Which Actors Do We Believe Will Reappear in NCIS Season 21

“NCIS” is gearing up for a new season, although the exact release date remains uncertain due to a writers’ strike, despite the initial plan for a fall 2023 premiere. The popular crime drama series, short for Naval Criminal Investigative Service, has been a staple on CBS since 2003, consistently maintaining a high viewership.

CBS earned the title of the “Most Watched Network” in 2022, with “NCIS” being the most-watched series that year, drawing in approximately 11.1 million viewers each week. Over the years, this military-themed crime investigation show has become a media franchise, spawning spin-off series like “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “NCIS: New Orleans.” However, the original “NCIS” remains the most beloved based on ratings and fan reviews.

One of the show’s trademarks is its ability to resurrect seemingly departed characters, and it seems this upcoming season will be no exception. Rumors suggest that some fan-favorite team members believed to be gone for good may make unexpected cameo appearances.

While CBS has not officially confirmed the main cast lineup for the new season, it is expected that many of the show’s regulars will return. According to reports, the original “NCIS” trio, consisting of Sean Murray as Special Agent Timothy McGee, David McCallum as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, and Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance, have renewed their contracts. Additionally, Brian Dietzen will return as Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jimmy Palmer, and Gary Cole will reprise his role as Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker.

Several other actors, including Katrina Law as Special Agent Jessica Knight, Wilmer Valderrama as Special Agent Nicholas Torres, and Diona Reasonover as Forensic Specialist Kasie Hines, are expected to return to assist in solving murder cases.

The most tantalizing rumor revolves around the potential return of Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Harmon portrayed this iconic character, the stern commander and Supervisory Special Agent, from the show’s inception. After his departure in Season 19, the team was introduced to a new Supervisory Special Agent, Alden Parker, portrayed by Gary Cole.

Sources close to Harmon have hinted that Gibbs’s return to NCIS headquarters is not out of the question. “Mark’s been teasing a return to the show, and everyone wanted him back,” an unnamed source told Closer Weekly. However, Harmon has been occupied with writing a World War II novel titled “Ghosts of Honolulu,” leaving him with limited free time. “He’s still on the fence about returning to the grind,” claimed an insider.

As fans eagerly await Gibbs’s potential return, the sentiments of Harmon’s “NCIS” colleagues are likely in alignment. They have consistently expressed their admiration for Harmon, so his appearance in at least one episode of the upcoming season could satiate the viewers’ desire for more iconic Gibbs moments, including his famous head slaps.