NCIS Season 23 Begins Filming β But Two Key Cast Members Are Missing
Production on NCIS Season 23 officially kicked off on July 17, 2025, as confirmed by a behind-the-scenes clip shared by the NCIS Universe Instagram account. The video gave fans a first look at the cast back on set β but it also raised immediate questions, as two familiar faces were notably absent.
The clip featured five of the main cast members: Katrina Law (Agent Jessica Knight), Sean Murray (Agent Timothy McGee), Wilmer Valderrama (Agent Nick Torres), Rocky Carroll (Director Leon Vance), and Gary Cole (Special Agent Alden Parker). These characters form the core of the show’s field and leadership team, appearing prominently in most investigative storylines.
However, missing from the footage were Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer, Chief Medical Examiner) and Diona Reasonover (Kasie Hines, forensic scientist). Their absence has not yet been addressed by CBS or the showβs producers, sparking speculation about their roles in the upcoming season.
Both Dietzen and Reasonover have been mainstays in recent years, regularly featured in crucial lab-based storylines. Last season, they played key roles in several major cases involving forensics and medical analysis. As of now, thereβs no official word on any changes to their status β no reports of contract disputes, role reductions, or storyline exits.
While fans eagerly await confirmation on whether Palmer and Kasie will return, the confirmed presence of Law, Murray, Valderrama, Carroll, and Cole signals that Season 23 is moving forward with the same high-stakes energy. And with production now underway, more details β and hopefully more cast updates β are just around the corner.
