CBS’ NCIS reaches a rare milestone that has only been achieved four times before in TV history. Marking its 23rd season during the 2025-2026 network season, the long-running procedural has offered some of its most solid storytelling in years during its ongoing run. For a period of time, NCIS dominated the broadcasting landscape by being its most-watched show, but that changed when Justin Hartley’s Tracker debuted.
CBS’ NCIS reaches a rare milestone that has only been achieved four times before in TV history. Marking its 23rd season during the 2025-2026 network season, the long-running procedural has offered some of its most solid storytelling in years during its ongoing run. For a period of time, NCIS dominated the broadcasting landscape by being its most-watched show, but that changed when Justin Hartley’s Tracker debuted.
Still, it doesn’t mean that NCIS has fallen into obscurity. The drop in ratings may be disappointing, but it continues its place in terms of the pop culture zeitgeist by being one of the most-watched shows on TV — be it via new broadcast, syndication, or streaming. A solid proof of that is the NCIS franchise’s evolution, with three other spinoffs releasing fresh content this year alone: NCIS: Sydney, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Tony & Ziva, alongside the flagship.
Just for the mothership, however, NCIS celebrates reaching 500 episodes. As seen in the official celebratory photo, the cast of the procedural commemorates the occasion similar to what it usually does when it achieves a TV milestone. Cast member Wilmer Valderrama also took it to his official Instagram account to share a video of the celebration.
A Cultural Phenomenon Hits a New Peak
When a television series stays on the air long enough to become part of pop culture itself, that’s already impressive. But when it breaks into a league shared by only four other shows in TV history? That’s something extraordinary. NCIS, the globally beloved crime procedural, has just achieved an ultra-rare milestone that officially cements its status as one of the most iconic series of all time.
In this article, we’re diving deep into what this historic achievement means, why it matters, and how NCIS continues to dominate the entertainment world decades after its premiere.
The Legendary Milestone: What Exactly Did NCIS Achieve?
So what’s the big milestone everyone’s talking about?
NCIS has officially joined the elite group of U.S. scripted primetime series that have run for more than 20 seasons, a feat so rare that only four other shows in television history have ever reached it.
That’s right — in more than seven decades of TV history, only a small handful of scripted shows have survived this long.
With its renewal for Season 23, NCIS now stands alongside legends like:
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The Simpsons
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Law & Order
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Law & Order: SVU
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Gunsmoke
Pretty incredible, right?
Why This Achievement Matters in the TV Industry
Staying on the air for one season is already a battle. Networks cancel new series faster than ever in today’s streaming-dominated era. For a show to last more than two decades? That’s almost unheard of.
TV Audiences Are Changing
Traditional TV viewership has steadily declined, yet NCIS continues attracting millions of loyal fans worldwide. Its ability to stay relevant in a shifting media landscape says everything about its storytelling power.
Competition Has Never Been Fiercer
With streaming platforms releasing hundreds of new shows each year, most series fail to make an impact. NCIS, however, keeps thriving — not just surviving.
The Secret Behind NCIS’ Longevity
What’s the magic formula that keeps fans tuning in?
Relatable Characters
Even though the cast has changed over the years, fans remain emotionally invested in the team dynamic — the heart of the show.
Flexible Storytelling
Each episode works as a standalone, yet long-term arcs keep viewers hooked. It’s the perfect balance of routine and surprise.
Real-World Relevance
NCIS cases often mirror real investigative work, blending authenticity with entertainment.
Global Appeal
The franchise has successful spin-offs across multiple countries. Few shows can replicate that reach.
A Look Back: The Evolution of NCIS
The Early Days
When NCIS premiered in 2003, nobody expected it to become the giant it is today. It began as a JAG spin-off — and then quickly overshadowed its predecessor.
The Gibbs Era
Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs became the backbone of the series, setting its tone and driving its early success.
The Modern Era
Even after Harmon’s departure, the show adapted seamlessly, proving that NCIS is bigger than any single character.
How NCIS Continues to Break Ratings Records
Despite being over two decades old, NCIS frequently ranks among the most-watched shows on broadcast TV.
A Multigenerational Audience
Parents, grandparents, teens — everyone finds something to love about the NCIS team’s chemistry and the case-of-the-week format.
Strong Syndication Presence
Reruns across multiple channels and streaming services keep the show constantly in front of viewers.
Timeless Story Structure
Crime-solving never goes out of style — especially when it’s done with heart.
Comparisons With the Only Other Shows to Hit This Milestone
Let’s put things into perspective.
The Simpsons
Animated, comedic, and culturally unpredictable — a very different genre entirely.
Law & Order Franchise
Procedurals with massive fan bases, but even these powerhouses struggled through cancellations or hiatuses.
Gunsmoke
A Western classic that held the record for decades before modern TV took over.
NCIS becomes one of the only live-action series in history to maintain strong performance across decades and cast changes — without major breaks.
Will NCIS Break Even More Records?
At the rate it’s going, NCIS could easily push toward the 25-season mark, or even surpass the longest-running scripted dramas of all time.
Spin-off Expansion
With NCIS: Sydney and new franchise extensions, the NCIS universe is still growing.
No Signs of Slowing Down
Ratings remain strong. Fan engagement stays high. The future looks brighter than ever.
Behind the Scenes: How NCIS Maintains Its Success
A Talented Writers’ Room
Writers know exactly how to weave humor, emotion, and action into a seamless weekly story.
Cast Chemistry
Every generation of the NCIS team has possessed something unique that draws viewers in.
Smart Production Choices
Locations, pacing, and visual style remain consistent — preserving the NCIS identity.
What This Milestone Means for Fans
A Sense of Loyalty Rewarded
Fans who have followed since 2003 get to watch the show carve its place in TV history.
An Ongoing Community
NCIS fandom remains one of the most active online communities, bridging generational gaps.
What Comes Next for NCIS?
More episodes. More spin-offs. More history-making moments.
New Characters
The show continues evolving with new faces, keeping things fresh.
Bigger Story Arcs
Longer, serialized mysteries are becoming more common — and fans love them.
Conclusion: A Legacy Built to Last
NCIS didn’t just survive — it dominated. After more than 20 years on the air, it has entered an ultra-rare category shared by only a handful of legendary shows in television history. Its storytelling, characters, and cultural significance have kept it at the top of the entertainment world for decades.
Now that it has reached this milestone, one thing is clear: NCIS isn’t just a TV show. It’s a legacy. And it’s far from over.
