NCIS is more than just a crime series. It is a television icon that has endured for more than two decades with hundreds of episodes, dozens of beloved characters, and a loyal fan base around the world. But few people know that, to maintain its enduring vitality, the NCIS production team has had to constantly adapt, innovate, and overcome many challenges behind the scenes.
1. From supporting character to television icon
NCIS was born in 2003 as a spin-off of the JAG (Judge Advocate General) series, with quite modest expectations. But Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs changed everything. Initially, Gibbs was written as a “strict commander” model, but Mark Harmon’s restrained, profound, and suggestive performance made the screenwriter decide to develop Gibbs into the emotional pillar of the entire series.
Harmon himself became an executive producer for several seasons, and his influence behind the scenes was much greater than his role.
2. Rigorous Production Process: One Week, One Case
NCIS’s production schedule has been described as extremely rushed and disciplined. Each episode is shot and edited in just 8–10 days, with the crew having to coordinate smoothly from the director, screenwriter, actors to the technical, editing, and sound teams.
In particular, the episodes frequently change settings – from aircraft carriers, government offices, to war zones – requiring the design and effects teams to work tirelessly to ensure authenticity while still saving costs.
3. Maintaining a “family” spirit amid the changing flow
One of the secrets to NCIS’s long-term appeal is the culture of solidarity and respect within the film crew. Many actors stay for years not just because of the contract but because of the positive working environment, treating each other like family.
Mark Harmon is known for always showing up early on set, supporting the younger actors, and keeping the work spirit professional but not stressful.
However, it hasn’t always been peaceful. There have been some internal conflicts that led to the departure of actors like Pauley Perrette (Abby). But instead of letting the crisis drag on, the production team opted for a soft transition, writing a script to say goodbye to the character with respect, while introducing new faces in a reasonable way.
4. How NCIS adapts to the times
As television enters the streaming era, many traditional series have had difficulty maintaining their audience. But NCIS has remained strong thanks to:
Always incorporating topical topics into the plot (cyberattacks, domestic terrorism, post-war PTSD).
Change the lineup naturally, so that the new generation of characters such as Torres, Knight, Palmer, Kasie… can develop independently and not just be “copies” of the old generation.
Expand the universe with spin-offs such as NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: Hawai’i and recently NCIS: Sydney, affirming the international brand.
5. Respect the audience – the biggest reason for success
There is a principle that never changes behind the scenes of NCIS: the show never looks down on the audience. The writing team always maintains meticulousness in investigation details, accuracy in professional matters and especially consistency in character psychology.
When a character leaves, they do not disappear unreasonably. When there is conflict, no one is completely right. When a case ends, the psychological consequences are still there. It is that respect that makes the audience trust and stick with it.
NCIS – success does not come from luck, but from thousands of hours of work behind the camera
To keep a crime series running for more than two decades and still maintain its identity is almost impossible. But NCIS did it – not by tricks, but by a persistent behind-the-scenes, respect for the profession and respect for the audience.
It is a lesson not only for television producers, but for anyone who wants to build a long journey: to go far, you must maintain quality – and you must maintain the people.
