NCIS Season 23 Premiere: Parker's Revenge & New Family Drama

Alden Parker is out for blood after his father's murder, pushing boundaries and his team's loyalty in a high-stakes two-part premiere that promises to reset the show's tone and deliver some intense drama.

TL;DR

NCIS Season 23 premieres on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with a gripping two-part story titled "Prodigal Son."
Special Agent Alden Parker is consumed by revenge for his father's murder by mob boss Carla Marino, revealing a darker, more desperate side.
The season introduces Parker's estranged sister, Navy Vice Admiral Harriet Parker, adding a complex family dynamic to an already explosive plot.

After a bit of a wait, your favorite NCIS team is back for its 23rd season, and trust us, it's not holding back! If you've been craving high stakes, emotional depth, and a whole lot of action, then the "Prodigal Son" premiere is exactly what you've been waiting for. This isn't just another case-of-the-week; it's a deeply personal journey for Agent Alden Parker, and it’s kicking things off with a bang that'll leave you on the edge of your seat.

Parker's Emotional Rollercoaster: The Gripping Two-Part Premiere

Season 23 picks up right after that heart-wrenching Season 22 finale where Parker's dad was tragically murdered. And let's be real, after a lengthy hiatus, we were all ready for some answers and some serious drama. The premiere, titled "Prodigal Son Part 1," dives headfirst into Parker's grief and his desperate need for revenge against mob boss Carla Marino, who he holds responsible.

This isn't your typical Parker; he's fueled by anger and guilt, pushing him to extreme lengths. We learn pretty quickly that Carla didn't just kill his father – she used Parker's own stolen gun to do it. Talk about a gut punch! Parker's first move? Calling in a series of bomb threats to shut down local travel hubs, all to stop Carla from fleeing the country. It's a move that immediately signals how far he's willing to go.

Of course, Director Vance isn't thrilled about Parker's rogue methods and officially pulls the NCIS team from the investigation, handing jurisdiction over to Homeland Security. But come on, this is NCIS! Do they listen? Nope! The team, ever loyal, subtly defies orders, helping Parker behind the scenes. They track down Carla's abandoned SUV, which leads them to a charming (and maybe a little flirtatious, much to Torres's annoyance) forger named Fernando, played by Shalim Ortiz. It's all part of the intricate dance to get a step ahead of Carla.

Alden Parker Unleashed: A Darker Side Emerges

For years, Parker has been a different kind of team leader than Gibbs – more friendly, less brutal. But his father's murder brings out a side of him we haven't seen since he was tasked by the FBI to hunt down Gibbs back in Season 19. It’s "scary and exciting," as one reviewer noted, especially given past criticisms that the show was becoming "too silly." Gary Cole, who plays Parker, truly delivers on this heightened emotional state.

"Everything is heightened then maybe from, if there's such a thing as normal for this show... It keeps pushing Parker to the extreme, even though we think he's reached a boiling point when the show begins. But things keep pushing him over the edge. And the only thing really holding him back is the team itself, which is I think what the thrust of the first two shows are."

— Gary Cole (Alden Parker) to TV Insider

Executive producer Steven D. Binder teased that Parker "is going to be destabilized and he’s going to be out for revenge and out for blood in a way that it will seem very atypical for someone like him, not a way you’d expect a character like him to behave and yet entirely motivated and justified." Sound familiar? Binder even compared Parker's intense drive to Gibbs's pursuit of justice after his wife and daughter were killed, and Bishop's fury when Torres was in danger. It's a significant shift that solidifies Parker as the new face of the MCRT, much like Gibbs's own two-part "Hiatus" storyline did for him.

A Shocking Family Reunion: Enter Harriet Parker, Navy Vice Admiral

One of the biggest surprises of the premiere is the introduction of Parker’s estranged sister, Harriet Parker, played by the fantastic Nancy Travis. This is the first time she's ever been mentioned or seen on the show, and honestly, we had to pause and double-check too! It's a brilliant move, offering a whole new window into Parker's past and family trauma. Flashbacks show a young, rebellious Alden contrasting with Harriet, who followed their father into the Navy, becoming a Vice Admiral.

