While much of this season has focused on Gibbs' recovery and Bishop's marriage "NCIS" will shine a light on family dramas surrounding Abby and Ducky in upcoming episodes.
The new year could bring back Abby's biological brother Kyle (Daniel Louis Rivas), who hasn't been seen since season 10. After tracking Kyle down the year before, Abby finally got the guts to tell him who she was and then introduced him to Gibbs.
"There's more Abby backstory coming after the holidays," showrunner Gary Glasberg told TVLine, "but I'm still in process of figuring that out."
Speaking of the holidays, the traditional Christmas episode will focus on Ducky's backstory as a young lad and reveal more about his family than ever before in the last 12 years. The story will bring back Adam Campbell, who will reprise his role as the young Donald Mallard that he played last season.
"Christmas episodes have become an 'NCIS' tradition and what could be better than spending the holidays with young Ducky in England circa 1972?" Glasberg told Entertainment Weekly. "This is a heartwarming story that brings gifted actor Adam Campbell back to 'NCIS' and introduces us to Ducky's complicated family. Prepare for a very emotional trip down Ducky's memory lane."
Also, look for more on Bishop's family history when she heads home to Oklahoma to spend Thanksgiving with her mother, played by special guest star Lindsay Wagner.
"NCIS" airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS.
