That’s actually one of the problems that people keep bringing up about “NCIS”, and it’s something without a clear-cut answer for the producers. The show has been on air for a very long time, and fans have grown attached to the characters after having seen them explored in so much detail and different nuances.
At the same time, someone trying to get into the show right now would find it hard to feel so connected with those same characters – unless they reviewed all previous seasons – so the producers could be looking for a way to make the show attractive to new fans.
This could pay off in the long run, but they would also have to be very careful in their approach to avoid alienating old fans. It’s a fine line to walk, but many producers of popular shows have pulled it off in the past.
We trust that the people behind “NCIS”, with their cumulative experience, know how to keep this show fresh and entertaining for many more seasons to come. In a few months, when season 14 airs, it’ll be interesting to see the reactions from both new fans and those who’ve been with the show since the beginning, and compare how different groups respond to the new style. It’s possible that season 14 will be exciting for the general crowd but a letdown for old-time fans, but hopefully that won’t be the case.