Their relationship is, predictably, strained. Harriet even blames Parker for their father's untimely heart attack in one flashback. Despite the shared grief, Parker actively avoids her, perhaps knowing she’ll ask questions he can’t answer. This tension adds a fresh layer to the story, exploring the complexities of family loyalty when duty calls.

The "Prodigal Son Part 1" episode climaxes with Parker sneaking onto a ship called the Quentin, where Carla Marino is planning her escape and a "big score." But here's the kicker: as the ship heads for international waters, Navy Special Operations takes over, and who's leading the charge? None other than Vice Admiral Harriet Parker! She's forced to make an impossible choice, ordering air support to fire on a ship she knows her brother is on, all to take out a terrorist threat to national security. Talk about a cliffhanger that hits hard!

The NCIS Team Stands Strong (Mostly) Against the Rules

While Parker is off the rails, his team is rallying around him, showcasing their unwavering loyalty. Even when Director Vance, described as "very by the book" this season, explicitly warns Parker to step away, McGee, Torres, Knight, Palmer, and Kasie subtly ensure he gets the support he needs. It's those moments that make you want to cheer for team NCIS, even if they're bending (or breaking) a few rules.

Sean Murray, who plays the ever-reliable McGee, expressed concern about Parker's extreme actions. "I think there’s a lot of concern about how rogue things could go," Murray shared. "McGee’s concerned about how far this could go and what it could mean for the team together for everyone to support each other and get done what we need to do." This dynamic of loyalty versus procedure adds significant weight to the unfolding drama, making the stakes feel incredibly personal for everyone involved.

Beyond the Premiere: What Else is Brewing in NCIS Season 23?

While the two-part premiere is certainly intense, the rest of Season 23 promises more exciting developments. The overarching theme for the season is "NCIS on fire," suggesting a continuation of high-stakes, character-driven storylines after the resolution of the "Prodigal Son" arc. And we're not just talking about Parker!

Nick Torres's New Romance Arc: Actor Wilmer Valderrama teased a fresh development for his character, Nick Torres, who might finally be exploring dating again! After being single for a while, Torres will be changing his tune in the dating world, and Wilmer explained that "this is different for the character this time around."
Jessica Knight's Elite Opportunity: Special Agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) is also set for new challenges, as she's offered an opportunity to train with NCIS Elite. This could push her character in exciting new directions and showcase her skills even further.

Following the intense two-part opener, the show will return to its case-of-the-week formula with the October 28 episode, "The Sound and the Fury." This episode sees the team working with Special Agent Sawyer on a blackmail investigation that takes a "terrifying turn for Torres." Get ready for more twists and turns as the season unfolds!

The Ever-Expanding NCIS Universe: A "Super Tuesday" Event

Despite some recent dips in viewership (with Tracker dethroning it as the most-watched network TV show), CBS clearly has immense confidence in the NCIS franchise. Proof? They've not only greenlit a few new spinoffs but also created an entire "Super Tuesday" primetime block dedicated to the universe!

Starting October 14, 2025, Ncis Season 23 will air at 8/7c, returning to its original time slot after a stint on Mondays. It will be followed by NCIS: Origins for its second season at 9 p.m., and NCIS: Sydney for its third season at 10 p.m. That's three hours of back-to-back NCIS goodness!

And if that's not enough, get ready for a brand-new spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which will see fan favorites Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reprise their roles on Paramount+ in Fall 2025. There's even an NCIS: Origins crossover episode airing on November 11! Clearly, the NCIS universe is thriving and expanding, bringing more of the procedural drama we love to our screens.

Frequently Asked Questions About NCIS Season 23

When does NCIS Season 23 premiere? NCIS Season 23 premieres on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 8/7c on CBS. Where can I watch NCIS Season 23? You can watch episodes live on CBS. They are also available to stream on Paramount+, live for Premium subscribers and on-demand the day after air for Essential subscribers. Who plays Alden Parker's sister, Harriet? Alden Parker's sister, Navy Vice Admiral Harriet Parker, is played by Nancy Travis, known for her roles in shows like Last Man Standing. What's the main theme for NCIS Season 23? The executive producers have described the overarching theme for Season 23 as "NCIS on fire," hinting at high-stakes and intense personal storylines for the team.