If you’re a fan of NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, or NCIS: Hawai’i, you know that the crossover episodes are the real treats. These special team-ups give us high-stakes cases, epic character interactions, and moments that leave fans buzzing for weeks. But with so many crossovers over the years, it’s easy to lose track of which episodes truly shine. That’s why we’ve done the hard work—ranking every NCIS crossover episode from worst to absolute best, including the latest NCIS: Hawai’i team-ups.
Why NCIS Crossovers Are a Big Deal
Crossovers aren’t just gimmicks—they’re storytelling gold. They allow characters from different cities to collide, share their quirks, and solve cases together. Imagine Leroy Jethro Gibbs teaming up with Jane Tennant from NCIS: Hawai’i—that’s chemistry you can’t script easily. Fans get the thrill of seeing familiar faces in new environments, and the writers get to push their stories to new heights.
Criteria for Ranking NCIS Crossovers
Before we dive into the ranking, it’s important to clarify how we scored each episode:
-
Storyline Impact – Does the episode push the overall narrative forward?
-
Character Interaction – Are fan-favorite dynamics showcased?
-
Action & Suspense – Are the stakes high and the cases thrilling?
-
Fan Reactions – What did the community think?
-
Memorability – Will fans remember it years later?
#1: NCIS & NCIS: Hawai’i “The Rising Tide”
If there’s a crossover that sets the bar, it’s The Rising Tide. When Gibbs and his team fly to Honolulu, we see a masterclass in tension, teamwork, and humor. The episode blends stunning Hawaiian scenery with classic NCIS procedural drama.
-
Highlight: The chemistry between Gibbs and Tennant is unmatched.
-
Fan Favorite Moment: The chase sequence through Honolulu streets had viewers on the edge of their seats.
#2: NCIS & NCIS: Los Angeles “Legend Part I & II”
This iconic two-parter is legendary for a reason. When NCIS team members work with the elite LA office, sparks fly. It’s intense, layered, and gives fans a glimpse of both cities’ styles.
-
Highlight: Sam Hanna and Tony DiNozzo exchanging witty banter while on a stakeout.
-
Why It Works: Perfect balance between action and emotional beats.
#3: NCIS: Los Angeles & NCIS: Hawai’i “Island Justice”
Crossovers don’t always have to be long-form. Island Justice proves that even a single episode can pack a punch. The team travels to Hawai’i to assist Tennant’s squad with a high-stakes cybercrime case.
-
Highlight: Technical sleuthing from NCIS: LA’s gadgets team is fascinating.
-
Viewer Reaction: Fans loved seeing interactions between Hetty and Tennant.
#4: NCIS & NCIS: New Orleans “Sins of the Father”
This crossover dives deep into character backstory, which adds layers beyond the typical case-of-the-week. Gibbs visits New Orleans for a sensitive murder case involving family ties.
-
Highlight: Emotional depth sets it apart.
-
Fan Reaction: Many fans consider this one of the most touching NCIS crossovers.
#5: NCIS: Hawai’i & NCIS: Los Angeles “Pacific Threat”
A newer entry but one that already made waves. The episode is a high-octane thriller, combining tropical landscapes with gritty crime scenes.
-
Highlight: The tactical brilliance of Tennant and Hetty working together.
-
Why Fans Love It: Non-stop suspense keeps viewers glued to their screens.
Other Notable NCIS Crossover Episodes
While the above five stand out, several others deserve honorable mentions:
-
NCIS & NCIS: Los Angeles “Red” – Emotional stakes mixed with explosive action.
-
NCIS & NCIS: Hawai’i “Aloha Danger” – Fan service moments with a twist of suspense.
-
NCIS: New Orleans & NCIS: LA “The Big Lie” – Complex criminal plots that intertwine perfectly.
-
NCIS & NCIS: Los Angeles “Undercover Blues” – Tony and DiNozzo’s undercover work is a fan delight.
Breaking Down Character Dynamics in Crossovers
One reason crossovers work so well is character chemistry. Seeing Gibbs mentor Tennant, or Hetty guiding DiNozzo, adds layers beyond the typical procedural formula. Let’s break down some fan-favorite pairings:
Gibbs and Tennant
Classic mentor-meets-new-leader vibe. Sparks fly, but mutual respect shines through.
