NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is one of the most famous TV series in the world, with millions of loyal fans and many prestigious awards. But besides the thrilling stories on screen, behind the scenes of NCIS also contains many interesting secrets that few people know.
1. Starting from a spin-off of JAG
NCIS was not actually a separate project from the beginning but originated from an episode of the series JAG (Judge Advocate General). It was a “spin-off” created to test new characters in the criminal investigation team of the US Navy. This episode received very positive feedback from the audience, creating the premise for CBS to produce a separate series called NCIS. This is a typical example of how filmmakers use “spin-offs” to exploit and develop more interesting stories.
2. Filmed in Los Angeles but set in Washington D.C.
Although the entire story of NCIS is set in Washington D.C., the headquarters of the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service, in reality, most of the scenes take place in Los Angeles. To create a sense of authenticity, the production team had to build sets that simulated the NCIS office and familiar locations in D.C. in the studio. Outdoor scenes or typical features of the capital were also replaced with similar filming angles in California. This not only saves costs but also makes it convenient for traveling and organizing filming schedules.
3. Consulting and cooperating with real experts
To maintain the authenticity of the series, the NCIS producers work closely with experts from the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service. They provide specialized knowledge about investigation procedures, crime scene handling, military law, and even small details such as uniforms, weapons, and military language. This is what makes NCIS unique compared to other crime investigation series and satisfies even the most demanding audiences, even those in the military.
4. Major changes in the cast
NCIS has aired for more than 20 seasons with hundreds of episodes, and over time, the cast has also changed a lot. Some main characters, such as Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon), have been with the series since the beginning, while many other important supporting roles have been replaced or added to add new vitality to the story. This change sometimes makes the audience regretful, but at the same time brings new relationships and details, making the show not boring.
5. Characters and stories based on real people
Many characters in NCIS are inspired by real agents and officers, which helps create a closer and more realistic image. Actors also often carefully study the style, way of speaking, and gestures of the agents to best embody the role. For example, the calmness and decisiveness of the character Gibbs is portrayed very subtly by Mark Harmon, creating a particularly beloved image.
6. The blend of humorous and serious elements
Although the main theme of NCIS revolves around crime investigation and many tense situations, the film still maintains harmony with light-hearted humorous moments and simple everyday scenes of the characters. The emotional stories and interactions between team members help viewers feel close and even find empathy in real life.
7. Records and influence of NCIS
Not just a regular television series, NCIS is also a cultural phenomenon with a large number of loyal viewers for more than two decades. It has consistently ranked among the highest-rated programs on CBS. The success of NCIS also opened up many other spin-offs such as NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and most recently NCIS: Hawai’i, expanding the NCIS universe to be larger and more diverse.
8. Interesting behind-the-scenes stories
Behind the camera, there are also many humorous and touching stories between the actors and the crew. For example, Mark Harmon is famous for being very serious about his work but is very friendly and often jokes with his co-stars, helping to keep the atmosphere on set always fun. Or many scenes that require complex technical coordination have made the whole crew work tirelessly to create the most polished footage.
NCIS is not just a simple entertainment film but also a long journey full of passion, professionalism and creativity of the film crew. Behind-the-scenes secrets have partly explained why the film has such lasting appeal and has become an icon in the hearts of audiences. If you are a fan of investigative, action-packed comedy, NCIS is definitely a great choice to explore!
