Trailing only behind Law and Order and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, it is the third longest-running scripted, live-action American prime-time TV series currently airing. With an estimated global audience of over 200 million, the show has continually been ranked among the greatest shows on TV.
Here, we take a look at the show’s secret to success and explore how and why it is still so popular after over 20 years.
8. Evolution and Inclusion of Relevant Topics
The world we lived in 20 years ago was a very different one to the one we live in today. Technology has advanced and the political climate, as well as international relations, are constantly changing. In terms of crime, threats of cyber security and terrorism have become far more prominent. NCIS has always made a point of keeping up with the times, making sure the show reflects current world issues and ensuring its characters share the evolving values of its viewers, including their views on mental health and diversity.
‘NCIS’ Faces Strong Competition
Since NCIS first aired back in 2003, many shows of a similar ilk have hit our screens, including Criminal Minds, Blue Bloods, and Bones. In order to compete and remain relevant, the show has been forced to evolve with the times. As much as its older seasons serve as a fun nostalgic trip, NCIS’s ability to reflect the current world we live in makes it one of the most compelling procedural crime dramas on television.
7. Spin-Offs
Since its inception, NCIS has introduced multiple spin-off series including NCIS: Los Angeles (2009 – 2021), NCIS: New Orleans (2014 – 2021), NCIS Hawai’i (2021 – present), NCIS: Sydney (2023 – present), NCIS: Origins (2024 – present), and the forthcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
The Spin-Offs Keep the Franchise Fresh
The introduction of these spin-offs keeps the franchise fresh and relevant by introducing a variety of new settings, characters, and unique regional challenges. Not only do these shows allow fans of the original to experience different police and military operations, they also have the potential to reach new fans who may seek out the original series as a result.
6. Episodic, Easy to Watch, Comfort TV
While lots of more recent TV shows focus on complex overarching stories, there’s much to be said about a show that sticks to a simple and familiar formula. Not everyone has the time or interest to invest in long-running story arcs.
Each ‘NCIS’ Episode Can Be Watched Independently
Despite the inclusion of overarching stories and the occasional two-part story, generally, NCIS is easy to watch because each episode serves as a self-contained story, allowing viewers to enjoy them independently and out of order without losing track of the main plot or character development. Its cast of familiar characters and predictable structure in which a complex case is normally closed by the end of the episode, following a clear investigative formula, is perfect for those with limited time on their hands or those looking for a brief moment of escapism, not wanting to have to think too hard.
5. Great Characters and Cast Chemistry
Over the years NCIS has focused on developing its characters to a level rarely found in this type of show. More than mere pawns in the stories, the characters are given compelling backstories, motivations, and personalities. Audiences have grown alongside many of the characters, watching them evolve through personal milestones, challenges, and triumphs which create a deep connection between them and the characters.
The Cast Chemistry Is Second to None
With such a diverse array of character personalities on display, it’s not surprising how well they have resonated with viewers. With many characters like Gibbs, “Ducky” Mallard, and Timothy McGee remaining a part of the team over multiple seasons, it’s been a joy to watch them evolve and interact with newer team members. The characters’ shared camaraderie, wit, and focus obviously resonate with audiences, and this is, no doubt, aided by the actors themselves, who display a natural rapport with one another which only strengthens over time.
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4. Humor
As a crime drama, it’s unsurprising that many of the topics explored within the show are fairly deep and dark with the team tackling some of the most horrendous of crimes. To maintain its status as easy-to-watch comfort TV, humor is skillfully injected into the show to prevent it becoming too overwhelming.
The Characters Use Humor to Maintain Morale
Working in such a stressful line of work is bound to take its toll on the characters, and while mental health certainly isn’t glossed over in NCIS, humor is also used as a coping mechanism and a way to maintain morale in the workplace. Playful banter and witty interactions are commonplace and this undercurrent of humor combined with the show’s intense drama has undoubtedly played a part in the show’s longevity.
3. Continued Strong Writing and Compelling Storylines
NCIS’s initial success was largely down to its strong writing. The characters were well-developed, the dialogue was realistic and relatable, and the storytelling was sharp and imaginative. Masterfully combining humor, drama, suspense, and mystery and balling it all into a cozy procedural, NCIS has avoided focusing on style over substance like some of its counterparts.
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‘NCIS’ Has Avoided Becoming Repetitive
With any show that has been running as long as NCIS, there’s always the risk of it becoming repetitive. This is a trap that NCIS has thus far avoided. Quickly realizing the significance of the writing in its success, the talented writing crew has clearly strived to keep the show fresh and exciting by constantly exploring new areas of crime while never forgetting the importance of the characters themselves.
2. Overarching Storylines
While, generally, each episode serves as a self-contained story, NCIS has also been remarkable at including overarching stories for those fans who prefer to follow the show chronologically.
There Are Overarching Stories about Characters and the Cases
The lives of the team members are explored in depth in NCIS as audiences bear witness to ongoing stories regarding their relationships with one another, their personal lives, and their career progression. Elsewhere, there are overarching stories involving certain cases. While most cases are opened and closed within the space of an episode, other, more complex cases, are ongoing over multiple episodes or seasons. These have included stories about international threats and internal corruption.
These interconnected storylines provide a deeper emotional connection and a sense of continuity and are a great way to maintain audience engagement, keeping them coming back for more.
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1. International Appeal
With its estimated global audience peaking at over 300 million, there’s no denying the show’s international appeal. The show ranks among the top-selling shows in syndication and benefits from strong international broadcast. This has been boosted through its inclusion on streaming services like Netflix which have given it a new life and made it available to those who may not have previously had access.
The Show Has Expanded Beyond the Shores of America
NCIS‘s core themes of justice, loyalty, and camaraderie are universal and the diverse array of characters are globally relatable. Much of the show, obviously, revolves around the USA and its handling of criminal cases which can be appealing to those abroad with an interest in the field. NCIS, however, is not limited to regional issues and its incorporation of terrorist threats and cybercrime are global hot topics. Additionally, the show has explored cases on an international level, preventing it from becoming too America-centric.
To further increase its international appeal, the show has since expanded, through spin-offs, and landed abroad. In 2203, the military spin-off NCIS: Sydney premiered which takes place in Australia.
