It’s hard to imagine NCIS without its roots in JAG, but Donald P. Bellisario once wished that connection had been downplayed. The creator argued early on that calling the show a spin-off risked misrepresenting what it was meant to be.
According to Bellisario, JAG catered to a different demographic, while NCIS aimed for a more contemporary tone. He feared younger viewers would overlook the series if they assumed it was simply a continuation of the older drama.
CBS chose to emphasize the link anyway, and the label stuck. Bellisario later suggested that this decision may have shaped the show’s audience profile, particularly in the U.S.
Even so, NCIS carved out its own legacy. With consistent ratings and a loyal fanbase, it became a cornerstone of network television—spin-off or not.