‘NCIS’ Scores a Major Ratings Victory as Michael Weatherly Makes His Surprise Return

After more than two decades on television, NCIS continues to prove that its loyal audience is still eager for new cases, familiar faces, and unexpected twists. The CBS crime drama made headlines again following its Season 24 premiere, which brought back fan-favorite actor Michael Weatherly as Tony DiNozzo.

The October 6, 2026, premiere delivered an impressive 6.45 million viewers, making it the most-watched scripted broadcast program of the night and the show’s most-watched episode since its Season 21 finale in May 2024. The episode also performed 21% better than the previous season’s premiere. <Entity value=”CBS” category=”organization” disambig=”American television network”/> confirmed the figures in its ratings announcement. <Cite refs={[“turn823959search1″,”turn823959search6”]}/>

Michael Weatherly’s Return Brings a Familiar Face Back to the Team

One of the biggest attractions of the new season is the return of <Entity value=”Michael Weatherly” category=”known_celebrity” disambig=”Actor who plays Tony DiNozzo on NCIS”/> as Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo Jr. Weatherly was a central member of the original cast for 13 seasons, making his character one of the most recognizable figures in the franchise.

His return is part of a season-long storyline, reuniting Tony with the world of the NCIS team after his time away from the main series. For longtime viewers, his comeback offers a chance to reconnect with a character whose humor, confidence, and relationships helped define the show’s earlier years. <Cite refs={[“turn823959search0″,”turn823959search4”]}/>

The premiere also delivered a major story development: Tony becomes the agency’s new director, setting up fresh possibilities for the episodes ahead. <Cite refs={[“turn823959search6”]}/>

A Strong Start for the Entire NCIS Franchise

The ratings success extended beyond the flagship series. CBS’s October 6 lineup featured three consecutive NCIS programs, including the premiere of NCIS: New York and the return of NCIS: Origins.

According to CBS, the full Tuesday lineup averaged 5.49 million viewers, a 39% increase over the network’s comparable premiere Tuesday the previous year. NCIS: New York attracted 5.62 million viewers, while NCIS: Origins opened its third season with 4.39 million. <Cite refs={[“turn823959search1″,”turn823959search3”]}/>

The results gave the network a strong start to its new season and demonstrated the continuing appeal of a franchise built around investigations involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Why Viewers Keep Coming Back

Since its debut in 2003, NCIS has built a substantial international following through a combination of crime investigations, character-driven stories, humor, and long-running relationships among its team members.

The series has also managed to evolve as cast members depart and new characters arrive. Returning actors can bring a sense of continuity, while new spin-offs give audiences different teams and settings to explore.

Tony DiNozzo’s return is especially significant because he represents an important era in the show’s history. His reunion with the team gives longtime fans a reason to tune in while opening a new chapter for the character.

What Comes Next for NCIS?

Season 24 has started with strong ratings and a major change in Tony’s role. With new cases, evolving team dynamics, and several connected series airing on the same night, the franchise has plenty of storylines to develop.

Although one successful premiere does not guarantee future ratings, the early numbers are encouraging for CBS. The real test will be whether the show can sustain audience interest as the season continues.

For now, NCIS has delivered a notable ratings win—and Michael Weatherly’s return has given longtime fans another reason to look forward to what’s next.