NCIS Shakes Up Schedule—New Night, Bigger Drama!

NCIS cast and logo with Thursday night schedule announcement

The NCIS universe is making a primetime power move! Collider exclusively reports that CBS is relocating its flagship NCIS franchise to a new night for the 2024–2025 season, marking the first major schedule shake-up in over a decade. Fans of Gibbs’ team and its spinoffs can expect refreshed storylines, crossover events, and a strategic push to dominate ratings in a competitive slot. Why the change? Insiders cite declining Tuesday viewership and a bid to attract younger demographics. From timing tweaks to cast surprises, here’s everything you need to know about NCIS’ bold new era—and why loyal viewers are calling it a “game-changer.”  

The Schedule Shift – Why CBS Is Betting on a New Night

According to Collider, NCIS (Season 22) and NCIS: Hawai’i (Season 4) will move from their longtime Tuesday home to Thursday nights, airing back-to-back at 8 PM and 9 PM ET. The decision follows a 15% drop in Tuesday ratings since 2022, driven by streaming competition and aging demographics. CBS hopes to revive momentum by pairing NCIS with Tracker, its breakout procedural starring Justin Hartley, in a “crime drama powerhouse” lineup. NCIS: Sydney will remain on Mondays, while NCIS: Los Angeles reruns anchor Fridays. “Thursdays are the new frontier for procedural dominance,” a CBS exec told Collider.  

Fan Reactions and What’s Next for the Franchise

The announcement ignited mixed reactions. Die-hard “NCISers” praised the shift as a chance to “reclaim Thursday glory,” while others lamented breaking tradition. Collider notes that showrunners are already planning a five-show crossover event for November 2024, uniting NCIS, Hawai’i, Sydney, and FBI franchises FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted. Additionally, Season 22 will introduce a tech-savvy NSA analyst (rumored to be played by Stranger Things’ Maya Hawke) to modernize the team. With filming set to begin in July, insiders tease “explosive arcs” for legacy characters, including a career-defining dilemma for Alden Parker (Gary Cole).  

In conclusion, CBS’ gamble to move NCIS to Thursdays, as reported by Collider, reflects a broader strategy to adapt in the streaming era. While purists may mourn Tuesday nights, the shift offers fresh storytelling opportunities and a chance to captivate new audiences. With crossovers, new characters, and high-stakes plots on the horizon, the franchise aims to prove it’s still a titan in the procedural world. For fans, change is bittersweet—but if Gibbs taught us anything, it’s that evolution is key to survival. Tune in this fall: Thursday nights just got a lot more explosive.     

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q: When does the new NCIS schedule start? 

A: The Thursday lineup debuts September 26, 2024, per Collider. 

Q: Will NCIS: Los Angeles return with new episodes? 

A: No. The series ended in 2023, but reruns air Fridays. 

Q: Are original cast members returning? 

A: Yes! Sean Murray (McGee), Brian Dietzen (Palmer), and Katrina Law (Knight) are confirmed for Season 22. 

Q: Why did CBS move NCIS to Thursdays? 

A: To boost ratings, counter streaming competition, and attract younger viewers. 

Q: Will Mark Harmon guest star in Season 22? 

A: Producers are “in talks,” but nothing is confirmed (Collider).

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