After more than two decades on the air, NCIS is preparing to revisit — and potentially redefine — Timothy McGee’s past in season 23.
With the death of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard in 2021, McGee now stands as the last remaining link to Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ original era, even though he wasn’t technically part of Gibbs’ team at the start. Sean Murray’s character only joined the series as a guest late in season 1, yet over time, McGee has evolved into the franchise’s most consistent presence, having lived through every major iteration of NCIS.
That longevity, however, presents a creative challenge. Keeping a character fresh after 20-plus years isn’t easy, and recent seasons — marked by leadership shake-ups and structural changes within the agency — have left McGee without a clear sense of direction. After losing out on the Deputy Director position, he’s been stuck in professional limbo, with no obvious path forward.
That may finally change in the 2025–2026 TV cycle.
While much attention has been placed on Emily Bishop’s storyline as season 23 resumes, McGee is set to take center stage in a major way. According to TV journalist Matt Mitovich, the March 17 episode will focus heavily on him. What begins as a routine MCRT case quickly takes a dramatic turn when the team uncovers a hidden chapter from McGee’s past — one that could “rewrite his entire life.”
McGee’s background has been explored before, particularly through appearances by his father and sister. One family figure, however, remains largely unexplored: his mother. She was believed to still be alive when McGee learned of his father’s cancer, but the show has revealed little about her since. That narrative gap makes her a strong candidate for the mystery at the heart of this storyline.
There’s also the possibility that the revelation ties back to McGee’s father. Although their relationship was strained, they reconciled before Admiral McGee’s death in one of the series’ most emotional episodes. Given his father’s high-ranking military career, a buried secret could have lasting implications for McGee’s standing within NCIS itself.
Either way, giving McGee a deeply personal arc at this stage is a smart move. Professionally, he’s reached a plateau, with limited opportunities for advancement unless the show revisits the Deputy Director storyline — a choice that could feel repetitive. Turning inward instead allows NCIS to capitalize on its long history, which appears to be a major storytelling theme in season 23.
At minimum, revisiting McGee’s past further cements his role as the emotional backbone of the series. As the final Gibbs-era agent still active, he holds a unique place in the hearts of long-time fans. More importantly, this storyline could serve as a launching point for what comes next — because after everything he’s done, keeping McGee permanently stuck as a Special Agent feels long overdue.