CBS has announced its plans for premiere dates, and the decisions are surprising. Typically, the network brings its shows back in September, but this fall will be very different, with shows like NCIS being held until October.
According to TVLine, the majority of the big shows are being held until the middle of October. The reason for this shift is unclear, but it could be strategic due to the episode counts. While confirmation is pending, it appears that many shows will drop to around 18 to 20 episodes per season. This change will impact the number of weeks of content the network can provide.
A later start will help reduce the breaks later in the TV season. Starting in October still allows for six to eight episodes before a midseason finale. Although it’s just a month longer than expected, it’s frustrating for fans who have to wait.
NCIS Season 22 Premiere Date
NCIS Season 22 is set to premiere on Monday, October 14, at a special time of 8 p.m. ET/PT. This will be a test to see if CBS should start the night off with NCIS instead of the comedy lineup.
This time change is for one week only, allowing NCIS: Origins to have a double-episode premiere. The following week, NCIS will return to its regular 9 p.m. ET/PT timeslot, with The Neighborhood and the new comedy Poppa’s House premiering in the first hour of the night.
There is still no word on whether all cast members of NCIS will return. Fans are particularly interested in Katrina Law’s status, considering the cliffhanger ending for her character, Jessica Knight, in Season 21. The first episode may confirm whether she returns in some capacity or if a new team member joins.
