NCIS Season 22 Finale: Release Date & Time (2025)

What secrets will be unearthed, and who will meet their end in the explosive season finale of NCIS? The stakes are higher than ever as the team confronts a nuclear threat and a face from the past, promising an episode that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats and dramatically alter the course of the series.

The world of NCIS is about to be shaken to its core. The twenty-second season of the long-running procedural drama culminated in a finale that promises to be one of the most impactful in the show's history. Airing on May 5, 2025, at 9 pm ET on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, the episode, titled Nexus, delivered a potent blend of suspense, intrigue, and heartbreaking loss. The team was thrust into a high-stakes investigation with far-reaching consequences, forcing them to confront not only a dangerous cartel but also a figure from Special Agent Parker's past, all while racing against time to avert a catastrophic event. The episode served as a culmination of storylines built throughout the season, as well as a pivotal moment that sets the stage for season 23.

The narrative core of Nexus revolves around a complex web of criminal activity. The NCIS team finds itself investigating a dangerous connection between the Nexus cartel and Parker's longtime nemesis, the formidable mob boss Carla Marino. Played by guest star Rebecca De Mornay, Marino is a figure of considerable power and menace, adding a layer of personal stakes to the already high-pressure situation. The team’s investigation swiftly escalates when they uncover a sinister plot involving stolen nuclear material. The implications are dire, with the potential for widespread devastation hanging over the team's heads as they scramble to understand the extent of the threat and neutralize it before it's too late.

Beyond the immediate threat, the finale dives into the personal lives of the characters, specifically focusing on the tension between Parker and Marino. This is not just another case for Parker; it's a confrontation with a ghost from his past, a figure who represents unfinished business and personal demons. The interaction between Parker and Marino is a highlight of the episode, with the script promising intense exchanges filled with animosity, suspicion, and a desperate attempt to outmaneuver the other. Fans can expect to see a side of Parker rarely displayed, a raw emotional vulnerability that stems from the history he shares with Marino.

The intensity of the episode is amplified by the fact that a major character is slated to die in the season finale, as confirmed by Wilmer Valderrama, who plays the character of Nick Torres. The death of a key figure in the NCIS family will undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the fanbase and profoundly impact the team dynamics moving forward. This loss is not simply a plot device but a catalyst for future storytelling, opening new emotional avenues and forcing the remaining characters to grapple with grief, change, and the lingering echoes of the past.

The episode also leaves certain story threads untouched, giving fans several questions for the next season, and providing a foundation of new storylines and adventures for the team to face in the future. As the credits roll, viewers are left with a sense of anticipation for season 23, wondering how the loss of a key character will change the team dynamic, how the remaining agents will cope with their grief, and what challenges lie ahead.

The season finale of NCIS is a carefully crafted narrative that skillfully blends the show's established procedural elements with the emotional depth of the characters. The episode's exploration of past connections, its examination of character relationships, and its willingness to introduce significant stakes demonstrates that NCIS is still a force to be reckoned with in the landscape of television dramas. The episode successfully fulfills its purpose: It offers a satisfying conclusion to the season, builds up anticipation for the future, and cements the show’s legacy as a television institution.

The finale showcased an exceptional episode for Gary Cole, as he truly steps into the central spotlight as Special Agent Parker. The clash between his character and Carla Marino represents the core of the season finale, providing an opportunity for nuanced performances and emotional depth. Cole’s portrayal adds layers of complexity to the character. Rebecca De Mornay’s portrayal of the antagonist, Carla Marino, also provided a compelling presence, the actress is a force of nature, bringing a sense of intimidation and complexity to the role.

The episode Nexus also included all the elements that make NCIS such a success: a compelling case, emotional character development, and a perfect blend of suspense and action. The episode also maintained a good balance of humor, which is one of the main elements for the show’s success. With its tight plotting, memorable performances, and high stakes, the NCIS season 22 finale successfully delivered a satisfying conclusion to the season, and left fans eagerly anticipating what comes next. With all the loose ends, the finale guarantees that viewers will return for the next season, eager to see how the team deals with the repercussions of the season's climax.