NCIS Changes Format At The Absolute Worst Time

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Be warned, this article contains spoilers for NCIS season 23, episode 17, “Reboot.” After more than 20 years, the CBS procedural NCIS is making a significant change to how it tells its stories. The show is a long-running TV staple and will continue beyond the 2025-2026 season. However, after a long run, NCIS had a firm identity – until cast members, including Mark Harmon (who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs), left, forcing the show to reinvent itself.

As season 23 of NCIS comes to a close, major events unfold, most notably the death of Director Leon Vance. Alden Parker’s team must keep working through their grief as a way to remember him. However, the way the show handles this loss results in one of its least appealing episodes of the year.

NCIS Season 23, Episode 17’s Formula Deviation Breaks Up MCRT

The 17th episode of NCIS season 23, titled “Reboot,” breaks from the show’s usual structure. Instead of starting with a crime investigation, the episode centers around Kasie Hines leading a late-night security upgrade for MTAC. While initially focused on the urgency of completing the update before a security breach is discovered, the story quickly evolves into multiple mysteries and even brings back the character Sam Hanna.

It’s not unusual for TV shows to change things up, but the way NCIS handled the aftermath of Vance’s death in season 23, episode 17 felt off. Sending McGee, Torres, and Knight to a conference split up the team at a time when they really needed to grieve together. The show hasn’t given them enough time to truly process the loss, and with the director’s position still open, it feels like the impact of Vance’s death isn’t being fully explored. Brief mentions aren’t enough; the team needs time to deal with the future implications of this tragedy.

The Importance Of NCIS Season 23, Episode 17 Explained

Notably, the 17th episode of NCIS season 23 is important for the entire NCIS franchise. Sam’s reappearance paves the way for his official return to the agency, following the loss of his team which led to his departure. CBS has also announced that the NCIS universe is growing with NCIS: New York, starring LL Cool J and Scott Caan, who will play a new character distinct from his role on Hawaii Five-0.

The recent departure of half the team working on the show is likely due to budget cuts happening across network television. Other popular dramas like One Chicago and Grey’s Anatomy have been changing their casts to save money, and it appears NCIS is doing the same. While this makes sense given the current industry climate, the timing of these changes is what’s causing the biggest problem. Had this happened at a different time, it wouldn’t have been as disruptive.

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2026-04-22 14:48