The $30 million question: who gets hit in the Season 23 finale?

NCIS actor Wilmer Valderrama has confirmed that the Season 23 finale's shooting will have serious consequences, including a character death and major cast changes ahead for Season 24.

During a recent interview at the 2026 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, Valderrama, who portrays Special Agent Nick Torres, discussed the dramatic ending of Season 23 and what fans can expect from Season 24.

Speaking about the finale, Valderrama noted, "To be honest, I don't think we figured that one out yet. I don't think we have an idea yet. I asked , 'What do we want from it?'

Despite the uncertainty, he assured fans that "someone does get hit,and people might not like it. " The finale ended with Torres and Mateo (Patrick Keleher) caught in an alley during a barrage of gunfire, leaving the victim and shooter unknown.

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Valderrama emphasized that the show regularly shakes things up to keep viewers engaged and listens to fan feedback, stating, "Look, every couple of years, you guys know NCIS has to make sure you're watching.So we shake up the TV a little bit,and we listen. And we listen to where you, as fans, want to see us do. So we always really pay attention to what our fans want to really experience on the show."

Regarding Season 24, he speculated there will be "a major, major shakeup" with significant changes and new additions .

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When asked about Torres' fate, he added, "I can only hope that he makes it out alive.

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Valderrama's comments have left fans wondering who will make it out alive and what changes are in store for Season 24.

According to the actor, the show's writers have not yet finalized the aftermath of the Season 23 finale, leaving the victim and shooter unknown.

Despite the uncertainty, Valderrama assured fans that "someone does get hit, and people might not like it. "

The show's regular shake-ups and listener feedback have become a hallmark of the series,with Valderrama stating that the show "always really pay attention to what our fans want to really experience on the show."

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As fans eagerly await the new season, they can't help but wonder who will make it out alive and what changes are in store for the show.

According to Valderrama, the show's writers are still working out the details of the Season 23 finale's aftermath, leaving fans with more questions than answers.