Longtime NCIS fans are starting to question the direction of the series, with many expressing concern that the show may be running out of fresh ideas. As the crime procedural enters its 22nd season, some viewers feel that recent episodes have become formulaic and predictable, lacking the tension, character development, and originality that once made NCIS must-watch television.
Fans have taken to social media to voice their frustration, pointing out how many plots feel like recycled versions of past storylines. Whether it’s a familiar interrogation scene, another mole in the agency, or yet another high-stakes case involving an old enemy, some are beginning to wonder if the writers are simply reusing the same structure with slight changes. “It’s like I’ve seen this episode five times already,” one fan commented.
Others argue that the show’s longevity may be working against it. With many of the original cast members gone and new faces still struggling to fully connect with audiences, NCIS seems to be relying more on nostalgia than innovation. The once-rich character dynamics and emotional story arcs now feel thinner, leaving fans with action-heavy plots that lack depth.
Still, loyal followers haven’t completely lost hope. Many are calling for a creative shake-up—either new writers, riskier storylines, or a return to what made NCIS special in the first place. But if the show continues down this path, some fans fear that NCIS may be heading toward a quiet decline rather than a celebrated finish.