Introduction: Why NCIS Fans Need a Streaming Guide
If you’ve ever tried to track down every NCIS series, you know it’s not as simple as opening Netflix and hitting play. With spin-offs spread across different networks, streaming rights shifting every few years, and even cancelled series popping up in unexpected places, fans often end up lost in a maze of streaming platforms.
So, where exactly can you watch NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai’i, NCIS: Sydney, and even the cancelled NCIS: Red backdoor pilot? Let’s break it all down.
The Main NCIS Series: Where It All Began
Where to Watch NCIS (2003–Present)
The flagship show, starring Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs (and now Gary Cole as Alden Parker), is the backbone of the franchise.
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Streaming in the U.S.: Paramount+ (all seasons available)
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Cable Options: CBS (new episodes), USA Network reruns
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Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
Fans who want the full ride from Gibbs’ iconic “rules” to the newer Parker-led episodes should stick with Paramount+ for the most complete library.
NCIS: Los Angeles — The Action-Packed Spin-Off
Where to Watch NCIS: LA (2009–2023)
Starring Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J, NCIS: LA gave fans a high-octane version of the procedural. After 14 seasons, it wrapped in 2023.
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Streaming in the U.S.: Paramount+ (all 14 seasons)
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Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu
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Cable: Occasionally airs reruns on ION Television and USA Network
NCIS: New Orleans — The Jazz-Flavored Drama
Where to Watch NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2021)
Led by Scott Bakula as Dwayne Pride, this spin-off leaned heavily into New Orleans’ culture and music.
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Streaming in the U.S.: Paramount+ (all 7 seasons)
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Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
This spin-off had a smaller but passionate fanbase, and it’s often described as the most “personal” of the franchise.
NCIS: Hawai’i — Cancelled Too Soon
Where to Watch NCIS: Hawai’i (2021–2024)
This female-led spin-off starred Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant, but CBS surprisingly cancelled it after just three seasons in 2024.
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Streaming in the U.S.: Paramount+ (all 3 seasons)
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Purchase: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
Though short-lived, it carved a loyal following, and many fans still lobby for its return.
NCIS: Sydney — The First International Spin-Off
Where to Watch NCIS: Sydney (2023–Present)
This is the first NCIS series filmed and set outside the U.S. Featuring Olivia Swann and Todd Lasance, it brings an Australian flair to the franchise.
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Streaming in the U.S.: Paramount+ (new episodes weekly)
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Australia: Network 10 and Paramount+ Australia
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International: Availability varies — often via Paramount+ or regional networks
The Cancelled NCIS Spin-Offs
NCIS: Red (2013 Pilot That Never Aired as a Series)
This was supposed to be a spin-off starring Kim Raver and John Corbett as part of a mobile NCIS team. The backdoor pilot aired during NCIS: LA but the series never got picked up.
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Where to Watch: Episodes introducing NCIS: Red are part of NCIS: LA Season 4 (“Red” and “Red: Part 2”), available on Paramount+.
Other Cancelled Concepts
Over the years, CBS has floated other NCIS spin-offs that never made it past development, but Red remains the closest to actually airing.
Future of the NCIS Universe
With NCIS: Origins confirmed — a prequel about a young Gibbs in the 1990s — the franchise isn’t slowing down. This will likely stream exclusively on Paramount+ once it premieres.
Why Paramount+ Is the Hub for NCIS Fans
If you want everything in one place, Paramount+ is the most reliable option. CBS owns the franchise, and the platform has made it clear that NCIS is one of its flagship brands.
Think of Paramount+ as the “NCIS headquarters,” while Amazon Prime and Apple TV are like backup storage units — good for buying but not for full access.
International Streaming Options
UK
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NCIS and spin-offs: Disney+ (seasons vary), Sky TV, Paramount+ UK
Canada
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NCIS shows typically stream on Global TV and Paramount+ Canada
Australia
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Paramount+ and Network 10 carry NCIS content
International fans often face a patchwork of rights, so using Paramount+ where available is usually the best bet.
How to Watch NCIS Without Cable
Don’t have CBS or cable? No problem. Here’s how you can still watch:
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Live TV Streaming Services: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream (carry CBS for live episodes)
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Paramount+ Premium: Includes live CBS streaming
This means you can catch new episodes as they air — without the hefty cable bill.
Best Order to Watch the NCIS Franchise
Want to binge the whole thing? Here’s a suggested order:
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NCIS Seasons 1–20+
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NCIS: LA (interwoven with later NCIS seasons)
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NCIS: New Orleans
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NCIS: Hawai’i
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NCIS: Sydney
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Backdoor pilot episodes for NCIS: Red within NCIS: LA
This order keeps crossover episodes in context while following the natural timeline.
What About DVDs and Blu-rays?
For collectors or those without steady internet, every series except Sydney currently has DVD sets available.
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NCIS: Seasons 1–20
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NCIS: LA: All 14 seasons
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NCIS: New Orleans: All 7 seasons
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NCIS: Hawai’i: Expected DVD release post-cancellation
The Problem with Streaming Rights
One frustration fans face is how rights shift. For example, some seasons of NCIS used to be on Netflix but were later pulled when CBS consolidated everything onto Paramount+.
Lesson learned? Stick with Paramount+ if you don’t want to chase shows across platforms.
Why Fans Still Revisit the Cancelled Spin-Offs
Even though NCIS: Red never made it past pilot stage, and Hawai’i ended early, fans revisit them for one reason: the NCIS formula works. Each spin-off brings a new city, new culture, and new team dynamics while sticking to the core DNA of crime-solving and found family.
Conclusion: One Franchise, Many Homes
Finding every NCIS show — including the cancelled ones — doesn’t have to feel like a case for Gibbs and his team. The short answer is simple: Paramount+ is the ultimate streaming home for all NCIS series. But for those outside the U.S. or looking to own episodes, options like Amazon, Apple TV, and international broadcasters still make the franchise widely accessible.
So, grab your Caf-Pow!, settle in, and enjoy the ride through one of TV’s longest-running crime universes.
FAQs
1. Is NCIS available on Netflix?
Not anymore. CBS pulled the show from Netflix to consolidate it on Paramount+.
2. Can I watch NCIS for free anywhere?
Occasionally, CBS makes episodes free on its website or app, but the library is limited.
3. Where can I watch NCIS: Red?
You can’t watch a full series since it never aired, but the pilot episodes are part of NCIS: LA Season 4.
4. Will NCIS: Hawai’i return on another network?
As of now, no. Fans are campaigning, but CBS confirmed the cancellation.
5. What’s the newest NCIS spin-off?
NCIS: Sydney is the newest released spin-off, and NCIS: Origins is coming soon.
