NCIS

When it comes to popular television shows, NCIS should be at the top of the list. In 2014, it was announced that the CBS procedural was "the most-watched drama in the world" and over the course of 19 seasons, it has remained in the Top 5 when it comes to Nielsen ratings. In fact, in 2018, it ranked No. 4 on the list of the most popular TV shows of the year, beating shows like The Voice and CBS competitor Bull, which stars an NCIS alum.
And it shouldn't come as a huge surprise thanks to the stellar cast, unexpected plot twists — we're still not over Caitlin's death, TBH — and loyal viewers. However, even the most dedicated fans might have questions about the show, like:
What does NCIS stand for?
NCIS stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which is the primary law enforcement agency of the U.S. Navy. Its main function is to investigate any criminal activities involving the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps., though its mandate also includes national security, counterintelligence, counter-terrorism, and cyber warfare.
How long has NCIS been on?
The CBS series was actually a spinoff of the TV show JAG when it premiered in 2003. Currently, in its 19th season, the show has followed Gibbs and his team based in Washington D.C. In 2009, its spinoff NCIS: LA premiered, which follows a team at the Office of Special Projects (OSP), an elite division of NCIS, that specializes in undercover assignments.
In 2014, NCIS: New Orleans made its debut on CBS, this time focused on NCIS agents stationed in The Big Easy. In 2021, NCIS: New Orleans had its series finale and CBS introduced a new show in the franchise: NCIS: Hawai'i.
NCIS cast:
- Mark Harmon (Leroy Gibbs) — Season 1-
- Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) — Season 1-13
- Pauly Perrette (Abby Sciuto) — Season 1-15
- David McCallum (Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard) — Season 1-
- Sean Murray (Timoty McGee) — Season 2-
- Cote de Pablo (Ziva David) — Season 3-11
- Sasha Alexander (Caitlin Todd) — Season 1-2
- Lauren Holly (Jenny Shepard) — Season 3-5
- Rocky Carroll (Leon Vance) — Season 6-
- Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer) — Season 6-
- Emily Wickersham (Eleanor Bishop) — Season 11-
- Wilmer Valderrama (Nicholas Torres) — Season 14-
- Duane Henry (Clayton Reeves) — Season 14-15
- Jennifer Esposito (Alex Quinn) — Season 14
- Maria Bello (Dr. Jacqueline Stone) — Season 15-
- Diona Reasonover (Kasie Hines) — Season 15-
NCIS: New Orleans cast:
- Scott Bakula (Dwayne Cassius Pride) — Season 1-7
- Lucas Black (Christopher LaSalle) — Season 1-6
- Rob Kerkovich (Sebastian Lund) — Season 1-7
- CCH Pounder (Loretta Wade) — Season 1-7
- Zoe McLellan (Meredith Brody) — Season 1-2
- Daryl "Chill" Mitchell (Patton Plame) — Season 2-7
- Shalita Grant (Sonja Percy) — Season 2-4
- Vanessa Ferlito (Tammy Gregorio) — Season 3-7
- Necar Zadegan (Hannah Khoury) — Season 5-7
- Charles Michael Davis (Quentin Carter) — Season 6-7
- Chelsea Field (Rita Devereaux (Season 3-7)
NCIS: LA cast:
- Chris O'Donnell (G. Callen) — Season 1-
- Daniela Ruah (Kensi Blye) — Season 1-
- LL Cool J (Sam Hanna) — Season 1-
- Linda Hunt (Hetty Lange) — Season 1-
- Barrett Foa (Eric Beale) — Season 1-
- Adam Jamal Craig (Dominic Vail) — Season 1
- Peter Cambor (Nate Getz) — Season 1
- Eric Olsen (Marty Deeks) — Season 2-
- Renee Felice Smith (Nell Jones) — Season 2-
- Miguel Ferrer (Owen Granger) — Season 5-
- Nia Long (Shay Mosley) — Season 9-
NCIS: Hawai'i cast:
- Vanessa Lachey (Jane Tennant)
- Yasmine Al-Bustami (Lucy Tara)
- Jason Antoon (Ernie Malik)
- Noah Mills (Jesse Boone)
- Tori Anderson (Kate Whistler)
- Kian Talan (Alex Tennant)
- Alex Tarrant (Kai Holma)
What are Gibbs' NCIS rules?
Over the course of 16 seasons, Agent Gibbs has shared many words of wisdom with his team — and fans have dubbed his tips "Gibbs Rules." They should be obeyed at all times, and "consequence is a slap to the back of the head." Here are his top 10:
- Never let suspects stay together. / Never screw over your partner.
- Always wear gloves at a crime scene.
- Don't believe what you're told. Double check. / Never be unreachable.
- If you have a secret, the best thing is to keep it to yourself. The second-best is to tell one other person if you must. There is no third best.
- You don't waste good.
- Never say you're sorry. It's a sign of weakness.
- Always be specific when you lie.
- Never take anything for granted.
- Never go anywhere without a knife.
- Never get personally involved in a case.
Latest NCIS News and Updates

Lucy and Kate's Relationship on 'NCIS: Hawai'i' Is Starting to Heat Up

Is Alden Parker's Ex-Wife Showing up to Make Some Good Trouble on 'NCIS'?

