There’s A Reason This 2024 NCIS Episode Is The Highest-Rated In All The Show’s 22 Seasons

In a surprising twist in early 2025, long-time NCIS fans realized something remarkable: the top-rated episode in the entire 22-season run came not from the classic era, but from recent airings. Episode 14 of Season 22, titled “Close to Home”, has quietly climbed to become the fan-favorite NCIS episode of all time, and here’s why.

📈 What’s the Big Deal About Season 22 Episode 14?

A Standout Rating

According to Episode Hive, “Close to Home” scored an impressive 8.1/10, making it the highest-rated episode from Season 22—and higher than any other episode in that broadcast yearReddit+6curiousjourney.net+6episodehive.com+6episodehive.com+2episodehive.com+2episodehive.com+2.

🧩 Key Elements Behind Its Success

1. Emotional Family Ties

“Close to Home” weaves a deeply personal story: when Torres gets a text from Jimmy’s daughter about a hidden stash of money at the naval library, the case quickly turns emotionally charged. This heartfelt family connection gave audiences a fresh, human element that resonated deeply episodehive.com.

2. Strong Ensemble Chemistry

This episode showed Torres, Knight, McGee, Palmer, and Parker operating as a tightly-knit unit. The familiarity and camaraderie among characters reminded viewers why they’ve stuck with the show for so long, without relying too heavily on nostalgia.

🔍 Why Did Fans Rate It So Highly?

Balanced Storytelling: Heart Meets Procedure

Close to Home adeptly balanced two genres: family drama and crime investigation. It avoided the extremes—no explosive cliffhangers, just solid, emotionally intelligent storytelling that left viewers satisfied episodehive.com.

Fresh But Familiar

By anchoring the case in Jimmy’s family circle, the writers brought us back into the world of long-standing characters. But it didn’t feel forced—the episode remained true to the procedural core that made NCIS a staple.

📋 What Makes It Stand Apart from Other 2024 Episodes

Season 22 also offered highs like “In from the Cold” and “Knight and Day”, both scoring 8.0Reddit+1Reddit+1Looper+5episodehive.com+5Collider+5. But “Close to Home” edged them out thanks to its emotional insight and character-driven narrative.

💡 What Fans Are Saying (Reddit Reactions)

When viewers rewatched Season 22, many expressed surprise that a mid-season episode stole the crown. One Reddit thread called it “one of the best episodes and the highest-rated” that season Reddit+1Reddit+1.

⚠️ Before You Watch: What to Expect

• Emotional depth with minimal melodrama

• Solid procedural pacing—balanced with personal stakes

• Strong acting, especially from Torres, McGee, and the extended cast face

• No dramatic gimmicks—just real, relatable storytelling

🎯 Recommendations for Fans

• New viewers: Start here to experience modern NCIS at its finest

• Veteran watchers: Rewatch it after marathon viewings—you’ll see layers you missed

• Discussion group: Great for debates on work-family balance in crime dramas

📺 How “Close to Home” Reflects the Show’s Evolution

NCIS has remained strong by evolving subtly. Too often procedural shows dangle big bombshells. But this episode proves you don’t need explosions to make impact—you just need strong characters, solid writing, and emotional resonance.

🏁 Conclusion: A Modern Classic That Broke the Mold

“Close to Home” proves that even after two decades, NCIS can still surprise us. With a perfect blend of family, crime-solving, and empathy, it’s not just high-rated—it’s high-quality. Whether you’re new or returning, this episode is a must-watch if you want to experience NCIS at its most heartfelt and impactful.

🙋 5 Unique FAQs

Q1: Why did this 2024 episode outperform classic episodes?
A: It combined tight procedural storytelling with genuine emotional depth—something that both longtime fans and casual viewers loved RedditMovieWeb+6episodehive.com+6CBR+6Reddit+1Screen Rant+1.

Q2: Is it canon-based or standalone?
A: It’s a strong standalone episode. While Jimmy’s family is involved, prior knowledge isn’t required.

Q3: How does it compare to the Season 21 hit “The Stories We Leave Behind”?
A: While that episode earned a stellar 9.6/10 in Season 21Reddit+6Reddit+6Reddit+6episodehive.com+5episodehive.com+5Reddit+5, “Close to Home” stands tall as the peak of Season 22—showing NCIS still delivers.

Q4: Are there any spin-off tie-ins?
A: Not directly—but the strong character focus makes it feel like the best parts of the NCIS universe.

Q5: Should I start with this episode?
A: Definitely. It showcases current cast dynamics in full flight without overwhelming newcomers with backstory.