis on developing and exploring the characters rather than just the explosive cases they handle. Previously, character stories took a back seat, but this will change in season 23, as NCIS showrunner, Steven D. Binder, has announced that the show will be more “character-driven”. Here’s the quote from TVLine:

We’re aiming to reach everyone extensively. As it’s often said, “The show’s charm lies in its characters,” and that’s always been our focus. This time, we’re planning to create a character-driven series like never before. So, if you’ve grown attached to these individuals, this season is tailored especially for you.

Binder’s remarks indicate a broader pattern in the NCIS world, as it’s seen an increase in character-driven narratives. This is particularly evident in the prequel series, NCIS: Origins, which delves into the personal lives of a young Gibbs during his time at NIS in the early 90s. The upcoming spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, also follows this trend by focusing more on characters than cases. Therefore, Binder’s plan to alter the format for NCIS season 23 doesn’t seem unexpected given this growing focus on character development.

Character-Centric Plots Are Great, But Those Aren’t What NCIS Season 23 Needs

NCIS Needs To Bring Back Tense Cases

Over the past few series, NCIS has managed quite well with character development, particularly focusing on the dynamic between Knight and Palmer, as well as Parker’s saga concerning his mother. However, it appears that NCIS has been struggling to deliver engaging weekly mysteries. Many of their cases seem to follow a predictable formula, which can grow repetitive over time. The more recent cases also lack the intensity found in earlier seasons, where higher risks were often at play.

In simpler terms, similar to earlier seasons, the most analogous event in NCIS Season 22 that stood out was Carla’s betrayal, however, it was just a single instance. Therefore, it might be wise for NCIS Season 23 to focus less on personal storylines and more on high-tension cases reminiscent of those that frequently disturbed the MCRT in earlier seasons. Ideally, the writers and producers should strive to find a harmonious blend between these elements, ensuring both captivating character development and dramatic case scenarios throughout the season.

What NCIS Season 23 Can Do To Save The Show From Further Failing

NCIS Could Learn From Its Past

Lately, it appears that the ratings for NCIS have been lower compared to some of its past seasons, and this might be due to various reasons. With more shows and streaming platforms vying for attention, being an established show like NCIS may not guarantee continued interest. In fact, season 22 saw its least-watched episode yet, which is quite unexpected. Yet, there are a number of strategies the crime drama could employ to stay relevant.

Reviving a formidable antagonist could potentially provide the most effective remedy for the current predicament of the show, but presenting captivating cases once more could also contribute to its improvement. In season 22 of NCIS, Carla Marino was introduced and her relentless pursuit of excellence was evident. The narrative surrounding her should continue to unfold in season 23. Historically, the most chilling villains on NCIS have added an intriguing dimension to the series by highlighting the exceptional abilities of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT). Therefore, maintaining this pattern in season 23 with Carla Marino could be instrumental in reversing the show’s declining viewership.

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2025-06-07 18:58