The historic first in NCIS Season 23 was a connected Veterans Day event pairing the original series with its prequel, NCIS: Origins. The prequel’s episode, “Funny How Time Slips Away,” led into the present-day NCIS episode “Now And Then” on November 11, 2025. The Associated Press described the pairing as “a first for the franchise”—a claim about this special, not proof that it was the franchise’s first-ever crossover.
What was the historic first in NCIS Season 23?
On Veterans Day 2025, CBS presented linked episodes of NCIS: Origins and NCIS back to back. The story began in the prequel and continued in the present-day series. The Associated Press called this Veterans Day pairing “a first for the franchise.” That description should be kept specific to the special: the available reporting does not establish that it was the first crossover in the entire NCIS franchise. Associated Press, November 11, 2025.
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| 1 |
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| 2 |
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NCIS: Origins - Season One [DVD] | $30.78 | Buy on Amazon |
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Which NCIS and NCIS: Origins episodes are connected?
| Series | Episode | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| NCIS: Origins | “Funny How Time Slips Away” | The historical mystery begins in the prequel and features Mark Harmon as a guest, according to AP. Paramount+ identifies this as the linked Origins episode. |
| NCIS | Season 23, Episode 5, “Now And Then” | The present-day team reopens the case of a naval officer’s death, first investigated by Gibbs and Franks in the 1990s. The storyline connection carries into this episode. |
Sources: Paramount+, February 11, 2026; CBS Season 23 episode guide.
When did the episodes air, and when did Season 23 begin?
The connected episodes aired as part of the November 11, 2025 Veterans Day programming, not as the season premiere. CBS lists “Now And Then” as Season 23, Episode 5, dated November 11. The season began on October 14, 2025, with “Prodigal Son, Part 1.” CBS Season 23 episode guide.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Where can you watch NCIS Season 23?
Paramount+’s February 11, 2026 US-market guide said Season 23 was available through CBS and Paramount+. It described new episodes as airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS; Paramount+ Premium subscribers could watch live as episodes aired on CBS, while subscribers on either Paramount+ plan could watch on demand the following day. These details reflect that guide’s stated US availability; access, plan features and catalogues may vary by region and can change. Check the current listings for your location. Paramount+, February 11, 2026.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What else did Paramount+ say about Season 23?
The same February 11, 2026 guide said NCIS would reach its 500th overall episode before Season 23 ended. That was a prospective statement in the guide, not a verified episode count as of today. Paramount+, February 11, 2026.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Genre: TV Action & Adventure
- Number of Discs: 24
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Rating: NR
- Number of Movies: 0
Rank #4
- Factory sealed DVD
Rank #3
- NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service:
- The Twenty-Second Season
Rank #2
- Genre: TV Action & Adventure
- Number of Discs: 4
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Playback Duration: 630
- Number of Movies: 0
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