The NCIS universe is one of television’s most enduring franchises, born from its parent series JAG back in 2003. What began as a military procedural with a quirky team of agents quickly exploded into a worldwide phenomenon, spawning multiple spin-offs across the U.S.—and now even internationally. Two decades later, the franchise stands as CBS’s most successful drama brand, with six shows under its belt (and a seventh, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, on the way).
But as with any long-running franchise, not every spin-off hits the same high notes. Some captured lightning in a bottle, while others struggled to find their footing or suffered from uneven storytelling. After revisiting each series and setting aside personal biases (yes, even my heartbreak over NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancellation), I’ve ranked all six NCIS shows from worst to best. Some picks may surprise you—especially the one I crowned as the ultimate champion.
6. NCIS: Sydney – The Outsider That Never Quite Fit
Debuted: 2023
The franchise’s first international entry came with a lot of promise. Set in Australia, NCIS: Sydney offered a fresh backdrop, a new cast of characters, and the unique challenge of seeing American federal agents navigate Australian laws. Unfortunately, it never fully clicked.
While the premise had potential, the show lacked the hallmark camaraderie and humor that make NCIS tick. The characters felt underdeveloped, and the emotional hook wasn’t strong enough to keep viewers invested week to week. Add in the controversy of it occupying a primetime slot that fans felt should have gone to NCIS: Hawai’i’s fourth season, and the series was fighting an uphill battle.
Bold? Yes. Successful? Not quite.
5. NCIS: Origins – The Prequel Nobody Asked For
Debuted: 2024
Prequels are tricky business, especially when they try to reframe the backstory of an iconic character like Leroy Jethro Gibbs. NCIS: Origins takes us back to the 1990s, exploring Gibbs’ early years under mentor Mike Franks. On paper, it sounded intriguing—a retro setting, fresh characters, and a chance to fill in the gaps.
The problem? We already know Gibbs’ story, and it’s hard for a prequel to generate tension when the endgame is written in stone. While Austin Stowell brings grit and determination to young Gibbs, the series often feels weighed down by canon-checking rather than telling bold new stories. Side characters like Vera have potential but remain frustratingly underused, leaving the show with more missed opportunities than wins.
Fun nostalgia trip, yes. Essential viewing? Not really.
4. NCIS (Flagship Series) – The Original Titan That’s Outstayed Its Welcome
Debuted: 2003 – Still airing
Let’s be clear: without the mothership NCIS, none of these spin-offs would exist. For nearly two decades, Gibbs, DiNozzo, Ziva, Abby, Ducky, and McGee made Monday nights must-watch television. The blend of military intrigue, quirky team banter, and shocking twists created a cultural juggernaut that few procedurals have matched.
But after 20+ seasons, fatigue has set in. Cases feel formulaic, the once razor-sharp writing has dulled, and beloved character relationships lack the spark of earlier years. The departures of heavy hitters like Gibbs and Abby didn’t help either. While Alden Parker (Gary Cole) has settled in nicely as team leader, the flagship show sometimes feels like it’s coasting on past glory.
Still, credit where it’s due: this series built an empire. But maybe it’s time to let it bow out gracefully.
3. NCIS: Los Angeles – Sun, Spies, and a Lost Sense of Balance
Debuted: 2009 – Ended in 2023
For many fans, NCIS: Los Angeles was love at first sight. The glitz of Hollywood, the palm-tree setting, and the high-stakes undercover missions gave the show a distinct flavor. Anchored by Chris O’Donnell’s Callen, LL COOL J’s Sam Hanna, and the indomitable Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt), NCIS: LA felt vibrant and fresh compared to its darker East Coast sibling.
The problem came later. Over time, the show became overly centered on Callen and Sam, leaving characters like Deeks, Kensi, and Fatima fighting for scraps of development. Plotlines often dragged, and by its final seasons, LA felt like it was running on fumes. Still, the series gave us some unforgettable character arcs (Kensi and Deeks, anyone?) and cemented Hetty as one of the franchise’s best leaders.
A flawed but beloved gem.
2. NCIS: Hawai’i – A Fresh Take That Deserved More
Debuted: 2021 – Canceled in 2024
The first female-led entry in the franchise, NCIS: Hawai’i centered on Special Agent Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) and her diverse, well-balanced team. Unlike LA, this series prioritized ensemble storytelling, giving nearly every character—from Lucy Tara to Ernie Malik—the chance to shine. The cases were modern and engaging, and the inclusion of the franchise’s first LGBTQ+ lead couple (Lucy and Whistler) brought overdue representation.
So why isn’t it number one? The muted tone sometimes undercut the natural beauty of its Hawaiian backdrop, making it less visually striking than it could have been. And yes, the sting of its abrupt cancellation lingers. With just three seasons, the show never had the chance to fully stretch its wings.
Still, Hawai’i proved that NCIS could evolve—and fans are still campaigning for its return.
1. NCIS: New Orleans – The Soul of the Franchise
Debuted: 2014 – Ended in 2021
The crown jewel of the franchise, NCIS: New Orleans captured something no other entry managed: soul. From its jazz-infused soundtrack to its embrace of Crescent City culture, NOLA offered more than just cases of the week—it gave viewers a city with personality, quirks, and history.
At the heart of it was Dwayne Pride (Scott Bakula), a compassionate, no-nonsense leader who balanced toughness with heart. His team—including Loretta, Sebastian, Hannah, and Gregorio—felt like a true family, with each character receiving care and development across the series’ seven seasons.
Even controversial decisions (like killing off a major character) didn’t derail the show’s momentum. Instead, NOLA leaned into grief, resilience, and community, making it one of the most emotionally resonant NCIS entries. Its cancellation in 2021 remains one of CBS’s most baffling moves.
New Orleans wasn’t just another NCIS show—it was the franchise at its richest, most human, and most unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
With NCIS: Tony & Ziva set to debut soon, the franchise continues to reinvent itself. Will the long-awaited spin-off about fan-favorite agents climb to the top of this list? Only time will tell.
For now, NCIS: New Orleans wears the crown, while Sydney lingers at the bottom. No matter the ranking, though, one thing is certain: the NCIS brand remains one of television’s strongest, proving that after 20 years, fans still can’t get enough of military intrigue, family-like teams, and those three iconic letters.
