There are no new episodes of NCIS: Origins cast are still more or less establishing themselves, despite a few of them playing characters that veteran fans already know. Naturally, this makes it difficult to have to say even a brief goodbye in the midst of major storylines.

Nonetheless, that’s exactly what’s happening this week. Regardless of whether fans like to focus on the similarities or differences between the NCIS and NCIS: Origins characters, one thing they have in common is that neither show’s characters will appear in new episodes on April 7, 2025. But that’s not entirely without reason. In fact, while those upset with recent cancelations on the network might think there’s little method to CBS’ decisions, the absence of new NCIS and NCIS: Origins episodes this week was more or less unavoidable.

Why There Are No New NCIS Season 22 & NCIS: Origins Episodes Tonight (April 7, 2025)

Anything On The Slate Would’ve Been Canceled Tonight

Following the introduction of Parker’s Lily storyline on NCIS and the probability that he’ll soon reveal more of the story to Jess and/or Jimmy, any wait between episodes might feel like a long one right now. Networks typically reserve major cliffhangers for midseason breaks because it lets them catch up on their shooting schedule while keeping fans hooked for whatever’s coming next. However, that’s not always the issue, nor is it the issue in this particular case of NCIS and NCIS: Origins being put on hold.

Much like the flagship series, there have also been major developments in NCIS: Origins’ Mike Franks storyline, but the network didn’t suspend those stories just for the sake of doing so. They also have to make room for major events, and NCIS and NCIS: Origins had to be canceled this week to make room for the men’s NCAA basketball championship. Networks pay a lot to get the rights to air these championships, but they also get extremely high ratings in return. Letting go of that to make room for scripted television simply wouldn’t be a prudent business decision.

When Will New Episodes Of NCIS Season 22 & NCIS: Origins Return?

It Thankfully Won’t Be A Very Long Wait

Nick’s relationship with Robin on NCIS took a major hit in season 22, episode 16, which is just one reason besides Parker’s Lily storyline that many fans might be eager to see the show return. In the hopes it isn’t a relationship that needs absolute closure, then it’s at least one that needs development. Fortunately, NCIS season 22 returns on Monday, April 14, 2025. That doesn’t mean it will follow up on everything fans are hoping to see, but it will at least continue on its weekly schedule to help mitigate the wait time to see certain storylines resolved.

The same is true of NCIS: Origins, albeit with a major caveat. Origins only has a few episodes left until the first season ends, so there’s limited time to see whether Mike Franks and Tish’s relationship on NCIS: Origins can be healed. Either way, NCIS: Origins will return on the exact same night as the flagship series, with three episodes left before the season ends. Even if the show maintains its “case of the week” format, these last episodes are certain to push major storylines forward quite a bit.

What To Expect From Episodes Of NCIS Season 22 & NCIS: Origins

Both Series Have Major Storylines To Address

There are a lot of possibilities to look forward to in both shows. Regarding relationships, Torres in NCIS has hit a major roadblock in his relationship with Robin. Meanwhile, Rando knows that NCIS: Origins’ Lala is into Gibbs. And there’s the everlasting question of whether Tish will give Mike Franks another chance. But the biggest unanswered questions regard things such as Lily haunting Parker in NCIS. Whether looking at the overall story or just relationships, both NCIS and NCIS: Origins have a number of plot threads to pull on right now.

In fact, speaking of overall storylines, there’s the question of how NCIS: Los Angeles’ Lara Macy will play into her confirmed appearance on NCIS: Origins. And now that Jimmy’s made good with his daughter, there’s a chance she could appear in a future NCIS episode. The same could be said of Sawyer, Nick’s former rival. There are a lot of directions for both shows to go right now. And while the prequel has a major sniper story to finish, the flagship can go in almost any direction it wants. That’s an exciting idea for fans.

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