
Introduction: Why ‘NCIS’ Still Dominates Decades Later
Ever wonder why ‘NCIS’ remains one of the longest-running and most-loved shows on television? With over 20 seasons and multiple spin-offs, Naval Criminal Investigative Service has carved out a legacy that’s tough to beat. But not all seasons are created equal. Some were jaw-droppingly good, while others felt like filler.
So, which seasons are the cream of the crop? Buckle up—because we’re diving deep into the Top 10 Best NCIS Seasons of All Time.
1. Season 3: The Rise of Ziva and a Shocking Goodbye
The Ari Haswari Arc Ends
Season 3 hits hard right out of the gate. It begins with the dramatic conclusion to the Ari storyline and the heartbreaking death of Agent Kate Todd, a moment that stunned fans.
Ziva David Joins the Team
This season introduces Cote de Pablo as Ziva David, instantly shifting the team’s chemistry. Her unique dynamic with Tony DiNozzo was electric.
Why Fans Loved It
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High-stakes storytelling
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Emotional character development
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Ziva’s mysterious Mossad background added serious intrigue
2. Season 6: Double Agents, Family Secrets & Pure Suspense
Gibbs Meets His Father
Season 6 gets personal as we meet Jackson Gibbs, adding emotional weight to Gibbs’ backstory.
Riveting Plot Twists
From undercover missions to shocking betrayals, this season pulled no punches.
Highlights
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Tony’s covert operation against Ziva’s boyfriend
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Abby’s growing moral compass
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The introduction of NCIS: Los Angeles backdoor pilot
3. Season 2: The Golden Era Before Tragedy
Kate, Tony, McGee & Gibbs – The Core Four
Before heartbreak struck, Season 2 was peak team synergy. Each character started to evolve into their own.
Fan-Favorite Episodes
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“Call of Silence” (Emmy-nominated)
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“SWAK” (Tony in quarantine – unforgettable)
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“Twilight” (The season finale that changed everything)
4. Season 10: Ziva’s Goodbye Leaves a Legacy
A Farewell to One of the Most Loved Characters
Ziva’s final full season is packed with emotional beats and thoughtful closure.
What Makes It Stand Out
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Deep dive into Ziva’s past
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Gibbs’ moral dilemmas
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Tense episodes like “Shiva” and “Berlin” that still resonate with fans
5. Season 7: Revenge, Redemption & Riveting Arcs
Ziva Becomes a U.S. Citizen
A major turning point for Ziva. Her loyalty and identity become key themes.
Tony & Ziva’s Growing Chemistry
TIVA fans rejoiced this season.
Plotlines That Hooked Viewers
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The aftermath of Ziva’s captivity
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Gibbs’ connection to a murdered marine’s sister
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Emotional storytelling with just the right action balance
6. Season 4: The Tony DiNozzo Show
Tony’s Solo Mission & Secret Relationship
Season 4 put Michael Weatherly’s character center stage, offering insight into Tony’s psyche and vulnerabilities.
The Jeanne Benoit Arc
Romance, deception, and undercover drama created a slow-burn tension fans still talk about.
7. Season 11: Life After Ziva
Bishop Enters the Picture
Emily Wickersham’s Ellie Bishop debuts and helps the team find a new rhythm post-Ziva.
Plotlines with Political Punch
This season leaned into global threats and cybercrime, modernizing NCIS for a post-Ziva world.
Why It Works
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Balanced procedural and serialized stories
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Bishop’s fresh perspective
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A proper transition phase
8. Season 1: The Foundation of a Phenomenon
Where It All Began
Let’s not forget the humble beginnings. Season 1 introduced Gibbs, Ducky, Abby, and DiNozzo—a team that would become iconic.
Raw Energy and Crime-Driven Stories
It focused more on naval crimes and military procedure, making it feel more grounded and authentic.
9. Season 13: Saying Goodbye to DiNozzo
An Emotional Exit
Tony’s departure in the season finale left fans teary-eyed and nostalgic.
TIVA’s Long Game Pays Off
Ziva’s “death” and the reveal that Tony has a daughter with her made for a shocking twist.
Memorable Moments
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“Family First” is one of the most powerful episodes in the series
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A fitting end to a fan-favorite character arc
10. Season 5: Big Deaths, Big Drama
Jenny Shepard’s Demise
Season 5 upped the stakes by killing off Director Shepard, ending her complicated story with Gibbs.
A Major Shift
The aftermath saw Leon Vance take the reins, reshaping team dynamics for years to come.
Why Fans Still Rewatch It
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Tense storytelling
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Tight pacing
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“Requiem” episode is peak Gibbs
Honorable Mentions: Seasons That Almost Made It
Season 9 – Solid storytelling and smooth team chemistry
Season 8 – Focused on serial killers and layered cases
Season 12 – Introduced new villains and clever twists
Season 14 – Transition season but strong McGee focus
What Makes a Great NCIS Season?
Character Arcs That Hit Hard
Seasons that dive into personal growth, moral conflicts, and family backstories tend to hit harder.
A Balance Between Case-of-the-Week and Overarching Plots
The best seasons combine thrilling stand-alone episodes with long-running arcs that pay off.
Team Chemistry Is Everything
Let’s face it, NCIS isn’t NCIS without that classic banter, loyalty, and humor.
Conclusion: NCIS’s Timeless Appeal
NCIS continues to captivate audiences because it evolves while staying grounded in core values: justice, loyalty, and team spirit. Whether you’re a fan of the early Kate years, the Ziva peak, or the modern-day Bishop era, there’s something for everyone.
So next time you start a rewatch, keep this list handy. Because the best seasons of NCIS aren’t just good—they’re unforgettable chapters in TV history.
FAQs
1. What season of NCIS is considered the best by most fans?
Most longtime viewers agree that Season 3 is among the best due to Ziva’s introduction and the emotional weight of Kate’s death.
2. Which NCIS season has the most shocking finale?
Season 2’s “Twilight” finale remains iconic for the sudden and tragic loss of Kate Todd.
3. Why did Ziva leave NCIS after Season 11?
Cote de Pablo chose to leave for personal and professional reasons, although the show later teased her return.
4. Is NCIS still worth watching after Tony and Ziva left?
Yes! While some fans missed the original team, new characters brought fresh energy, especially with cases reflecting modern threats.
5. How many seasons does NCIS currently have?
As of 2025, NCIS has aired 22 seasons, with more spin-offs expanding its universe