Although Leroy Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, is no longer at the helm, NCIS season 22 continues to captivate audiences with its intriguing cases and powerful character dynamics. Viewers are keenly following the evolving relationship between Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) and Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), alongside the personal and professional faces of the rest of this talented ensemble. With many new TV shows debuting in 2025, procedural dramas like NCIS still offer that comforting mix of excitement and familiarity.
As the series gears up for season 22, episode 17, anticipation is high regarding the developments concerning Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and his dedicated team. With the season finale looming, fans are eager to see how these characters navigate their myriad challenges.
How to Watch NCIS Season 22, Episode 17, “Killer Instincts”
Mark your calendars for Monday, April 14th, 2025, at 9 p.m. E.T. as NCIS season 22, episode 17, titled “Killer Instincts,”is set to air on CBS. Those who miss the live broadcast can conveniently stream the episode on Paramount+ starting Tuesday, April 15th, 2025. A subscription to Paramount+ not only provides access to NCIS but also delivers other popular series such as Yellowstone and 1923.
This upcoming episode marks the return of the show after a brief three-week hiatus since the broadcast of “Ladies’ Night” on March 31st, 2025. This previous chapter featured two main story arcs: Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) seeking balance between work and fun, alongside the women’s night out that takes a dark turn when the murder of Petty Officer Jennifer Garcia disrupts their plans. Like many episodes of NCIS and similar series, fun often collides with duty, prompting the characters to step back into action.
Despite Knight’s career shift towards Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, her presence has remained a consistent highlight this season. Viewers miss the familiar face of Leroy Gibbs but can find engaging character arcs in the rest of the crew. Knight stands out as she balances her intense professional life with personal aspirations. In an interview with Parade.com, Law shared her insights on Knight’s character development in season 22:
“I think we get to see Knight wild out a little bit this season and go back to her roots because I think between her father and wanting to climb up that ladder, she molded herself into something a little more structured than who she actually is.”
Will There Be an NCIS Season 23?
In a positive development for fans, CBS has officially renewed NCIS for a 23rd season as reported by TV Insider in February 2025. The spinoff NCIS: Sydney is also granted a third season, while the prequel, NCIS: Origins, has been confirmed for a second season. Following Wilmer Valderrama’s social media announcement in March that “That’s a wrap on season 22. See you next season!”, it’s clear the excitement continues.
Since its premiere in 2003, NCIS has captivated audiences for over two decades, thanks to its compelling storytelling, rich character development, and thrilling plotlines. This makes it one of the longest-running procedural dramas, even surpassing others like Chicago P.D., which is currently in its 12th season. Engaging fans every fall through the spring, season 23 is expected to debut in September 2025 and wrap up by May 2026.