NCIS season 19

Production

CBS renewed NCIS for a nineteenth season on April 15, 2021, with the show returning to its classic "Case of the Week" structure after the previous season's heavier focus on serialized storylines. Filming started in July 2021, and series regular Brian Dietzen wrote an episode. Production was paused for at least a week on January 5, 2022, after a positive COVID-19 test among the cast or crew. In February 2021, The Hollywood Reporter noted that Mark Harmon was in talks to return for only a few episodes after being told the network would cancel the show if he left.

Katrina Law joined the cast for the last two episodes of season eighteen, with a potential promotion to series regular for season nineteen, and when the renewal was announced, Harmon was expected back. Emily Wickersham left after season eighteen, following Maria Bello's earlier exit that same season. On June 16, 2021, Variety reported that Gary Cole was in discussions for a significant role, and on June 21, TVLine stated Harmon would appear in just a handful of episodes.

The next day, Law and Cole were confirmed as series regulars: Law debuted in the premiere, "Blood in the Water," and Cole in the second episode, "Nearly Departed." Joe Spano returned as Tobias Fornell, and Pam Dawber came back as Marcie Warren. Harmon's departure was officially announced on October 11, 2021, with his final regular appearance in the fourth episode, "Great Wide Open." He stayed on as an executive producer, and showrunner Steven D. Binder left the possibility of future guest spots open.

In the seventh episode, "Docked," Margo Harshman reprised her role as Delilah Fielding-McGee, with Patricia Richardson guest-starring as Judy Fielding. Meredith Eaton also returned as Carol Wilson in another episode.

Marketing and release

On May 19, 2021, the series moved from its Tuesday 8:00 PM ET timeslot to Mondays at 9:00 PM ET, allowing FBI: International to join FBI and FBI: Most Wanted on Tuesdays. The season aired after The Neighborhood and Bob Hearts Abishola and led into the first season of spin-off NCIS: Hawaiʻi. On July 12, 2021, the premiere date was revealed as September 20, 2021. On September 13, 2021, TVLine released the promotional poster.