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NCIS Fans Outraged as CBS Hints at Major Shift—No Full-Time Return for Gibbs or Ziva

NCIS fans are reeling after CBS dropped a bombshell about the future of the iconic series. In a surprising announcement, the network revealed that Season 22 may signal a major turning point—one that doesn’t include the full-time return of beloved characters like Gibbs (Mark Harmon) or Ziva (Cote de Pablo).

For years, viewers have been holding out hope for a meaningful reunion between Tony and Ziva or a long-awaited comeback for Gibbs. But according to CBS’s recent press release, the upcoming season will pivot toward newer characters and storylines, leaving some of the show’s most loyal fans feeling sidelined.

The backlash was immediate. Social media lit up with frustration and disappointment. “NCIS without Gibbs feels empty,” one fan wrote. Another added, “If we don’t get closure on Tony and Ziva, what was the point of everything?” The decision has sparked intense debate, with many accusing the network of straying too far from what made the show a cultural staple.

While CBS has teased that Season 22 will still hold “plenty of surprises,” the lack of a clear plan to honor the show’s legacy has left fans uneasy. As the franchise moves into uncharted territory, the big question remains: Is NCIS losing touch with its roots, or can it still deliver the heart and history fans have come to love?

NCIS Season 22 Finale Teased to Feature Shocking Character Death—Fans Brace for Impact

NCIS fans are on high alert after Wilmer Valderrama revealed a bombshell about the upcoming Season 22 finale. In a recent interview, Valderrama teased that a major character death is looming—and it’s going to shake the show to its core. “It’s very earth-shattering,” he said, hinting at a finale filled with emotion and high-stakes drama.

The revelation has already sent shockwaves through the fanbase, igniting a storm of speculation about who might be leaving the series. With NCIS’ long history of jaw-dropping exits and dramatic twists, viewers are fearing the worst. “I’m not ready for this,” one fan wrote on social media, echoing the anxiety felt by many.

Valderrama, who plays Special Agent Nick Torres, described the episode as one fans will “never forget,” building anticipation for what could be one of the show’s most emotional and unforgettable endings yet.

As the finale approaches, fans are counting down the days with a mix of excitement and dread—bracing themselves for what could be a heartbreaking farewell to a beloved character.

NCIS Icon Linda Hunt Passes Away — Fans Devastated

The world of NCIS and television as a whole has lost a beloved icon. Linda Hunt, known for her unforgettable portrayal of Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles, has passed away. The news has left fans heartbroken, as Hunt’s unique presence and talent made Hetty one of the most memorable characters in the NCIS franchise.

Linda Hunt’s career spanned decades, but it was her role as the feisty, brilliant, and mysterious Hetty Lange that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. As the Operations Manager for the NCIS LA team, Hetty became a fan favorite, bringing a perfect balance of wisdom, tough love, and a sharp sense of humor. Hetty’s intricate relationships with her team, especially with Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam (LL Cool J), added a level of depth to the show that made it not only thrilling but emotionally resonant.

Hunt’s portrayal of Hetty was widely praised for its complexity and heart. Her ability to command a scene with just a glance or a quiet word made Hetty one of the most intriguing characters in the NCIS universe. Despite her absence from the later seasons due to health concerns, her legacy as the show’s heart and soul remains undeniable.

Fans have flooded social media with tributes, sharing their sadness and fond memories of the actress who made a lasting impact on television. Many have expressed their gratitude for the years of entertainment she provided, with one fan saying, “Linda Hunt was the embodiment of grace and strength. Hetty was more than a character, she was a mentor to us all.”

As we reflect on Hunt’s extraordinary legacy, we also remember her other notable roles, including her Academy Award-winning performance in The Year of Living Dangerously and her work in The Practice and Polar Express.

Though her passing leaves a hole in the NCIS family, Hetty Lange will live on in the hearts of fans forever. We extend our deepest condolences to Linda Hunt’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her incredible talent. She may be gone, but her memory and the mark she left on television will never fade.

Tony & Ziva Are Back! First Look at Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo’s NCIS Return

Fan favorites Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are officially back in action in the first look at NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The sneak peek reunites the beloved duo ahead of their new spinoff series.

The full trailer will premiere during the NCIS Season 22 finale, airing Monday, May 5, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva is set to premiere this fall exclusively on Paramount+, marking a long-awaited return for the iconic agents.

NCIS Brings Back Sam Hanna—And May Finally Reveal What Happened to Hetty Lange

The NCIS franchise has slimmed down in recent years, with NCIS: Los Angeles concluding and NCIS: Hawaii unexpectedly canceled in 2024. While fans have seen crossovers—most notably a 2023 event that united characters across the franchise—there’s still one lingering mystery: the fate of Hetty Lange.

Now, a familiar face is returning. LL Cool J is reprising his role as Sam Hanna, this time on the flagship NCIS series.

When Is Sam Hanna Returning?

According to TVLine and LL Cool J’s own Instagram post, Sam Hanna will appear in NCIS Season 22, Episode 18, airing Monday, April 21. Plot details are under wraps, but Hanna is expected to assist on a high-stakes case, bringing his signature style and experience.

Fans are especially eager to see if this episode will resolve the cliffhanger from NCIS: Hawaii, where Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) confronted a dangerous figure from her past. But perhaps the bigger question surrounds another long-missing character.

The Fate of Hetty Lange

Linda Hunt’s beloved Hetty Lange has been mostly absent from NCIS: Los Angeles since the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the actress’s health concerns. In the LA series finale, a storyline teased that Callen and Hanna were preparing to search for her overseas—but the mission was never shown, and Hetty’s fate remained unclear.

Now that Hanna is reentering the fold, this guest appearance might finally offer an update. Even if Linda Hunt doesn’t appear on screen, fans are hoping for some long-overdue answers about where Hetty is—and whether she’s safe.

With NCIS continuing to honor its rich shared universe, this return could help tie up one of the franchise’s most enduring storylines. Could closure for Hetty Lange finally be on the horizon?