NCIS may be a CBS staple today, but part of its early success came from an unexpected source: USA Network.
After their third seasons, JAG and NCIS began airing in heavy rotation on USA Network, introducing the shows to millions of new viewers. Executive producer Mark Horowitz says those reruns played a major role in boosting the series to the top of the ratings.
Series creator Donald P. Bellisario and star Mark Harmon have both noted that the show’s popularity grew steadily rather than overnight — a slow-burn success that ultimately led to one of TV’s biggest franchises, now spanning 23 seasons and multiple spin-offs.