The world of NCIS is celebrating a massive achievement. On March 24, 2026, the show aired its 500th episode, a number that only a few scripted series in television history have ever reached. After 23 seasons on CBS, the crime drama remains a favorite for audiences around the globe. But with such a long run, fans naturally wonder how much longer the team at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service will be solving cases. The person in charge of the show, showrunner Steven D. Binder, recently shared his honest thoughts on the future of the series.
For viewers who have watched since the beginning, or those who just discovered the show through reruns, the idea of the series ending seems hard to imagine. According to Binder, it might not happen for a very, very long time.
Showrunner Shares Bold Vision for the Franchise’s Future
Steven D. Binder has been with NCIS since season 3. He became the sole showrunner in 2021, guiding the ship through major changes like the departure of original star Mark Harmon. In a recent interview marking the 500th episode, Binder was asked about the show’s longevity. His answer was surprisingly direct. He explained that after watching the show succeed for two decades, he believes it has built a momentum that is hard to stop.
Binder mentioned that he doesn’t see a reason why the show would need to end, except for one specific scenario. He said that the series will likely continue “barring the utter and complete total collapse of the network broadcast business model.” For fans, this means that as long as CBS and television networks exist, the agents of NCIS will probably be on the case.
He reflected on the show’s history, noting that every time a major cast member left—whether it was Cote de Pablo (Ziva David) in 2013, Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) in 2016, or Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs) in 2021—people questioned if the show could survive. Each time, it not only survived but continued to be a top-rated show.
The Secret to Staying on Air for 23 Seasons
So, what makes NCIS different from other shows that fade away after a few years? Binder points to the “ensemble” nature of the cast. He explained that while Mark Harmon was the “quarterback” for a long time, the show was always built around a team.
“We always have been an ensemble show, and I think part of the fun for audiences is seeing the team interact with each other… as long as there’s an interaction, and a family-like interaction, I think the fans are enjoying watching it.” – Steven D. Binder, Showrunner
This idea of a “work family” has kept viewers invested, even when new faces join the team. The show has successfully brought in actors like Gary Cole (Alden Parker), Katrina Law (Jessica Knight), and Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres) to carry the torch. Binder joked about the math of cast changes: if one character leaves, it might upset a portion of the audience, but the new character often wins over the remaining viewers. This balance of old and new keeps the energy of the show fresh.
Actor Brian Dietzen, who plays Dr. Jimmy Palmer, also spoke about the off-screen bond that helps the show work. He recalled a time when he had a serious health issue and co-star Diona Reasonover (Kasie Hines) helped him with rides to work. Gary Cole added that the environment on set is filled with love and support, calling it a positive vibe where everyone feels they are “in this together.”
What the 500th Episode Means for the Team
The 500th episode was a major event for the production team. For Binder, hitting this milestone felt different than previous ones like 200 or 300. He said that now, instead of looking toward 600, his mind jumps to numbers like 750 or even 1,000. It shows that the people making the show truly believe it has a very long road ahead.
Alongside the main show, the NCIS universe has expanded. However, not every project has the same luck. The spin-off “NCIS: Tony & Ziva,” which reunited Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo, was canceled after just one season in December 2025. That series, which streamed on Paramount+, featured the couple on the run in Europe with their daughter Tali. Despite the cancellation of the spin-off, the original NCIS continues to be a stable force for CBS.
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Fans React to the Promise of More Episodes
The news that the show could keep going indefinitely has been met with excitement from the fanbase. Many viewers have watched the show for their entire adult lives and consider it a comfort to see new episodes airing every week.
On social media, fans expressed relief that the series isn’t ending anytime soon. Comments focused on the cast chemistry, particularly the dynamics between the newer members like Gary Cole and Katrina Law, as well as the veterans like Sean Murray (Timothy McGee) and Brian Dietzen. The 500th episode itself was promoted as containing “great twists and surprises,” keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
With NCIS already renewed for Season 24 as of January 2026, the future looks bright for the team. The show has proven that it can adapt to changes in Hollywood. Whether it is handling the departure of a lead actor or incorporating modern storylines, the formula remains successful.
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