After more than two decades on television, NCIS is marking a remarkable milestone. On March 24, the long-running CBS procedural will air its 500th episode, cementing its status as one of the most successful franchises in TV history.
Since its debut in 2003 as a spin-off of JAG, the series has grown into a global phenomenon, with viewers watching an estimated 3.3 trillion minutes of the show across broadcast, syndication, and streaming platforms.
According to longtime showrunner Steve Binder, the show’s ability to evolve — bringing in new characters while maintaining strong relationships among the cast — has been key to its longevity.
With stars including Gary Cole, Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Murray, and Katrina Law leading the current team, NCIS continues to thrive as it reaches an extraordinary television milestone.