The NCIS Cast: 7 Returning Stars, 3 Massive Spin-Offs, And The Shocking Gibbs Crossover For 2025
The National Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) team is officially back for Season 23, premiering on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with the core cast returning to Washington D.C. for a fresh slate of high-stakes naval crimes. This season promises to be one of the most pivotal in the show's history, not only continuing the intense storyline from the Season 22 finale—which saw Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker’s life spared after a heartbreaking character death—but also serving as the anchor for a massive expansion of the entire *NCIS* universe. The longevity of the flagship series, now entering its third decade, is a testament to the dynamic chemistry of its current ensemble and the enduring appeal of the procedural format.
The latest updates confirm that all seven main cast members are reprising their roles, ensuring the team's familiar dynamic remains intact as they tackle new threats and personal challenges. Beyond the main show, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the *NCIS* franchise, with two highly-anticipated spin-offs—one featuring the return of beloved legacy characters and another exploring the origins of a legend—set to weave directly into the main series' narrative. Fans are buzzing with curiosity about the new guest star joining the D.C. office and the massive crossover event that will bridge the past and the present.
The Complete NCIS Season 23 Cast and Biography Profile
The current ensemble cast for *NCIS* Season 23 features a mix of long-running veterans and newer additions who have seamlessly stepped into the shoes of the legends who came before them. This section provides a look at the main returning actors and their essential biographical details.
- Gary Cole as Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker
- Sean Murray as NCIS Senior Special Agent Timothy McGee
- Wilmer Valderrama as Special Agent Nick Torres
- Katrina Law as Special Agent Jessica Knight
- Brian Dietzen as Medical Examiner Dr. Jimmy Palmer
- Diona Reasonover as Forensic Scientist Kasie Hines
- Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance
Biography: Gary Michael Cole was born on September 20, 1956, in Park Ridge, Illinois. A veteran actor with a career spanning decades, Cole is known for an incredibly versatile filmography, including roles in the cult classic film *Office Space* (1999) and as Vice President Bob Russell on *The West Wing*. He joined the *NCIS* cast in Season 19 to take over the leadership role following the departure of Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Biography: Sean Harland Murray was born on November 15, 1977, in Bethesda Navy Hospital, Maryland. Murray is one of the longest-serving actors in the series, having started his role as the shy, tech-savvy "Probie" in Season 1. He is also recognized for his role as Thackery Binx in the iconic 1993 film *Hocus Pocus*. McGee's evolution from junior agent to Senior Field Agent and family man has been a central pillar of the show.
Biography: Wilmer Eduardo Valderrama was born on January 30, 1980, in Miami, Florida, though he lived in Venezuela during his childhood. Valderrama achieved early fame as Fez on the sitcom *That '70s Show* (1998–2006). He joined *NCIS* in Season 14 and has become a fan favorite for his portrayal of the charismatic, deep-cover specialist Agent Torres, whose character is set for a major new development in Season 23.
Biography: Katrina Law was born in West New York, New Jersey. She is well-known for her roles in other popular television series, including Mira in *Spartacus: Blood and Sand* and Nyssa al Ghul in The CW’s *Arrow*. Law joined the team in Season 18, quickly becoming a core member and developing a fan-favorite relationship with Dr. Jimmy Palmer.
Biography: Brian Dietzen was born on November 14, 1977, in Illinois and spent his youth in Colorado. Dietzen began as a recurring guest star in Season 1 as Ducky's assistant before being promoted to a series regular and the Chief Medical Examiner. His character's journey, especially his recent promotion and emotional storylines, has cemented him as a crucial part of the team's heart.
Biography: Diona Reasonover was born on January 6, 1992. An American actress, writer, and improviser, she is known for her work on the show *Clipped* and for her voice acting. She took over the role of the team's quirky and brilliant forensic scientist in Season 16, replacing the legendary Abby Sciuto.