Tony DiNozzo and Sam Hanna
Witty banter meets tactical prowess. These two are the comic relief plus action heroes rolled into one.
Hetty Lange and Jane Tennant
Two powerhouse leaders navigating cases, each with a unique style and commanding presence.
Top Crossovers for Action-Packed Episodes
Not all crossovers are heavy on drama—some deliver heart-pounding action:
-
Legend Parts I & II – A non-stop adrenaline rush.
-
Pacific Threat – Explosions, car chases, and intense shootouts.
-
Island Justice – Tactical cybercrime meets field operations.
Top Crossovers for Emotional Depth
Some crossovers shine because they tug at your heartstrings:
-
Sins of the Father – Family secrets and personal stakes.
-
Red – Balancing action with grief and redemption.
-
Aloha Danger – Tension combined with character growth moments.
Best Episodes to Watch for Humor
Humor isn’t forgotten, even in crossovers:
-
Tony DiNozzo’s quips in Legend Part I & II
-
Gibbs’ dry wit against Tennant’s leadership style in The Rising Tide
-
Sam Hanna’s deadpan delivery in Island Justice
How Crossovers Affect the NCIS Universe
Crossovers aren’t just for fun—they expand the universe, introduce new characters, and often set up future storylines. Watching Gibbs in Hawai’i, for example, lets Tennant’s world intersect with the original NCIS narrative seamlessly.
Why NCIS: Hawai’i Crossovers Stand Out
With NCIS: Hawai’i being the newest branch, its crossovers are fresh and exciting. Tropical settings, new technology, and Jane Tennant’s leadership style bring unique energy to every episode.
-
Visual Appeal: Stunning Hawaiian scenery makes scenes cinematic.
-
Fresh Perspectives: New challenges, new characters, new stakes.
-
Fan Engagement: Social media buzz often spikes during these crossovers.
Ranking Tips for Fans
If you want to rank your own favorites, here’s a simple method:
-
Consider story impact – Does the episode matter in the grand scheme?
-
Evaluate interactions – Who shines in teamwork moments?
-
Check suspense & thrill – Did it keep you glued to the screen?
-
Factor in fun moments – Humor, banter, and fan service.
-
Look at emotional depth – Did it make you feel something real?
Most Memorable NCIS Crossover Quotes
Fans love quotable moments. Some of the best include:
-
“We do what we have to… not what we want to.” – Gibbs
-
“Hawai’i isn’t just about beaches… it’s about danger.” – Tennant
-
“Teamwork makes the dream work—even in two cities.” – Hanna
Tips for Watching NCIS Crossovers
To get the most enjoyment, try these tips:
-
Watch in chronological order for story continuity.
-
Pay attention to subtle character references from other series.
-
Note the locations—NCIS: Hawai’i brings unique cultural elements.
-
Follow social media fan discussions—they often highlight Easter eggs.
Conclusion
NCIS crossovers are a treasure trove for fans, blending humor, action, suspense, and emotion. From classic team-ups in Los Angeles to fresh adventures in Hawai’i, these episodes prove that when NCIS teams unite, magic happens. Whether you’re a die-hard Gibbs fan or love Jane Tennant’s leadership, there’s something in these crossovers for everyone. So grab your popcorn, tune in, and experience the thrill of NCIS like never before.
FAQs
Q1: Which NCIS crossover is considered the best overall?
A1: The Rising Tide between NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i is often regarded as the top crossover for story, action, and character interaction.
Q2: Do I need to watch all NCIS series to enjoy crossovers?
A2: Not necessarily, but knowing the main characters enhances the experience.
Q3: Are NCIS crossovers chronological?
A3: Most crossovers maintain chronological order, though some episodes are more standalone.
Q4: Which crossover has the most action?
A4: Legend Part I & II and Pacific Threat are fan favorites for non-stop thrills.
Q5: Will NCIS: Hawai’i continue to have crossovers?
A5: Yes, the success of current crossovers indicates more future collaborations are likely.
