NCIS did not return in 2023. The 21st season of NCIS was announced in February 2023 but actually premiered later, on February 12, 2024, and concluded on May 6, 2024. The 21st season was shortened due to industry strikes and was the first without actor David McCallum. The 22nd season then premiered on October 14, 2024. For the 23rd season, the next NCIS season after 2023, it is scheduled to premiere on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

So, there was no NCIS season return in 2023; instead, the show returned in early 2024 for season 21.