Is Canadian Actor Noah Hills Leaving 'NCIS: Hawai'i'? The Season Finale Promo Is Troubling

Ducky Mallard Has Been an Invaluable Member of 'NCIS' From the Start — How Old Is He?

'NCIS's' Jimmy Palmer Might Be Headed for a Relationship — What Happened to His Wife?

Why Is Mark Harmon Still in the Credits for 'NCIS'? There Are Multiple Possibilities

Who Plays Young Callen on 'NCIS: LA'? Meet the Five Actors Who Have Played Him Through the Years

Sean Murray is an Integral Part of 'NCIS,' and Viewers Want to Know — Is He Married?

'NCIS' Is a Family Affair! Meet Sean Murray's Co-Star and IRL Kid, Cay Ryan

It's Bring Your Actual Daughter to Work Day on 'NCIS' — Who's Making It a Family Affair?

Fans Are Afraid 'NCIS: Los Angeles' Won't Last Without Callen — Is Chris O'Donnell Leaving?

Hetty Has Been Away Since the Season 13 Premiere of 'NCIS: Los Angeles' — Why?

We're on the Hunt for Hetty Lange — Is She Returning to 'NCIS: Los Angeles' Anytime Soon?

Don't Worry, 'NCIS: Los Angeles' Fans — Densi Isn't Going Anywhere

Anthony Ruivivar Is Joining 'NCIS: Hawaiʻi' — Who Is This EXcellent Addition?

Joseph Melendez Is Dropping by 'NCIS to Stir up Trouble — Who Is This Bad Guy?

We're Finally Going to Meet Sam's Dad on 'NCIS: Los Angeles' — Who's Playing Him?

Who Plays Agent Rountree's Sister Jordyn in 'NCIS: Los Angeles' Season 13?

Fans of the 'NCIS' Franchise Needn't Worry Because 'NCIS: Hawai'i' Isn't Finished

Vanessa Lachey's 'NCIS: Hawa'i' Is Returning for Season 2 on CBS — So What's Next?

'NCIS' Is Coming Back for Season 20 — Here's Everything to Know About It So Far

No Need to Put Away Those Shades Yet Because 'NCIS: LA' Is Coming Back!

'NCIS: Los Angeles' Is Returning to CBS for Season 14 — What Can Fans Expect?

The Real Reason Why Pauley Perrette Decided to Leave 'NCIS' After 15 Years on the Show

Therapist Dr. Grace Confalone Is Back on ‘NCIS’! Details on Her Future in the Show

An 'NCIS' Original Is Returning for the Post-Gibbs Era — Who Is Coming Back?

‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Aired Its First Episode Without LL Cool J—Is He Leaving the Show?

Another Familial Face Is Dropping by 'NCIS' — Who Plays Vance's Daughter Kayla?

Meet the Newest Actress to Join 'NCIS: Hawai'i'

Agent Devin Rountree Has Been MIA Lately on 'NCIS: Los Angeles' — What Happened to Him?

After What Happened to Kasie, Fans Want to Know Whether Diona Reasonover Is Leaving ‘NCIS’

We're Finally Meeting Jimmy Palmer's Daughter on 'NCIS' but the Circumstances Aren't Good

Remember Nate (Aka Doc) From 'NCIS: Los Angeles'? He's Coming Back!

Here's Why Shalita Grant Decided to Leave 'NCIS: New Orleans'

Vachik Mangassarian, the Star of 'NCIS' and 'Lost and Found in Armenia,' Has Died at Age 78

Here's Who Will Star in the Upcoming 'NCIS' and 'NCIS: Hawai'i' Crossover Event

Who is Former 'Hawaii Five-O' Star Beulah Koale Playing on 'NCIS: Hawaii'?

Could Michael Weatherly Join ‘NCIS: Hawaii’ After His ‘Bull’ Exit?

With 'Bull' Canceled, Michael Weatherly Could Possibly Return to 'NCIS'

Abby Was an Iconic Member of Team Gibbs on 'NCIS' — What Happened to Her on the Show?

Ellie Bishop Could Come Back to 'NCIS' Through This Unresolved Storyline

Who Does 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' Star Denise Crosby Play on 'NCIS'?

OK, Where Has Kensi Been — Is She Leaving 'NCIS: Los Angeles'?

Is Wilmer Valderrama Leaving 'NCIS' After Being on the Drama Series for Five Seasons?

