NCIS fans are eagerly anticipating the Season 22 premiere, but it could be a rough one for Jessica Knight! Here’s what we know:
Season 21 was already tough, not just because of the delays caused by the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Fans had to say a sad goodbye to Ducky (the late David McCallum), and Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) had some family drama when her father appeared to help with a case—only to discover she hadn’t told him she was dating Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen). Her father, obsessed with her career advancement, wanted her to stick to his “plan” to become NCIS director. This pressure resurfaced in the finale, where Jessica was offered a promotion to train the REACT team in San Diego. After surviving a sinking ship with Parker, she agreed to take the job.
This left fans concerned about a potential breakup between Jessica and Jimmy. While he seemed supportive of her career, the move clearly upset him. There’s also been speculation about whether Katrina Law will leave the show or if Jessica will return.
In a Season 22 preview for TVLine, showrunner Steven D. Binder revealed that the show picks up a few months later, with Jessica settled in San Diego—and already in trouble. “We’re going to find her out there, and she’s gotten into fitting trouble for a hostage negotiator. That throws everything into chaos,” Binder teased. A first-look image from the premiere episode, “Empty Nest,” shows Jessica in tactical gear, raising more questions about what she’s been up to. It’s likely the team will have to rescue her, though they’re dealing with their own issues.
What else is happening in Season 22? The team is a bit scattered without Jessica. Jimmy is clearly distracted, Torres is on an undercover mission, and McGee is eyeing a deputy director role. According to Binder, “Papa Bird Parker has an empty nest,” and will be on his own journey, possibly tied to the mysterious Lily—the girl he hallucinated in the Season 21 finale. Parker’s past will continue to unravel this season.
Binder also hinted that Director Vance will have his own spotlight episode, involving a tricky negotiation that gets interrupted by an old flame. Fans can also expect a possible crossover with the upcoming Tony & Ziva spinoff and more surprises.
NCIS Season 22 kicks off Monday, October 14, at 8/7c on CBS, promising another action-packed year for one of TV’s biggest hits.
