Introduction: Nostalgia Meets Reality
Rewatching NCIS Season 1 after 22 years feels a lot like flipping through an old photo album — warm, familiar, but also a little embarrassing. What once felt cutting-edge now seems painfully outdated. From technology to social norms, early NCIS is a time capsule… and not always in a good way.
Let’s dive into 10 harsh truths fans face when revisiting the show that launched a 1,000-episode empire.
1. The Technology Is Practically Ancient
Flip Phones, CRT Monitors & Clunky Interfaces
Remember those giant desktop computers with green text interfaces? Or the fact that agents still printed everything? The tech in Season 1 feels like it belongs in a museum exhibit. Watching McGee marvel at a “secure server” in 2003 makes today’s encrypted cloud storage look like alien tech.
2. The Fashion? Very 2003… and Not in a Good Way
Oversized Suits and Low-Rise Everything
Tony’s suits hang like tents. Ziva’s not even in Season 1 yet, but Caitlin Todd’s office-wear screams early-2000s Banana Republic. The fashion choices, though charming in their own right, are a far cry from the sleek tactical gear and tailored looks of modern NCIS agents.
3. Gibbs Was… Kind of a Jerk Early On
The “No-Nonsense” Act Wore Thin
In hindsight, Gibbs was less the wise, stoic leader we remember and more a gruff, emotionally unavailable boss with a temper. His interactions with Kate, in particular, come off as cold and dismissive. His character softens later—but Season 1 Gibbs is hard to root for sometimes.
4. The Pacing Feels Glacial
One Case, No Subplots, Long Silences
We’ve gotten used to shows juggling multiple storylines, cutaways, and cliffhangers every ten minutes. Season 1? Not so much. It takes its time—maybe too much time. Entire episodes crawl along with long dialogues and minimal plot momentum. Binge-watching feels more like a slow jog than a sprint.
5. The Special Effects Have Not Aged Well
Explosions That Look Like GIFs & Cheap Green Screens
Early NCIS didn’t have the polished production value it flaunts today. Rewatch now, and you’ll spot laughably fake explosions, awkward camera angles, and CG effects that wouldn’t pass a high school media class.
6. Some Jokes & Gender Dynamics Don’t Hold Up
Casual Sexism Played for Laughs
Tony’s womanizing? Played as a harmless running gag in 2003. Today? It lands a little creepy. Jokes about Kate’s looks, sexual harassment innuendos, and general “boys will be boys” behavior are way more uncomfortable now than they were 22 years ago.
7. Caitlin Todd’s Arc Feels Undercooked
A Smart Character Who Deserved More
Kate was intelligent, competent, and had real chemistry with the team—but rewatching Season 1 makes it clear she was often relegated to “the girl” role. Her skills as a profiler are underused, and her exit in Season 2 now feels like a missed opportunity for deeper development.
8. The Background Music Is Distracting
Overly Dramatic Scores for Mundane Scenes
Watch any Season 1 scene, and chances are, there’s a weirdly intense instrumental playing in the background—whether the agents are interrogating a suspect or simply walking into a room. The music tries too hard to add tension, and instead, it ends up taking you out of the moment.
9. The Chemistry Wasn’t Fully Baked Yet
The Team Dynamic Took Time to Gel
We all love the banter between Tony, Ziva, and McGee—but Ziva and McGee weren’t even there in Season 1. The early dynamics between Gibbs, Tony, Kate, and Ducky are solid but don’t have the easy camaraderie we associate with NCIS at its peak.
10. The Show Hadn’t Found Its Voice Yet
Tonal Inconsistency & Identity Crisis
Season 1 tries to balance humor, drama, and military intrigue—but doesn’t always succeed. Some episodes lean into gritty crime drama, while others are almost slapstick. It’s clear the show was still figuring out what kind of series it wanted to be.
Conclusion: Season 1 Is a Rough Gem Worth Revisiting (With Caution)
Rewatching NCIS Season 1 in 2025 is like re-reading your old journal. It’s not always pretty, but it’s fascinating. You can see the seeds of greatness — Gibbs’s mysterious past, Tony’s smart-aleck charm, Ducky’s soothing storytelling — but the polish hadn’t arrived yet.
It’s a reminder of how far the show (and TV itself) has come. And honestly? That’s part of the charm.
FAQs
1. Is NCIS Season 1 still worth watching today?
Yes, but go in with tempered expectations. It’s more of a history lesson in TV evolution than a binge-worthy thrill ride.
2. Why does Season 1 feel so different from later seasons?
The show was still finding its tone, and key characters like McGee and Ziva hadn’t joined yet.
3. Are any Season 1 episodes considered classics?
While none are legendary, episodes like “Yankee White” (the pilot) and “My Other Left Foot” lay the groundwork for iconic arcs.
4. Was the show popular right away?
It had a modest following in Season 1 but didn’t become a massive hit until later seasons.
5. Should new fans start with Season 1?
Start there if you’re a completionist, but many fans jump in around Season 3 when the cast and formula really settle in.
