NCIS Season 23 first look has 2 main cast members missing, details explored in-depth

NCIS season 23 ( image via CBS)
NCIS season 23 ( image via CBS)

NCIS Season 23 officially began production, as indicated by a new behind-the-scenes clip released on July 17, 2025, through the NCIS Universe Instagram account. This production news featured five main cast members on set to record the first day of filming. Two of the main cast members were missing from this clip, prompting immediate questions among viewers.

The episode included appearances by Katrina Law, Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Rocky Carroll, and Gary Cole. These recurring actors play the investigative field agents and leadership figures at the center of the show's storyline. The only ones absent from this group were Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover.

Those two actors had been mainstays in previous seasons, playing lab-based staff within the NCIS division. No comment has been made on their absence from the show or their status for Season 23. This post provides all the latest information on the cast status for Season 23 and news of the production.


Cast members who have been confirmed present for NCIS Season 23 filming

The background shots confirmed five recurring actors. Katrina Law reprises her character of Agent Jessica Knight. Sean Murray reprises his long-time role as Agent Timothy McGee. Wilmer Valderrama reprises his role as Agent Nick Torres. Rocky Carroll returns as Director Leon Vance, and Gary Cole reprises playing Special Agent Alden Parker.

This ensemble includes the field and leadership crew, which makes up the core of the majority of investigative storylines. The fact that they are included in the first video means that they are contributing members of the new season. The production reel did not show storyline details, but assured these actors are in the ongoing filming schedule.


News about missing cast members

Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover did not show up in the common video. Dietzen is Jimmy Palmer, Chief Medical Examiner. Reasonover is Kasie Hines, a forensic scientist with the NCIS team. These characters deal with medical and forensic examination.

Their disappearance in the video remains unexplained by CBS or the producers of the show. There are no reports of a cut-back in their roles, leaving the series, or alterations to their contract status. Both Dietzen and Reasonover had regular screen time in the last season, which comprised significant cases involving them.


Background of the absent characters

Jimmy Palmer was brought in early in the series' life of the show and became a regular cast member after Donald "Ducky" Mallard left. Palmer's role changed from assistant to chief medical examiner, helping with many of the series' critical cases.

Kasie Hines was first introduced in Season 15 and became the team's lead forensic scientist. Her role replaced Abby Sciuto after she left, and she has since been handling all investigation work that is based in the lab within the team.

Both actresses have been critical to internal teamwork and case-solving, playing the technical aspects of investigations within the NCIS framework.


Details on Season 23 production and release

NCIS has historically started production in the summer to air in the fall. The July 17, 2025, news signals the beginning of Season 23's run. As yet, there is no announced premiere date or number of episodes for the next season.

No announcements have been made on possible new cast members, recurring guest stars, or storylines. CBS has not indicated if the missing two main cast members from the promotional photo indicate changes in screen time or behind-the-scenes production scheduling.


Stay tuned for more updates!

Edited by Sohini Biswas