When it comes to TV crime dramas, few franchises can rival the sheer dominance of NCIS. What started as a spin-off of JAG in 2003 has evolved into a global television empire with multiple spin-offs spanning from Los Angeles to Sydney. But let’s be real — not all NCIS shows are created equal. Some have captivated audiences for decades, while others fizzled out faster than a bad interrogation lead. In this ranking, we’ll go through all six NCIS series, from the ones that struggled to find their footing to those that redefined TV procedural greatness.
Understanding the NCIS Franchise
Before diving into the ranking, it’s worth remembering why NCIS became a phenomenon in the first place. The franchise blends military intrigue, investigative drama, and character-driven storytelling — all wrapped in witty banter and emotional depth. Each spin-off brought something new to the table, from sunny California vibes to international espionage.
The Criteria Behind the Rankings
To fairly rank all six NCIS series, we looked at:
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Story consistency and character development
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Fan reception and longevity
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Critical acclaim and cultural impact
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Overall watchability and replay value
Now, let’s get into it — the NCIS shows ranked from worst to best.
6 NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2021)
Why It’s Ranked Lowest
NCIS: New Orleans had charm, heart, and a unique cultural setting, but it often felt like the weaker sibling of the franchise. Despite strong performances from Scott Bakula (Dwayne Pride) and CCH Pounder (Loretta Wade), the series leaned too heavily on formulaic storytelling.
The Good Stuff
The show’s New Orleans backdrop was its strongest asset — from Mardi Gras cases to jazz-infused montages, it gave the series a personality unlike any other NCIS show.
The Downside
Plotlines occasionally became repetitive, and character arcs lacked the tension that made the flagship series so gripping. Still, it’s a solid watch if you love the franchise.
5 NCIS: Sydney (2023–Present)
The Franchise Goes Global
NCIS: Sydney marked a bold step for the franchise — its first international edition. Set in the scenic harbor city, it features a joint task force between the U.S. NCIS and the Australian Federal Police.
What Works
It’s refreshing, modern, and visually stunning. The Australian flavor and ocean-based cases bring new energy to the formula.
What Doesn’t
However, NCIS: Sydney still feels like it’s finding its rhythm. The chemistry among the new cast is growing, but it hasn’t yet reached the emotional depth of Gibbs’ or Callen’s teams.
4 NCIS: Hawaiʻi (2021–2024)
A Fresh Take with Vanessa Lachey
Led by Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent Jane Tennant — the first female lead in the NCIS universe — NCIS: Hawaiʻi brought inclusivity, sunshine, and a more character-driven narrative.
Strengths of the Show
It stood out for its balance of heart and heroism, diving deeper into personal lives than some predecessors. Its tropical setting made every episode visually stunning.
Why It Ended Too Soon
Despite strong fan support, NCIS: Hawaiʻi was abruptly canceled after three seasons, leaving many storylines unresolved. The potential was there — but CBS pulled the plug too early.
3 NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023)
The Action-Packed Spinoff
If NCIS is about classic investigation, NCIS: Los Angeles is all about action, espionage, and undercover operations. With stars like Chris O’Donnell (G. Callen) and LL Cool J (Sam Hanna), the show leaned into high-stakes missions and global plots.
What Made It Special
Its cinematic tone, cool tech, and tight-knit team dynamic — especially between Callen and Hanna — made it a fan favorite for over a decade.
What Held It Back
While entertaining, it sometimes sacrificed character depth for explosions and shootouts. Still, its 14-season run proved how powerful this duo-driven format could be.
2 NCIS: Origins (Coming 2026)
The Prequel Everyone’s Waiting For
NCIS: Origins will explore a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs during his early days at Camp Pendleton, long before he became the legend we know. With NCIS star Mark Harmon narrating and Austin Stowell playing the young Gibbs, this prequel is already generating major buzz.
Why It’s So Promising
Fans have long wanted to know more about Gibbs’ past — how he developed his rules, his leadership style, and that signature stoic charm. If done right, Origins could be a nostalgic and emotional masterpiece.
1 NCIS (2003–Present)
The Show That Started It All
It’s impossible to beat the original. NCIS is the cornerstone of the franchise, blending humor, heart, and mystery with unforgettable characters like Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Abby Sciuto, and Tony DiNozzo.
Why It’s the Best
The writing, the chemistry, the iconic catchphrases — everything just clicks. It managed to stay fresh even after two decades, thanks to a rotating but compelling cast and emotionally resonant cases.
The Legacy
NCIS remains one of the most-watched shows in the world, proving that a strong foundation and relatable characters can outlast trends and time.
Honorable Mentions
NCIS Crossovers
Recent crossover events linking NCIS, NCIS: LA, and NCIS: Hawaiʻi showcased the franchise’s versatility and massive shared universe. These moments are gold for long-time fans.
NCIS Characters Who Defined the Franchise
From Gibbs’ quiet intensity to Abby’s quirky brilliance, these characters made NCIS not just a procedural — but a cultural staple.
The Future of NCIS
The NCIS universe isn’t slowing down. With NCIS: Origins and potential new spinoffs in development, CBS is clearly betting on the brand’s enduring popularity. Fans are also speculating about possible revivals for NCIS: Hawaiʻi or even a global NCIS crossover movie.
Final Thoughts
Ranking all six NCIS shows isn’t easy — they each brought something unique to the table. From the grounded intensity of the original NCIS to the globe-trotting flair of NCIS: Los Angeles and the fresh energy of Sydney, the franchise continues to evolve and captivate new audiences.
No matter which team you prefer, one thing is clear: NCIS is more than just a show — it’s a television legacy.
FAQs
1. How many NCIS shows are there in total?
There are six NCIS series: NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawaiʻi, NCIS: Sydney, and the upcoming NCIS: Origins.
2. Which NCIS show lasted the longest?
NCIS remains the longest-running, debuting in 2003 and still going strong.
3. Why was NCIS: Hawaiʻi canceled?
CBS canceled the show after three seasons, reportedly due to scheduling and budget priorities, despite strong fan support.
4. Will Gibbs return to NCIS?
Mark Harmon has left the main cast, but fans hope he’ll make appearances in NCIS: Origins or special crossover episodes.
5. What’s next for the NCIS franchise?
Beyond Origins, CBS may explore more global editions or crossover events connecting all teams again.
