In the early 2000s, NBC was riding high with their Law & Order franchise. CBS looked at their lineup, and didn’t find a similar show that could rival NBC’s legal drama juggernaut. So, in 2003, CBS greenlit a military procedural created by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill called NCIS, which follows a team of special agents who work to solve crimes regarding the U.S. Navy. It was a huge gamble to take on NBC’s legendary series head-to-head, but it proved to be a big hit, and with 487 episodes spread out over 22 seasons, it’s safe to say that CBS found a show that could go toe-to-toe with Law & Order, and has even spawned its own franchise consisting of six spin-offs as-to-date. So, we’re going to look at the spin-off series and rank them from worst to best.
If you’re a fan of the NCIS universe, you already know this franchise has grown into one of the most successful TV empires of all time. What started as a backdoor pilot on JAG quickly turned into a cultural phenomenon, spawning multiple spin-offs over two decades. But here’s the big question: Which NCIS spin-off reigns supreme? In this ultimate guide, we’ll rank all six NCIS spin-offs—from the weakest to the strongest—based on fan reception, storytelling, cast chemistry, and overall impact. Get ready, because some of these rankings might surprise you.
Understanding the NCIS Universe
Before diving into the rankings, let’s take a quick look at how NCIS went from a simple military legal drama connection (JAG) to a multi-series juggernaut that dominates CBS.
The Birth of a TV Giant
-
NCIS launched in 2003 as a spin-off of JAG.
-
The show quickly became a household name thanks to its mix of crime-solving, military connections, and unforgettable characters like Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon).
-
With its success, CBS realized they had a golden goose and began expanding the franchise.
The Six NCIS Spin-Offs at a Glance
Here are the six official NCIS spin-offs we’ll be ranking today:
-
NCIS: Los Angeles
-
NCIS: New Orleans
-
NCIS: Hawai’i
-
NCIS: Sydney
-
NCIS: Red (unaired pilot, but we’ll discuss its impact)
-
NCIS: Origins (upcoming prequel series)
Ranking the NCIS Spin-Offs
Now let’s get to the fun part—ranking them from least impressive to absolute must-watch.
#6 – NCIS: Red (The Spin-Off That Never Happened)
Why It Didn’t Work
-
NCIS: Red was intended as a spin-off introduced in NCIS: Los Angeles Season 4.
-
The show was supposed to follow a mobile team of agents, living and working together while solving crimes on the road.
-
Despite strong buzz, CBS never picked it up for a full series.
Legacy of NCIS: Red
Even though it never aired as a full show, Red deserves a mention because it shaped the way CBS thought about franchise expansion. It proved not every idea in the NCIS universe is a guaranteed hit.
#5 – NCIS: Sydney
A Bold Move Down Under
-
Premiered in 2023, NCIS: Sydney marked the first international entry in the franchise.
-
It introduced Australian law enforcement and U.S. NCIS agents working together on joint cases.
Challenges
-
While fresh and intriguing, the show struggled to connect with longtime fans who preferred familiar U.S.-based settings.
-
Critics called it “different but uneven.”
#4 – NCIS: Hawai’i
Breaking New Ground
-
Debuted in 2021 with Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant.
-
The first female lead in an NCIS series, making it groundbreaking for representation.
What Works
-
The stunning Hawaiian backdrop gives it a unique flavor.
-
Lachey’s performance has been praised as charismatic and commanding.
What Holds It Back
-
Some fans feel the cases aren’t as intense as earlier spin-offs.
-
Struggled to live up to the legacy of Los Angeles or the grit of New Orleans.
#3 – NCIS: New Orleans
Southern Charm Meets Crime Drama
-
Premiered in 2014 with Scott Bakula as Agent Dwayne Pride.
-
Set in the heart of New Orleans, blending local culture, jazz, and food with high-stakes investigations.
Strengths
-
The cultural authenticity and unique vibe set it apart.
-
Bakula’s performance anchored the show with warmth and authority.
Weak Spots
-
Storytelling sometimes leaned heavily on local color rather than strong cases.
-
Lasted seven seasons before CBS ended it in 2021.
#2 – NCIS: Los Angeles
Action, Explosions, and Star Power
-
Launched in 2009 as the first official spin-off.
-
Featured Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J as leads, bringing action-heavy storylines and high-tech espionage.
Why Fans Loved It
-
Strong chemistry between the cast.
-
Explosive plots and high-stakes missions.
-
Lasted an impressive 14 seasons—second only to the original NCIS.
Why It’s Not #1
-
Sometimes leaned too heavily into action-thriller territory, losing the grounded feel of NCIS.
#1 – NCIS: Origins (Coming Soon, But Already Buzzing)
Why Fans Are Excited
-
Announced in 2024, NCIS: Origins is a prequel focusing on a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the 1990s.
-
It promises to explore his backstory and the events that shaped him into the legendary agent we know.
The Potential
-
If done right, this could redefine the franchise by offering depth and nostalgia.
-
Fans are eager to see how Gibbs’ early career unfolds.
Why NCIS Spin-Offs Keep Succeeding
Familiar Formula, Fresh Flavors
The genius of NCIS spin-offs is that they stick to the tried-and-true formula of crime-solving while giving each series its own personality.
A Global Fanbase
With syndication and streaming, NCIS isn’t just an American hit—it’s global. Spin-offs like Sydney prove the brand’s reach is expanding worldwide.
The Future of NCIS Spin-Offs
The franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Between NCIS: Hawai’i, Sydney, and the upcoming Origins, CBS is investing in keeping fans hooked for decades to come.
Conclusion
The NCIS franchise has built a legacy few TV dramas can match. From the explosive Los Angeles to the culturally rich New Orleans, and the groundbreaking Hawai’i, each spin-off adds something unique. Even the less successful entries (Red and Sydney) show the franchise’s willingness to experiment. But with NCIS: Origins on the horizon, the best may still be yet to come.
