“NCIS” is preparing to mark a major milestone, and executive producer Steven D. Binder is teasing something “special and worthy” to commemorate it. As the hit procedural nears its 500th episode, Binder hinted in a recent interview that the creative team is working on a tribute that will honor the show’s legacy while thrilling longtime fans.

While details are still under wraps, Binder emphasized that the upcoming episode will not be just a regular case-of-the-week story. Instead, it will serve as a “celebration of the show’s history,” possibly bringing back familiar faces or revisiting key moments from the series’ past. With over two decades of storylines and characters to draw from, the opportunity for emotional callbacks and surprises is vast.

Fans are already speculating about the return of beloved characters like Gibbs, Abby, or DiNozzo. Though nothing is confirmed, Binder noted that “a milestone like 500 deserves something meaningful,” suggesting producers may be pulling out all the stops.

The episode is expected to air during the upcoming season, giving viewers plenty of time to catch up and speculate. For a series known for its loyalty to character-driven storytelling, this 500th installment promises to be a momentous occasion.