‘NCIS’ Season 24 Release Date, Cast, Plot and Trailer as Tony DiNozzo Returns
The wait is finally over for fans of CBS’s flagship procedural. The ‘NCIS’ Season 24 premiere is set for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 8 PM ET/PT, marking the team’s return after a summer cliffhanger that left viewers on the edge of their seats.
This season of ‘NCIS’ is packed with changes. Michael Weatherly is back as Tony DiNozzo, and it also celebrates Sean Murray’s 500th episode. Here’s everything you need to know before the first scene rolls.
CBS confirmed the October 6 return during the 90-minute premiere of ‘Big Brother 28’, surprising fans as the network typically brings back its ‘NCIS’ shows in mid-October. The promo hinted at the return, featuring the cast emphasizing that the clock is ticking.
The journey to this premiere began months ago. CBS announced the renewal on January 22 alongside nine other series, during a hiatus in its 23rd season, which was expected after the show reached its 500th episode milestone.
The new season is part of the 2026 to 2027 television year. While the network hasn’t disclosed the total number of episodes, it’s likely to follow recent patterns, running from October through May.
Tuesday night is officially ‘NCIS’ night once again. The original series airs at 8/7c, followed by the new New York spinoff at 9/8c and the third season of ‘NCIS Origins’ at 10/9c. This lineup promises a full evening of franchise storytelling for dedicated fans.
The show is expected to maintain its familiar Tuesday slot after several seasons on Mondays. Following tonight’s premiere, new episodes will air every Tuesday at 8 PM ET/PT.
The lead-in role is significant. The series now airs before the New York spinoff, featuring LL Cool J as Sam Hanna. Strong ratings tonight could set the tone for the entire block.
To catch the premiere, the simplest option is to watch live on CBS. New episodes will also stream live on Paramount+ for Premium subscribers, while others can access them on demand the day after they air.
International viewers will have to wait longer. In the UK, new seasons arrive months later on Disney+, and this one currently lacks a confirmed date. This has left many international fans searching for legal ways to stay updated without encountering spoilers.
Newcomers can easily jump in without prior knowledge. Paramount+ indicates that new viewers can start with this season, and earlier seasons are available for those wanting to catch up.
The premiere picks up right where the finale left off. The episode titled “Wayward Son” follows the team as they deal with the aftermath of the shooting involving McGee’s son while investigating a new threat against the Secretary of the Navy, with Tony DiNozzo returning to assist. A teaser also reveals Tony back in D.C. with Salus Mondiale.
Weatherly’s return is the most significant storyline heading into the season. His comeback was announced on July 1 as a season-long arc, and he later reassured fans at a UK convention that the season will not retcon the events of ‘NCIS Tony and Ziva’. The trailer also hints at a fresh tone, with Jimmy stating it’s a new era at NCIS.
Big questions loom over the squad as well. It remains uncertain who will be the new Director and how the characters will cope long-term with the death of Leon Vance, as Rocky Carroll will not appear as the director this season.
The early schedule provides a few more clues. The second episode, “Clean Slate,” revolves around a murder following a neighborhood dinner party, while the third, “Sleeping Dogs,” features Torres collaborating with his former handler Walt Keller after someone begins using his old undercover identity to commit murders. With Tony back, Vance gone, and a new Director on the horizon, which change do you think will impact the team the most once the credits roll on tonight’s premiere?