It’s a rare sight for NCIS fans — the juggernaut CBS procedural has slipped from its usual streaming throne. According to the latest stats from FlixPatrol, NCIS has dropped to No. 3 on Paramount+’s Top 10 TV Shows list in the U.S., marking the second time in a week it’s been knocked down from its long-held No. 2 spot.
What’s Beating NCIS?
Just a few days ago, SpongeBob SquarePants briefly edged out NCIS for the No. 2 position, but this week’s upset comes courtesy of Showtime’s The Chi. The hit drama surged an impressive five spots, pushing NCIS down a notch. Criminal Minds still reigns at No. 1, but with this kind of momentum, all eyes are now on whether The Chi could topple that crown too.
A Look Back at NCIS’ Streaming Dominance
Created by Donald P. Bellisario, NCIS has been a streaming powerhouse and cable staple since premiering in 2003 after a two-part backdoor pilot on JAG. The show originally starred Mark Harmon as the iconic Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Harmon led the team for 18 seasons before handing the reins to Gary Cole’s Alden Parker starting in Season 19.
Despite multiple cast shakeups over the years, the show has continued to dominate both in ratings and fan engagement. The current Season 22 lineup includes Gary Cole, Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres), Katrina Law (Jessica Knight), Sean Murray (Timothy McGee), Brian Dietzen (Jimmy Palmer), Diona Reasonover (Kasie Hines), and Rocky Carroll (Leon Vance).
The NCIS Universe Continues to Expand
Even with this minor setback in rankings, the NCIS franchise is far from slowing down. Its legacy has expanded into six spin-offs:
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NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023)
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NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2021)
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NCIS: Hawai‘i (2021–2024)
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NCIS: Sydney (2023–present)
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NCIS: Origins (2024–present)
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NCIS: Tony & Ziva (premiering Sept. 4, 2025)
While New Orleans and L.A. have wrapped, Sydney, Origins, and the eagerly awaited Tony & Ziva series are keeping the momentum going. CBS recently confirmed fall 2025 returns for NCIS and Origins, airing back-to-back on Thursdays. NCIS: Sydney does not yet have a confirmed premiere window for its next season.
What This Drop Means
Even though NCIS has momentarily slipped in the rankings, the drop is more a reflection of rising competition than a loss of fan interest. With new spin-offs, a 23rd season on the way, and a core cast that still draws viewers, NCIS remains one of Paramount+’s most valuable titles.
For longtime fans and new viewers alike, this minor ranking shakeup is likely just a blip — but it does add a little suspense to an otherwise steady reign.
