CBS is restructuring its flagship crime franchise for the 2026-2027 television season, centering its “Super Tuesday” lineup around the return of three of the brand’s most recognizable stars. Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, and LL Cool J are all slated for significant roles as the network prepares for a synchronized premiere night on October 6, 2026.
The revamped schedule establishes a three-hour block of programming, beginning with the flagship NCIS at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the series premiere of NCIS: New York at 9 p.m. ET, and concluding with NCIS: Origins at 10 p.m. ET. To accommodate this new structure, NCIS: Sydney has been moved to a midseason release in 2027.
Tony DiNozzo Returns to the Flagship
Michael Weatherly is set to return to the original NCIS series for Season 24, moving beyond a guest appearance into a season-long story arc. Weatherly’s character, Tony DiNozzo, will reportedly return to Washington, D.C., to oversee a satellite office for a private security firm.
According to reported claims, the narrative catalyst for DiNozzo’s return involves the death of Director Leon Vance. While the circumstances of this plot point remain under wraps, the shift is expected to significantly alter the leadership dynamic within the agency during the upcoming season.
Mark Harmon Steps On-Screen for NCIS: Origins
While Mark Harmon has served as the narrator for the prequel series NCIS: Origins, the third season will mark a shift in his involvement. Harmon is confirmed to appear on-screen as the “present-day” Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
This appearance is framed as a season-long mystery arc that connects Gibbs’ current life to his early days at Camp Pendleton. Rather than a brief cameo, Harmon will be a recurring presence throughout Season 3, bridging the gap between the 1990s-set prequel and the established timeline of the original series.
LL Cool J Leads NCIS: New York
The newest expansion of the franchise, NCIS: New York, officially joins the lineup in the 9 p.m. slot. LL Cool J reprises his role as Sam Hanna, transitioning to the East Coast after his previous tenures in Los Angeles and Hawaii.
The new spin-off will feature Scott Caan as Hanna’s partner, Special Agent Nick Schaeffer. The series is expected to maintain the franchise’s procedural roots while focusing on the unique jurisdictional challenges of high-stakes investigations in New York City. A trailer released on September 24 confirmed the October 6 premiere date, highlighting the chemistry between LL Cool J and Caan as the central focus of the new team.
The consolidation of these veteran actors into a single night represents a clear strategy to leverage nostalgia while launching new narrative chapters. By placing the franchise’s most established icons across the three-hour block, CBS is attempting to stabilize its most successful brand ahead of the 2027 midseason shifts.
