*NCIS*

*NCIS*
Title	*NCIS*
Caption	Title card for the series
Genre	Police procedural Drama
Creator	Donald P. Bellisario Don McGill
Starring	Mark Harmon Michael Weatherly Pauley Perrette David McCallum Sean Murray Cote de Pablo Lauren Holly Rocky Carroll Brian Dietzen Emily Wickersham Wilmer Valderrama Maria Bello Diona Reasonover Katrina Law Gary Cole
Country	United States
Language	English
Num seasons	21
Num episodes	469
Network	CBS
First aired	September 23, 2003
Related	JAG NCIS: Los Angeles NCIS: New Orleans NCIS: Hawaiʻi NCIS: Sydney

*NCIS*. The American television series is a long-running police procedural that focuses on a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Premiering on CBS in 2003, it was created as a spin-off from the military drama JAG. The show blends crime drama elements with character-driven stories, achieving sustained popularity and becoming a cornerstone of primetime television in the United States.

Premise and setting

The series follows the Major Case Response Team of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, headquartered at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.. The agents investigate crimes involving personnel from the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps, ranging from murder and espionage to terrorism. The setting frequently utilizes various military installations, naval vessels like the USS *Gerald R. Ford*, and landmarks across the National Capital Region. Storylines often intersect with other federal agencies such as the FBI, the CIA, and the Department of Homeland Security.

Production and development

The series was created by television producer Donald P. Bellisario and writer Don McGill, developing from a two-part episode of JAG that introduced the characters. Initially produced by Belisarius Productions in association with CBS Studios, the show is filmed primarily in Los Angeles, with the Playa Vista stages standing in for the Washington Navy Yard. Shane Brennan served as showrunner for several seasons, later launching the spin-off NCIS: Los Angeles. Key behind-the-scenes figures have included executive producer Chas. Floyd Johnson and composer Brian Kirk.

Cast and characters

The original team was led by Mark Harmon as Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, with Michael Weatherly as Senior Field Agent Anthony DiNozzo and Pauley Perrette as forensic scientist Abby Sciuto. David McCallum portrayed Chief Medical Examiner Donald Mallard, while Sean Murray played Special Agent Timothy McGee. Notable additions included Cote de Pablo as Agent Ziva David, Rocky Carroll as Director Leon Vance, and Brian Dietzen as Medical Examiner Jimmy Palmer. Later seasons introduced agents played by Emily Wickersham, Wilmer Valderrama, Maria Bello, Diona Reasonover, Katrina Law, and Gary Cole.

Episodes and series overview

The series premiered on September 23, 2003, and has aired over 450 episodes across more than twenty seasons. Landmark episodes include the two-part pilot "Ice Queen" and "Meltdown," the 200th episode "Life Before His Eyes," and the episode "Family First" which concluded a major storyline involving the character Eli David. The show employs a procedural drama format, often featuring cold opens that present the initial crime. Multi-episode arcs have involved threats from organizations like the Port-to-Port Killer and international syndicates, with crossovers occurring with NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.

Reception and legacy

The series has been a consistent ratings leader for CBS, often topping the Nielsen ratings as the most-watched scripted series on American television. It has received awards from organizations like the People's Choice Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards, including a win for Stunt Coordination. Critical reception has praised the chemistry of the ensemble cast and the show's reliable formula. The longevity and popularity of the series have solidified it as one of the most successful programs in the history of broadcast television.

Cultural impact and media franchise

The success of the series spawned an extensive media franchise, beginning with the first spin-off, NCIS: Los Angeles, in 2009. This was followed by NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawaiʻi, and the international production NCIS: Sydney. The franchise has expanded into novelizations published by Berkley Books, video games, and a significant presence in syndicated television markets worldwide. The character Abby Sciuto became a cultural icon, influencing Goth fashion and inspiring fan art. The series' catchphrases and the rule-list of Leroy Jethro Gibbs have permeated popular culture.

Category:American police procedural television series Category:American television series Category:Television series by CBS Studios