NCIS’s Official Perfect McGee Replacement Sets Up Sean Murray’s Hero Exit

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NCIS season 23 is setting the stage for Timothy McGee‘s departure, and major changes are happening within the show. The 2025-2026 season has been significant for CBS’s long-running series, featuring a crossover with NCIS: Origins and the return of Ellie Bishop. However, the most impactful event will be the death of Leon Vance in the show’s 500th episode, which occurs after a surprising agency shutdown. This event will ultimately lead to McGee’s exit.

Since Leon Vance’s departure, NCIS fans have been wondering who will take over as director. While CBS hasn’t made a final decision, many viewers believe Tim McGee is the best choice. He’s been with the team for years and has the experience needed for the job. If McGee is promoted, though, the team will need to find someone new to fill his old position.

Mateo Joining NCIS Makes McGee’s MCRT Exit Easier

The season 23 finale of NCIS, titled “Sons and Daughters,” will bring back Mateo, McGee’s son from a previous relationship. Mateo is considering an internship with NCIS, and his natural computer skills would make him a great fit. This could also help pave the way for McGee to move into a new role, stepping back from field work.

McGee’s continued presence on the team makes sense because he’s eager to watch his son follow a similar path. McGee’s growth throughout the series – from a nervous newcomer to a seasoned agent – has been particularly rewarding for viewers. Having his son, Mateo, work alongside Parker keeps McGee connected to the active investigations, even with his new responsibilities as director. It’s natural he’d want to mentor and observe Mateo as he begins his career with NCIS.

How Mateo Joining NCIS Is A Return To Basics For The CBS Procedural

With discussions about McGee potentially becoming a leader at the agency, people have started talking about who could replace him on the MCRT team. Dale Sawyer and Curtis Hubley are both possibilities, but Mateo’s situation actually offers a more compelling storyline for NCIS, and it’s not just because of his family connections.

I’ve been watching NCIS for ages, and while Sawyer and Curtis are familiar faces, they haven’t really gotten much focus as full-time characters. That’s why this new guy, Mateo, feels so exciting! It reminds me of how the show used to be – bringing in people who were eager to learn, like Kate Todd after she left the Secret Service, and then McGee. Even Bishop was a bit of a newbie when she started! With Mateo, NCIS has a real chance to develop another main character from the very beginning, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how they build him up.

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2026-05-10 20:28