NCIS reached a historic milestone with its 500th episode — and delivered a shocking twist that could shape the series’ future.
Showrunner Steven D. Binder said he knew the landmark episode, titled All Good Things, needed a story that would resonate with longtime viewers. The result was a dramatic installment tied to the show’s early history and a major turning point for the team.
The episode also featured the death of NCIS director Leon Vance, a moment that surprised both the characters and the audience.
Despite such a major change, the long-running CBS drama continues to thrive. Since its 2003 debut following a backdoor pilot on JAG, NCIS has grown into one of television’s most successful franchises, airing in more than 200 territories worldwide.
Even after Mark Harmon’s Gibbs stepped away from the series in 2021, the show maintained its momentum with Gary Cole’s Alden Parker stepping into a new leadership role — proof that NCIS remains as strong as ever heading toward Season 24.