Disappointing News for ‘NCIS’ Fans: Season 21 Brings Even More Unsettling Updates!

Season 21 of ‘NCIS’ is facing unprecedented challenges, leading to potential disappointments for avid fans. The beloved crime procedural has encountered delays due to writer and actor strikes in Hollywood, setting the stage for the upcoming season to be notably impacted.

Devotees of the show may need to recalibrate their expectations, as the looming industry-wide strikes could result in the shortest season in ‘NCIS’ history, with an anticipated 10 to 13 episodes. This is a significant reduction from the 18 episodes delivered in the 18th season and a notable departure from the series’ usual standard of over 20 episodes per season. The impact extends to the entire NCIS lineup, including ‘NCIS: Hawaii’ and ‘NCIS: Sydney,’ with the latter also falling short of the typical episode count.

Optimism for a resolution between actors and studios remains, with the best-case scenario being an agreement reached by early December. Should this happen, studios will engage in a holiday production sprint to achieve a January premiere. However, if negotiations extend into the new year, season 21’s episode count may face further reductions. Fans are hopeful for a swift settlement to ensure a season with a more substantial number of episodes.

Despite these challenges, excitement persists for the return of ‘NCIS’ in season 21. While the specific comeback date is uncertain due to ongoing industry strikes, the network has slated the show to retain its Monday night slot. Returning stars include Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres, Sean Murray as Timothy McGee, Katrina Law as Jessica Knight, Gary Cole as Alden Parker, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, and Rocky Carroll—all reprising their familiar roles. However, there is no information yet on potential guest appearances, and the shortened season implies fewer opportunities for familiar faces to return.

In an Instagram announcement, CBS revealed that ‘NCIS’ season 21 is set to premiere on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, with the spinoff ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ season 3 following at 10 p.m. ET on the same night.