NCIS season 23 episode 9 release date & time, what’s next, and everything you need to know

NCIS season 23 episode 9, titled Heaven and Nature, will continue to combine emotionally charged arcs with topical cases. The last few episodes have all included Parker’s unresolved questions about his mother’s death, Palmer’s unresolved feelings towards Knight after their breakup, and Knight’s slow progression towards taking on higher-risk assignments within NCIS: Elite.

All of this happens while the team comes to terms with new technology and has a change in leadership.

As such, NCIS season 23 episode 9 positions the team at a professional and personal crossroads. McGee and Torres take the lead on a time-sensitive holiday case involving a stolen truck containing toys for the Navy’s Christmas drive. This aligns the characters’ investigation with community, service, and second chances.

In addition to McGee and Torres’s case, viewers will witness answers to the long-teased questions about Parker’s mother finally come to fruition in the upcoming episode, which will premiere at 8 pm ET on December 16, 2025.

When does NCIS season 23 episode 9 come out?

A still from the show (Image via Instagram/@ncisverse)

NCIS season 23 episode 9 will arrive on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 8 pm Eastern Time on CBS. Refer to the updated table below for detailed release timing information.

Time Zone	Release Date	Release Time
Pacific Time	Tuesday, December 16, 2025	5:00 pm
Central Time	Tuesday, December 16, 2025	7:00 pm
Eastern Time	Tuesday, December 16, 2025	8:00 pm
British Summer Time	Wednesday, December 17, 2025	1:00 am
Central European Time	Wednesday, December 17, 2025	2:00 am
Eastern European Time	Wednesday, December 17, 2025	3:00 am
Indian Standard Time	Wednesday, December 17, 2025	6:30 am
Japan Standard Time	Wednesday, December 17, 2025	10:00 am

How many episodes are left in NCIS season 23?

CBS and Paramount+ haven’t confirmed the number of episodes in season 23. It can range from 10 to 22, depending on the previous season. That said, the series is set to return with weekly episode rollouts until 2026.

A brief recap of NCIS season 23 episode 8

In NCIS season 23 episode 8, the team investigates a shooting incident that occurred on the property of the Vice President. Secret Service agents killed a suspected criminal while they believed him to be threatening the Vice President.

As the investigation progresses, the case surrounding the victim becomes increasingly complicated as authorities discover false identities and other relationships that may impact the investigation's outcome. This forces NCIS to weigh the importance of informational transparency against potential safety risks.

Additionally, NCIS pilots a new artificial intelligence tool called DAWN, created by the DOJ to assist investigators by quickly analyzing massive amounts of data to reveal patterns of evidence through analysis. DAWN is highly effective in analyzing data and providing authorities with insights into potential patterns of criminal activity. However, it lacks emotional intelligence, which can create confusion in team dynamics.

Jimmy Palmer is the primary tester for DAWN and uses it to analyze not only the details of the case but also his internal struggle with his unresolved romantic feelings for Jessica Knight. The relationship between them is explored further in this episode.

The struggles in their relationship can be attributed to poor timing and Jimmy's hesitancy to fully embrace and commit to a relationship with Jessica. The episode ultimately concludes with him advocating for the use of common sense and human judgment over that of artificial intelligence.

Major events to expect in NCIS season 23 episode 9 (speculative)

In NCIS season 23 episode 9, the blend of holiday theme with character development will likely provide a perfect setting for both an intense, time-limited investigation by Torres and McGee into the theft of a trailer full of toys for the Navy's annual Christmas drive.

This episode will also address several storylines related to Parker's mother, therefore providing fans with closure from multiple teasers about her. It may also offer insight into why he has emotionally distanced himself from his coworkers and his leadership style, as well as how his mother's story has affected him.

Knight's involvement with NCIS: Elite appears to indicate growth in her character, as well as in the relationships between her and Torres and Palmer, going forward, as she embarks on an investigation to locate one of her former team members. This storyline hints at Knight's development from a supporting character to a lead role.

NCIS season 23 episode 9 will premiere on CBS on December 16, 2025.

Edited by Riya Peter