While NCIS is synonymous with CBS today, an unlikely partner played a major role in the franchise’s early success. After their third seasons, both JAG and NCIS were sold to USA Network, where they aired continuously, allowing new viewers to discover the show long before streaming became the norm.
Executive producer Mark Horowitz credits those marathon reruns with pushing NCIS into the No. 1 ratings spot, a sentiment echoed by series creator Donald P. Bellisario, who admitted he was pleasantly surprised by the show’s rapid rise.
Mark Harmon, who portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs for nearly two decades, has also reflected on the show’s demanding early days, emphasizing that NCIS earned its popularity through persistence rather than instant success.
With 23 seasons and multiple spin-offs under its belt, the franchise remains a cornerstone of network television.