The character revived in NCIS Season 23 is Ellie Bishop, played by Emily Wickersham. After leaving in the Season 18 finale, Bishop reappears at the end of “Heaven and Nature” and returns in “Her,” where she seeks help from her former teammates and reconnects with Nick Torres. The episodes also give the pair a more considered goodbye than Bishop’s abrupt departure did. (TV Insider; TheWrap)
How Ellie Bishop returns in Season 23
Bishop’s first appearance back is the closing reveal of “Heaven and Nature,” the Season 23 fall finale. TV Insider identifies it as Wickersham’s first appearance since the Season 18 finale. Her story continues in “Her,” when she turns to former NCIS colleagues for help. (TV Insider; TheWrap)
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TheWrap describes Bishop as pursuing corrupt organizations and trying to deliver justice through unconventional means, a role likened to a Robin Hood approach. Her return is not simply a cameo: it brings her back into contact with the team and gives the show room to address the way she left. (TheWrap; TheWrap)
What happens between Bishop and Torres?
Bishop’s Season 18 departure left Torres without a goodbye. In “Her,” she invites him to leave with her. Torres chooses to remain at NCIS, and Wilmer Valderrama, who plays him, described the emotional resolution this way: “Bishop had chosen her own journey and Torres, in that moment, realized he wasn’t part of that plan.” (TheWrap)
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- SEASON 23: Includes all episodes from the twenty-third season of NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
- ACTION & DRAMA: Follow the elite team as they investigate high-stakes naval crimes and uncover complex mysteries.
- BELOVED CAST: Features the talented ensemble cast that has made NCIS one of television's longest-running dramas.
- PHYSICAL FORMAT: Comes as a physical disc set, perfect for collectors and fans of the long-running series.
- GREAT FOR FANS: An ideal addition to any NCIS collection, letting you relive every thrilling moment anytime.
That choice resolves the immediate question of whether Torres goes with Bishop, but it does not establish that their paths can never cross again. Valderrama framed the possibility as open: “Is this the end of that chapter, or did they just open another one?” The comment leaves a future reunion possible; it is not confirmation that one will happen. (TheWrap)
Does Bishop’s return have a connection to Ziva’s exit?
The headline’s reference to Ziva needs a qualification. The reporting cited here establishes Bishop’s Season 18 departure and her Season 23 return, but does not establish that Ziva David’s exit caused Bishop to leave or directly shaped the Season 23 storyline. The confirmed connection is to Bishop’s own earlier exit and her unfinished relationship with Torres. (TheWrap; TV Insider)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Another Season 23 return: Kayla Vance
Ellie Bishop is not the only returning character in the Season 23 finale. CBS lists “Sons and Daughters” as the May 12, 2026 finale, with a story involving Kayla Vance after the death of her father, Leon. TVLine also previews Kayla’s return. This is a separate storyline from Bishop’s reappearance in “Heaven and Nature” and “Her.” (CBS; TVLine)
Quick Recap
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- Genre: TV Action & Adventure
- Number of Discs: 24
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Rating: NR
- Number of Movies: 0
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- Genre: TV Action & Adventure
- Number of Discs: 24
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Playback Duration: 4128
- Rating: NR
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