Joe Millius May Be Getting Transferred in 'NCIS: Hawai'i,' but Is Enver Gjokaj Leaving?

'NCIS' Welcomes Back an Old Favorite and We Couldn't Be More Psyched!

Will We Get More 'NCIS' Season 19 Episodes Before 2021 Ends?

'NCIS' and 'NCIS: LA' Aren't Airing New Episodes This Week — Why? And When Will They Be Back?

A Recent Episode of 'NCIS' Paid Tribute to Audience Liaison Harriet Margulies

Delilah Heads Back to 'NCIS' for Season 19

Is Agent McGee’s Mother-In-Law a Murderer or Just an Innocent Bystander on ‘NCIS’?

'NCIS’ Can Survive Without Gibbs on One Major Condition

Here's a Breakdown of Everything We Know About Delilah Fielding on 'NCIS'

Mark Harmon Seems to Love Leaving 'NCIS'! Find out Why He Left in Season 4

Gibbs' Departure Has Left the 'NCIS' Team Without a Leader

Gary Cole Has a New Role on 'NCIS' and a New Partner in Life

Cote de Pablo Had a Perfectly Valid Reason for Leaving 'NCIS'

Mark Harmon May Have Left 'NCIS,' but Is He Gone for Good?

These 4 Episodes Are Agent Gibbs's Best on 'NCIS'

Mark Harmon Isn't the Only Harmon Family Member With a Legacy on 'NCIS'

Mark Harmon Made an Impressive Amount of Money During His Time on 'NCIS'

Mark Harmon Is a Notoriously Private Person — Has He Talked About Why He Is Leaving 'NCIS'?

Here's Why Alaska Is Calling to Agent Gibbs (SPOILERS)

Who's Taking Over After Mark Harmon's Exit on 'NCIS'?

Why Is [SPOILER] Leaving 'NCIS'? What This Means for the Series

How Season 19 Set the Stage for [SPOILER]'s Departure

Is [SPOILER] Leaving 'NCIS'? How He Said Goodbye

Vanessa Lachey Says She Took Nick's Last Name Because She's "Old-Fashioned"

The Fate of Agent Callen's Sister on 'NCIS: Los Angeles' Is Just One Part of His Sad Past

Michele Poulik Was a Set Designer and Longterm Crew Member of 'NCIS: Los Angeles'

Vanessa Lachey Is the First Female Lead of an 'NCIS' Show in 'NCIS Hawai'i' and We Love It

The Serial Killer on ‘NCIS’ Has Finally Been Revealed — and What a Twist!

Vanessa and Nick Lachey Might Have Another Kid

Is Yasmine Al-Bustami Really That Petite? Here's What We Know About the Actor

Norman "Boom Boom" Gates in 'NCIS: Hawai'i' Is a Fast Fan Favorite

What's Former 'NCIS' Actress Emily Wickersham Doing Now? What the Star's Future Holds

Mark Harmon Will Not Be Joining the 'NCIS: Hawai'i' Team

Despite the Rumors, Mark Harmon's Health Is Fine

Gary Cole Joins 'NCIS' Season 19 in a Pretty Important Role

What Happened to Bishop on 'NCIS'? Details on Emily Wickersham's Exit

The Culprit Behind Gibbs' Boat Explosion Could Finally Be Revealed

Is Jessica Knight Stepping in for Ellie Bishop on 'NCIS'?

Is Noah Mills of 'NCIS: Hawai'i' Married? He Keeps His Personal Life Private

You Can Actually Visit Most of the Places Where 'NCIS: Hawaii' Is Filmed

Ellie Bishop's Future on 'NCIS' Has Been Been Revealed

What Happens to Gibbs' Boat on the Season 18 Finale of 'NCIS'? (SPOILERS)

Is Emily Wickersham aka Special Agent Emily Bishop Leaving 'NCIS' After Season 18?

What Exactly Are Odette Malone and Ellie Bishop Planning on 'NCIS'? (SPOILERS)

Will Bishop and Torres Finally Get Together on 'NCIS'?

Pam Dawber's Arc on 'NCIS' Will Only Last Four Episodes

The Title of the Season 18 Finale of 'NCIS' Hints [SPOILER] Is Leaving

Nell Jones Left 'NCIS: LA' in the Season 12 Finale, But There's a "Loophole" for Her Return

Eric Beale Went From Zero to Hero in His 'NCIS: Los Angeles' Journey

What Happened to Joelle on ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’? She Only Has Revenge on Her Mind

Will 'NCIS' Be Back for Another Season?

Agent Jessica Knight Is Stirring Things Up on the Final Two Episodes of 'NCIS' Season 18

Daniela Ruah Is Married to ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Husband’s Brother/Stunt Double

Lucy Is the Breakout Star of 'NCIS' Season 18 — Whose Dog Is She?

Phineas Is Back on 'NCIS' — but He Might Be in a Lot of Danger
