CBS Is Rewriting Timothy McGee’s NCIS History In Season 23

After being on the show for over two decades, NCIS is looking to rewrite Timothy McGee's history in season 23. Currently, there are no more original characters in the MCRT, after Ducky Mallard's death in 2021. It's easy to forget that Sean Murray's veteran detective wasn't actually part of Leroy Jethro Gibbs' squad, only coming in as a guest well into the events of NCIS season 1.

Over time, however, McGee has become the defining character of the show, as he has seen every single iteration of the franchise. Being on the show for this long, the biggest challenge for NCIS when it comes to the character is to make sure that he doesn't get stagnant. Unfortunately, the last few years, which brought some major changes in the agency, left McGee with no clear future.

After missing out on the chance to be the Director Deputy of NCIS, McGee has been operating in limbo. Moving forward in the 2025-2026 TV cycle, however, he might actually see a major storyline that would reframe everything that's known about him.

Timothy McGee's Past Will Be At The Center Of NCIS Season 23, Episode 12

Admittedly, all eyes are on Emily Bishop's story when NCIS season 23 resumes programming, but beyond what happens to her narrative sounds equally interesting. Per TV journalist, Matt Mitovich, the upcoming March 17 episode of the procedural will be centered on McGee. The case starts as a typical MCRT run, but it turns fascinating when the "team uncovers a hidden chapter from his past that could rewrite his entire life."

Like the majority of other cast members of NCIS, McGee's backstory has been discussed several times in the past. His dad and sister both appeared in the past, albeit separately. One family member that is largely unexplored is his mother. She was supposed to still be alive when news of his dad's cancer was revealed. Not much has been shared about her since then, so she is the perfect character to be at the center of the teased NCIS season 23 storyline.

Otherwise, there's also a possibility that the revelation will have something about his father. McGee's relationship with his dad was complicated, although they patched things up before the patriarch died in arguably one of the best NCIS episodes ever. Considering McGee Sr. was an Admiral, perhaps the twist will impact the agency standing of the veteran MCRT member in the agency.

What Rewriting McGee's Past Could Mean For His NCIS Future

Giving McGee a personal story at this point on NCIS season 23 is a good way to move his narrative forward. As previously mentioned, he's in a state of professional limbo. There is currently no possible upward movement for him in the agency, unless there are some major changes in the organization or NCIS revisits the Deputy Director storyline, which risks it being repetitive. It's also a good way to lean into NCIS's long history, which seems like a main storytelling component in season 23.

At the very least, revisiting McGee's personal history will further flesh out arguably the show's true main character. As Gibbs' final MCRT agent still in the organization, he holds a special place in long-time fans' hearts. Beyond that, however, it could be a launching pad for what's next for the character. As great as it is to see him still be on NCIS, there's an increasing need for him to level up in terms of his career, as it's unfair to keep him stuck as a Special Agent, considering his record.

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