Since NCIS spun off from JAG, the franchise has continued to grow. Now, there are six shows (so far)within the franchise in total, although only three of them remain on the air at this time.
Of course, like any franchise that has grown, some shows are better than others. They may have the characters that connect better, or they may just have the more intriguing storylines. In some cases, the shows have been overshadowed by negativity, which admittedly does lead to some unconscious bias. I’ll admit that I only watched the first season of NCIS: Sydney, and even then, I didn’t watch it religiously. It wasn’t one of those shows that I had to tune into as soon as episodes dropped, and that’s why it has to go at the bottom of the list. It’s not even the fact that I’m still a little salty that NCIS: Sydney season 2 landed a linear spot when it was always supposed to be a streaming show, taking up the spot that NCIS: Hawaii season 4 could have had to wrap up storylines.
NCIS: Sydney just doesn’t feel like it fits in the franchise. While I love seeing how the American federal agents have to work around Australian rules, the humor and the camaraderie that other shows offer is just missing. I don’t feel we got enough of a connection to anyone in the first few episodes, and it made it hard to really care enough to keep watching. Sorry!
NCIS: Origins
This is one of those shows that I just don’t feel the need for. We know Gibbs’ story, and NCIS: Origins has a lot of work going through the original series and making sure everything fits into the canon. And that’s not easy. I do enjoy heading back to the 1990s and seeing how the work was done then. Seeing how Lala works to fit in with the boys is believable and somewhat relatable for someone who worked in a male-driven field for so long. However, I haven’t felt myself drawn to the Young Gibbs story, and there are too many characters who have just been left underutilized. What is the point of Vera’s storyline, exactly?
Few TV franchises have made as big of an impact as NCIS. What started as a spinoff from JAG in 2003 quickly grew into a global phenomenon. With gripping crime investigations, memorable characters, and plenty of Navy-related drama, NCIS became one of the most-watched shows on television.
But here’s the thing: not all NCIS series are created equal. Some spin-offs brought fresh energy, while others struggled to capture the magic of the original. Today, we’re diving deep into all 6 NCIS shows ranked from worst to best, breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and why fans loved (or skipped) each one.
Unfortunately, NCIS: New Orleans lands at the bottom.
Set in the lively city of New Orleans, this spin-off had everything going for it—great food culture, Mardi Gras energy, and a unique Southern charm. But despite its colorful setting, the series often fell into formulaic storytelling.
Scott Bakula did his best as Special Agent Dwayne Pride, but the show lacked the same chemistry and tension that made the original NCIS shine. Fans enjoyed the jazz-infused vibe, but it never quite broke free from the shadow of the flagship series.
Why it ranked low: Predictable cases, weaker character arcs, and too much reliance on the city setting instead of plot depth.
#5 – NCIS: Hawai’i (2021–Present)
The verdict: Beautiful backdrop, but still finding its footing.
NCIS: Hawai’i made headlines as the first series in the franchise led by a female special agent—Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant. The Hawaiian setting is breathtaking, and the show made an effort to bring fresh energy to the franchise.
That said, the series often struggles with pacing. While the characters are likable, many fans feel it leans more into “tourist postcard moments” than high-stakes drama. Still, it’s a newer spin-off, and it could grow stronger over time.
Why it’s higher than New Orleans: Stronger cast chemistry and a modern take on NCIS storytelling.
#4 – NCIS: Sydney (2023–Present)
The verdict: A bold experiment with international flair.
The newest addition to the NCIS family, NCIS: Sydney takes the action Down Under. This is the franchise’s first international spinoff, and it aims to mix Navy drama with Australian culture and law enforcement.
While fresh and exciting, Sydney still feels like it’s finding its voice. Some episodes shine, while others seem uneven. But credit where it’s due—the show dares to expand the NCIS universe globally, which could pave the way for more international spin-offs.
Why it ranks in the middle: It’s ambitious and unique, but still needs more time to solidify its identity.
#3 – NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023)
The verdict: Action-packed and stylish, but sometimes over-the-top.
NCIS: Los Angeles leaned more into action-thriller territory than investigative drama. With LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell leading the cast, the series felt slick, modern, and almost cinematic.
Fans loved the buddy-cop chemistry and the high-tech surveillance toys, but some critics argued it was too focused on car chases and shootouts instead of character-driven stories. Still, with 14 seasons, it clearly had staying power.
Why it ranks high: Strong leads, plenty of action, and fan-favorite relationships (yes, we’re looking at you, Kensi and Deeks).
#2 – NCIS (2003–Present)
The verdict: The one that started it all—and still going strong.
NCIS remains the heart of the franchise. Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs became legendary, and the show’s mix of humor, heart, and crime-solving struck a perfect balance.
Even after Harmon’s exit, the show continues to attract millions of viewers worldwide. Its longevity alone makes it iconic. However, some argue that recent seasons aren’t as strong as the earlier ones, which is why it lands in second place instead of the top spot.
Why it’s not #1: While groundbreaking, some spinoffs have surpassed it in creativity and freshness.
#1 – NCIS: Origins (Upcoming 2024)
The verdict: The most anticipated of them all.
Okay, here’s a twist—you can’t rank NCIS shows without mentioning the upcoming prequel series: NCIS: Origins. Set in the 1990s, it explores Gibbs’ early years as a special agent.
While it hasn’t officially aired yet, fan buzz is through the roof. If the show delivers on its promise, it could blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling and take the top spot in the franchise.
Why it ranks first (for now): High expectations, beloved characters, and a chance to reimagine the franchise’s roots.
Why NCIS Endures as a Franchise
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Strong character-driven stories – Fans connect with the personalities more than just the cases.
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Relatable humor and drama – It mixes lighthearted moments with real tension.
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Global appeal – The Navy backdrop provides international storylines.
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Ever-expanding universe – With new spin-offs, the franchise keeps reinventing itself.
The Future of NCIS
The franchise shows no signs of slowing down. With NCIS: Hawai’i gaining traction, Sydney testing international waters, and Origins on the horizon, fans can expect years of new stories, evolving characters, and more binge-worthy episodes.
Conclusion
When it comes to NCIS, every fan has their favorite. While some shows soared with unforgettable characters and gripping plots, others struggled to step out of the original’s shadow. But one thing’s for sure—the NCIS franchise remains a TV powerhouse.
So, whether you love the action-packed Los Angeles, the charm of the original NCIS, or the exciting new spin of Sydney, there’s an NCIS show out there for every kind of crime drama fan.
