Los Angeles—Wilmer Valderrama, the guy who’s been holding down the role of Special Agent Nick Torres on NCIS for nearly a decade, just dropped some serious hints about the show’s season 22 finale, and it sounds like fans better brace themselves. In an interview on April 16, he described the upcoming closer as a high-octane, no-holds-barred episode that’s gonna leave viewers clutching their remotes. The actor didn’t spill every bean, but what he did say was enough to crank up the anticipation for the CBS drama’s big finish.
Valderrama, who’s been with the show since 2016, called the finale “controversial” and “badass,” promising a story that dives deep into the team’s grit while tossing in some curveballs. He hinted at a plot that’s not just about chasing bad guys but digging into the personal stakes for the agents, especially his character. Torres, known for his rough-around-the-edges vibe and knack for getting into scraps, will apparently face some heavy moments that tie back to his past. Valderrama teased a “family reunion” angle for Torres, something unexpected that’s been brewing for a while, though he zipped his lips on the details.
The season itself, which kicked off last fall, has been a slow burn of intense cases for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service squad. From busting up crime rings to sniffing out traitors, the team’s been through the wringer. CBS confirmed the finale, set to air on May 19, will wrap up a 22-episode arc that’s leaned hard into character-driven stories. Showrunners have been tight-lipped, but they’ve backed Valderrama’s hype, saying the episode will deliver “big risks” and “emotional punches” that could shake up the team’s dynamic.
Behind the scenes, the show’s still a juggernaut, pulling in millions of viewers each week despite being in its third decade. The network renewed NCIS for season 23 back in February, proving the crime drama’s got legs. Valderrama, who’s also an executive producer now, seems all-in, praising the writers for keeping the stories raw and real. He mentioned the finale’s been in the works for months, with the cast filming late into April to nail the action sequences and quieter, gut-punch moments.
No specific plot details were released by CBS or the show’s team, and Valderrama made it clear he’s not about to leak anything that’d spoil the ride. The episode’s directed by series veteran Diana Valentine, with the script penned by longtime NCIS writer Scott Williams. Filming wrapped on April 25, per the show’s production schedule, and the network’s already pushing promos that flash cryptic scenes of explosions, tense standoffs, and Torres looking like he’s carrying the weight of the world.
The NCIS season 22 finale airs on CBS at 9 p.m. ET on May 19. The show stars Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres, alongside Sean Murray, Katrina Law, Gary Cole, and Diona Reasonover. Season 23 is slated to premiere in fall 2025.