Biography: Roscoe "Rocky" Carroll was born on July 8, 1963, in Cincinnati, Ohio. A seasoned actor and director, Carroll joined the series in Season 5 as the formidable Director Leon Vance. His previous notable roles include Joey Emerson on *Roc* and Dr. Keith Wilkes on *Chicago Hope*. Carroll is also a frequent director of *NCIS* episodes.
New Faces and Shocking Departures: What to Expect in Season 23
The upcoming season will immediately address the fallout from the Season 22 cliffhanger, which involved a major character death—a common, yet always impactful, event in the *NCIS* narrative. This emotional weight will set the tone for the new episodes.
The most notable confirmed new addition for Season 23 is the acclaimed actress Nancy Travis, who will guest star as Navy Vice Admiral Harriet Parker. Harriet is the sister of Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker, and her arrival is expected to provide deeper insight into Parker's personal life and potentially complicate his professional world. The introduction of family members often brings high-stakes personal drama, which is a signature element of the show.
While no main cast departures have been announced for the beginning of Season 23, the show has a history of high-profile exits, including Mark Harmon (Gibbs), Michael Weatherly (DiNozzo), Pauley Perrette (Abby), and Cote de Pablo (Ziva). The stability of the current cast is a strong signal that the writers are focusing on character development and the looming threat teased in the previous season.
The NCIS Universe Expands: Gibbs, Tony, and Ziva Return
Topical authority in the *NCIS* world cannot be discussed without recognizing the sprawling nature of the franchise, often referred to as the *NCIS* Universe. The original show has spawned multiple spin-offs, including *NCIS: Los Angeles*, *NCIS: New Orleans*, *NCIS: Hawai'i*, and *NCIS: Sydney*. However, the most exciting news for fans in 2025 revolves around the return of the franchise's most iconic figures.
The "TIVA" Spin-Off: NCIS: Tony & Ziva
In a move that thrilled long-time viewers, actors Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are officially reprising their roles as Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo and Ziva David for a new Paramount+ spin-off series, currently titled *NCIS: Tony & Ziva*. This series will pick up with the fan-favorite couple and their daughter, Tali, as they are forced to go on the run across Europe after a threat emerges against Tony’s security company. The show is set to premiere in 2025, bringing the beloved romance and action-packed dynamic of "TIVA" back to the screen and potentially setting up future crossovers with the main D.C. team.
The Return of Gibbs: NCIS: Origins and The Crossover
The legacy of Leroy Jethro Gibbs is being honored with the prequel series *NCIS: Origins*, which is set to premiere during the 2024-2025 broadcast season. Mark Harmon, who played Gibbs for 19 seasons, is not only executive producing the new show but will also serve as its narrator. The series will explore the early days of Gibbs's career in 1990, with Harmon's son, Sean Harmon, executive producing alongside him.
Perhaps the most significant news for the main *NCIS* cast and fans is the confirmed crossover event. Mark Harmon is slated to make a special guest appearance in a crossover episode between *NCIS* and *NCIS: Origins* on November 11, 2025. This highly-anticipated return, even for a guest spot, will bridge the narrative gap between the flagship show and its prequel, providing a massive ratings event and a nostalgic moment for the *NCIS* faithful. The case will reportedly span decades, connecting the present-day D.C. team with the events of the past.
The Enduring Legacy of the NCIS D.C. Team
The current *NCIS* cast has successfully navigated the challenge of replacing iconic figures like Gibbs, DiNozzo, and Abby Sciuto. The chemistry between Gary Cole’s no-nonsense Alden Parker and Sean Murray’s veteran Agent McGee provides a stable foundation, while the addition of Wilmer Valderrama’s intense Nick Torres and Katrina Law’s determined Jessica Knight ensures the team remains action-ready.
The upcoming Season 23, with its focus on the team's personal lives—like the introduction of Parker’s sister—and the looming presence of the expanding *NCIS* Universe, proves that the D.C. team remains the heart of the entire franchise. With a confirmed premiere date and the promise of major character developments and legendary returns, 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet for the cast of *NCIS*.
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