NCIS Breaks A 23-Year CBS Record That Nobody Wanted To End

Although not really a good thing, NCIS breaks a 23-year record on CBS. Being on the air for over two decades, the procedural has undergone through countless changes in the past. Despite that, it remains one of the most popular shows in the 2025-2026 TV cycle, which is proof of its enduring appeal. As it continues to evolve, NCIS finds new ways to make MCRT’s weekly adventures interesting.

The last few years haven’t been easy for the long-running show, as it worked to find its new identity on the heels of Mark Harmon’s exit in NCIS season 19. Despite some growing pains, the show remains a constant in CBS’s program roster, with a dip in ratings but still relatively successful. As the wait continues for season 23 to continue, NCIS opens the new year by breaking an impressive streak, but it isn’t its fault.

2026 Marks The First Time That NCIS Never Released An Episode In January

While ABC and NBC’s programming are back in full swing, CBS is still on its winter break for a few more weeks. This is because the network started its season later than its peers. Aside from an extended wait time for what’s next after Ellie Bishop’s confirmed return, this situation looks harmless on the surface. That’s until one realizes that this scheduling format means that 2026 marks the first time in NCIS‘s history where it doesn’t have any episode released in January.

NCIS Series That Ended Way Too Soon Receives Great News That Could Save It From Cancellation

Not long after its disappointing cancellation, a well-loved NCIS show is getting some great news that could pave the way for its return.

Since premiering in 2003, NCIS has released at least one episode to open the year. The only exception was during the 2023-2024 Hollywood strikes, forcing CBS to delay the truncated season 21 to February 24. Because of what was happening in the industry at-large, it was something that was beyond anybody’s control. This time, however, the change is purely due to the network’s scheduling.

Why CBS’s Extended 2025-2026 Winter Hiatus Is Secretly Good

Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Murray, and Gary Cole posed near a computer from NCIS

Last cycle, ABC had a similar mid-season extended break as CBS. Shows like 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy didn’t return with new episodes until March 2025. NCIS season 23 was supposed to resume broadcasting in the last week of February, but it was recently delayed to the first week of March. Understandably, this is frustrating, especially with Bishop’s story hanging in the balance.

That said, there’s an actual upside to this extended hiatus. Networks tend to spread out episode rollout during the back half of the season in order to hit the sweep weeks, not to mention ensure that shows have enough episodes until May, when finales tend to happen. By lumping all of its off-weeks together, CBS is able to minimize the interruptions in programming for its scripted shows, including NCIS, moving forward.

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