The Spin-Off That Outgrew Its Origin
When a TV series becomes a breakout hit, Hollywood almost always asks the same question: can lightning strike twice? That thinking gave rise to countless spin-offs, but only a handful have carved out legacies of their own. The NCIS franchise is a rare success story—six shows strong, including the mothership’s 23rd season currently in the works. Yet even the biggest NCIS fans sometimes forget the truth: before Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team took over primetime, it all began with JAG.
Now, as JAG approaches its 30th anniversary, NCIS may be preparing to honor the courtroom drama that started it all. And if hints from showrunner Steven D. Binder are anything to go by, fans could be in for a nostalgic—and emotional—celebration.
The Anniversary Question That Sparked Excitement
In a recent TVLine fall preview, Binder was asked directly whether NCIS would acknowledge JAG’s milestone. His response stopped fans in their tracks:
“I’d like to. It’s funny you ask, because I was just at Don Bellisario’s 90th birthday party and I did say something about that to him….”
For longtime viewers, those words opened the door to endless speculation. A casual nod in an episode? A guest appearance from JAG’s most iconic stars? Or could NCIS season 23 go all in with a full-blown anniversary tribute?
Why JAG Still Matters
Premiering on September 23, 1995, JAG started life on NBC before moving to CBS, where it hit its stride. Running for 10 seasons until April 2005, the series mixed military courtroom drama with action-packed storytelling.
More importantly, JAG birthed one of television’s most enduring franchises. Its backdoor pilot introduced audiences to Gibbs, Abby, and the world of naval criminal investigations—characters who would go on to anchor NCIS for more than two decades.
That kind of legacy isn’t just worth remembering; it deserves a spotlight.
What a Tribute Could Look Like
If NCIS does decide to tip its hat to JAG, there are a few ways it could play out:
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Subtle Storyline Integration: The show could weave Judge Advocate General officers into a season 23 case, reminding audiences of the legal roots that gave birth to NCIS.
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Guest Star Returns: The dream scenario for many fans would be the return of David James Elliott (Cmdr. Harmon Rabb Jr.) or Catherine Bell (Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie). Even a single-episode cameo could send shockwaves through the fandom.
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Easter Eggs for Die-Hard Fans: Smaller tributes—such as dialogue callbacks, photos, or references to past JAG cases—could honor the anniversary without taking over the season’s larger arc.
The Legacy Factor
What makes this anniversary even more special is timing. NCIS itself has become a cultural institution, entering its 23rd season with a fan base spanning generations. By paying homage to JAG, the show wouldn’t just be looking back—it would be reminding viewers of the connective tissue that makes the NCIS universe so resilient.
Binder’s hint also signals something deeper: a willingness to embrace the franchise’s past while still forging ahead. In an era where nostalgia drives engagement, a JAG tribute might be exactly the kind of event TV that fans crave.
Why Fans Are Already Buzzing
The NCIS fanbase has always been fiercely loyal, and social media lit up the moment Binder’s comments surfaced. Tweets like “If Harm and Mac show up in season 23, I’ll lose it” and Reddit threads speculating on possible crossovers prove there’s still enormous affection for JAG.
For many, the idea of the anniversary isn’t just about cameos—it’s about honoring Don Bellisario, the creative force who gave television both JAG and NCIS. With Bellisario recently celebrating his 90th birthday, the timing feels even more poignant.
The Bottom Line
NCIS season 23 is already highly anticipated, but a JAG 30th anniversary tribute could elevate it into an unforgettable moment in TV history. Whether it’s a subtle nod, a surprise guest star, or a full episode crossover, the potential is enormous.
As Binder himself teased, the conversation has already begun behind the scenes. The only question is—will NCIS follow through and give fans the nostalgic celebration they’re hoping for?
One thing’s certain: in 2025, the courtroom doors of JAG are still echoing through NCIS’s hallways.
