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NCIS Hits 500 Episodes: Surprise Returns Hinted!
10 Dec, 2025
Summary
- NCIS is celebrating its 500th episode this March.
- Actor Brian Dietzen teased surprise returning faces.
- The show prioritizes character storylines in season 23.
The long-running CBS procedural NCIS is celebrating a significant milestone as it prepares to air its 500th episode this March, nearly 23 years after its debut. The series has seen numerous cast changes, but also a tradition of bringing back cherished characters. Brian Dietzen, who portrays Jimmy Palmer, hinted at exciting surprises for the upcoming 500th episode and subsequent shows, suggesting familiar faces will reappear.
Dietzen reflected on the rarity of such longevity in television, expressing his honor to be part of NCIS's journey. The cast recently celebrated the 500-episode achievement, with Dietzen noting how the daily grind of production can obscure the magnitude of such a feat until occasions like this arise.
Executive producer Steven D. Binder had previously stated the season's intent to focus heavily on character development. This approach aims to make the show more character-forward, appealing to viewers invested in the personal lives of the NCIS team, echoing a similar focus seen in the prequel series NCIS: Origins.
