Today marks a somber moment for NCIS fans as the franchise faces an unexpected twist. The Season 22 finale, aired on May 5, 2025, delivered a shocking death that has left viewers reeling. Gary Cole’s character, Alden Parker, discovered his father murdered by the Kansas City mob leader Carla Marino, setting the stage for a revenge-fueled Season 23 that promises to change the team’s dynamic.

The emotional impact is amplified by recent cast changes, with Mark Harmon’s departure as Gibbs in 2021 still fresh in fans’ minds. Wilmer Valderrama, who plays Nick Torres, hinted at the team’s willingness to go rogue, suggesting a darker path ahead. This loss, combined with the upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva spin-off set for Fall 2025, signals a new era for the beloved series.

As the NCIS universe expands with spinoffs like NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney, the franchise remains a powerhouse on CBS’s Fall 2025 schedule. Fans are left to mourn while anticipating how the team will navigate this tragedy, with Parker’s journey and the return of familiar faces like Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo keeping the show’s legacy alive.