Special Agent Nick Torres must confront a darker side of his history when a retired undercover persona resurfaces in connection with a string of brutal murders. Scheduled to air on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the upcoming episode of CBS’s long-running procedural titled “Sleeping Dogs” forces the volatile agent to reexamine the line between duty and personal gratification.
In this high-stakes installment of the hit drama, Torres-played by Wilmer Valderrama-discovers that his former undercover identity, Dante Navarro, has been reactivated by an unknown killer. The terrifying development pulls Torres away from standard agency investigations and drags him deep back into the shadows of his past, an era he thought he had successfully buried.
A Dangerous Reunion With Walt Keller
To untangle the twisted conspiracy, Torres must reunite with his grizzled, old-school former handler, Walt Keller, portrayed by guest star Mike O’Malley. Keller brings a rigid and unfiltered perspective to the case. He challenges Torres to look past his current role within the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and face the unsettling reality of who he really was while living under deep cover.
During an early release look at the episode shared with CBS viewers, Torres opens up to Special Agent Alden Parker, played by Gary Cole, about the psychological toll of his previous assignments. “I did some horrible things in my past,” Torres admits. He explains how he justified the behavior in the line of duty while secretly wrestling with how much he enjoyed the darker aspects of the work.
However, Keller offers a much harsher evaluation of his former operative. Pushing back against Torres’ attempts to distance himself from Navarro, Keller bluntly tells him, “You still don’t get it, do you? Nick Torres is the cover. Dante’s who you really are.” This confrontational dynamic sets the stage for a deeply personal clash that tests Torres’ psychological endurance.
Pushing for Tactical Assignments Under Director Tony DiNozzo
The dark turn in Torres’ personal life coincides with a broader push for more hands-on field operations. Following the return of Tony DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly, as the new director of NCIS, Torres has actively sought out opportunities to engage in high-risk tactical missions rather than focusing exclusively on desk work and routine casework.
Yet, “Sleeping Dogs” serves as a stark reminder of the adage to be careful what you wish for. While Torres has boasted about specialized physical capabilities-such as holding his breath for four minutes during intense operational scenarios-the revival of Dante Navarro proves that his undercover past carries lethal consequences that no amount of physical training can easily neutralize.
Episode Details and Streaming Information
Written by Marco Schnabel and directed by José Clemente Hernandez, “Sleeping Dogs” marks the third episode of NCIS Season 24. The current season has already introduced major structural changes to the team, including the integration of DiNozzo’s private security background and complex interactions involving Special Agent Timothy McGee and forensic scientist Kasie Hines.
Fans can catch the broadcast premiere of “Sleeping Dogs” on Tuesday nights from 8:00 to 9:00 PM ET/PT on CBS. For viewers preferring digital platforms, the episode will be available to stream live on Paramount+ Premium, with on-demand streaming opening up the following day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the NCIS episode “Sleeping Dogs” air?
“Sleeping Dogs” is scheduled to broadcast on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:00 PM ET/PT on CBS.
Who guest stars in NCIS season 24 episode 3?
Mike O’Malley guest stars as Walt Keller, Nick Torres’ grizzled, retired former undercover handler.
What is the main plot of “Sleeping Dogs”?
The episode centers on Nick Torres discovering that his retired undercover identity, Dante Navarro, has been reactivated and used to commit a series of murders, forcing him to confront his dark past.
Where can I stream NCIS Season 24?
Episodes stream live on Paramount+ Premium and become available on demand the day following their initial CBS broadcast.
Who is the current director of NCIS in Season 24?
Tony DiNozzo, played by returning cast member Michael Weatherly, serves as the new director of NCIS.
