Among countless American crime series, NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) has held a distinct position in the hearts of audiences for over 20 years. Without being too flashy, without delving into blood or gruesome action, NCIS has quietly built a solid position for itself thanks to its fascinating cases, lovable characters and an emotional sense of justice.
1. What is NCIS? A special unit for the US military
Unlike the FBI, CIA or city police, NCIS is an investigative unit under the US Navy, specializing in investigating cases related to soldiers, military bases, or citizens working for the military. This opens up a completely different world: where silence, honor, loyalty and battlefield memories permeate every case.
From murders on aircraft carriers, cyber criminals infiltrating military systems, to terrorist plots targeting soldiers – each episode is a tense, surprising investigation journey that always puts the human element first.
2. Gibbs and the investigation team: Each person has a different color, coming together to form a special family
The focus of NCIS is the investigation team led by Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon) – a former Marine, quiet, principled, but full of compassion. Gibbs doesn’t need to shout to be respected – he is admired for his calmness, sharp intuition and absolute loyalty.
Beside Gibbs is a rich group:
Tony DiNozzo – handsome, humorous, former police officer. Behind the “bad boy” appearance is a heart that cares deeply.
Ziva David – former Mossad agent, strong, sharp, but always struggling with a painful past.
Abby Sciuto – a forensic expert with a special “gothic” style, lovable, intelligent and the “heart” of the group.
Timothy McGee – a tech genius, shy but sincere, always growing up through each season.
Dr. Mallard (Ducky) – an experienced forensic doctor, who understands death to protect life.
Each character has their own story, and NCIS respects that: no one is a meaningless “supporting role”. They live, love, make mistakes, lose and grow up right in the eyes of the viewers.
3. The cases are the cover – what makes NCIS special is the psychological depth and human values
Each episode usually opens with a case. But what holds the viewers is not who is the culprit – but the journey to find the truth and the process of each character facing themselves.
Many episodes make viewers cry not because of murder, but because:
A soldier sacrifices himself but no one knows his identity.
A veteran suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) faces guilt.
A team member must overcome the death of a loved one.
Or Gibbs must choose between justice and humanity.
NCIS succeeds because it knows that investigative drama is not just about finding bad guys – but a journey to understand people, with all their trauma and desire to live a better life.
4. The journey lasts for two decades: Why is NCIS not old even though it has nearly 500 episodes?
NCIS debuted in 2003 – until now, there have been more than 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes, dozens of actors leaving and returning. But the series’ appeal has not diminished. There are many reasons for this:
Stability in storytelling style: not following trends but staying loyal to its core.
Reasonable personnel changes: Gibbs withdrew, but DiNozzo, Ziva, McGee, Torres or Palmer all had their moments to shine.
Strong emotional connection with the audience: many people grew up with the characters, seeing NCIS as a part of their lives.
NCIS even has many spin-offs: NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai’i, and the latest is NCIS: Sydney. Each version has its own color but retains the same spirit: responsibility, integrity and teamwork.
NCIS – An investigative series that not only solves cases, but also heals
NCIS is not as “noisy” as many criminal series today, but is as persistent as a soldier – quiet, dedicated, and full of humanity. There, investigators not only solve cases, but also become people who listen to pain, people who heal memories, and people who protect the honor of the deceased.
If you’re looking for a crime drama that’s both suspenseful and heartwarming—one that’ll make you cringe and one that’ll make you cry—NCIS is a timeless choice.
