Introduction: The Cultural Footprint of NCIS and Blue Bloods
Television shapes how we see the world. Shows like NCIS and Blue Bloods are more than just weekly entertainment; they’re cultural cornerstones, reflecting values that millions of viewers either admire or accept without question. But behind the crime-solving brilliance of Mark Harmon’s Gibbs or the family dinners led by Tom Selleck’s Frank Reagan, there’s a deeper issue: both shows embody and perpetuate white privilege.
This isn’t about canceling anyone’s favorite show. It’s about peeling back the layers and examining how these juggernauts of network television frame authority, race, and justice—and why that matters.
What Defines White Privilege in Television?
White privilege in TV isn’t just about who’s on screen; it’s about who isn’t. It’s also about whose stories are prioritized and how societal norms are reinforced. Shows like NCIS and Blue Bloods subtly (and sometimes not-so-subtly) frame narratives in ways that center whiteness as the default perspective of authority, morality, and heroism.
H1: NCIS and Blue Bloods: The Overwhelming Lack of Diversity
H2: Casting Choices That Speak Volumes
Both NCIS and Blue Bloods have historically featured overwhelmingly white lead casts. While diversity has improved over the years, it’s often relegated to supporting characters who rarely lead major story arcs. For example, in NCIS, characters of color like Director Vance (played by Rocky Carroll) are few and far between compared to the rotating roster of white protagonists.
H2: Blue Bloods’ Uniformly White Police Force
Blue Bloods doubles down on a family-first narrative that celebrates law enforcement, with the Reagan family as its centerpiece. Critics have pointed out the glaring absence of racial diversity within the show’s depiction of New York City’s police force—one of the most diverse police departments in the world.
H1: The Romanticization of Authority
H2: Police and Military as Heroic Archetypes
Both shows portray authority figures—whether NCIS agents or NYPD officers—as paragons of virtue. The problem? These archetypes often ignore systemic issues like racial profiling and police brutality, instead creating a sanitized version of justice.
H3: Ignoring Nuance in Storytelling
Episodes of both series tend to sidestep the complexities of race and power. Storylines involving race are often framed as one-off “very special episodes” rather than integrated into the overarching narrative.
H1: The Role of Family and Tradition in White-Centric Narratives
H2: Blue Bloods’ Reagan Family Dinners
One of the most iconic parts of Blue Bloods is the Reagan family dinner—a symbol of unity and moral discussion. But these scenes often reinforce traditional values without questioning how those values intersect with privilege. The discussions rarely include perspectives outside the family’s predominantly white worldview.
H2: NCIS and the Team-as-Family Trope
NCIS emphasizes its team as a surrogate family, a trope that resonates with viewers. However, this “family” is rarely reflective of the diverse reality of military and federal workforces.
H1: The One-Dimensional Villains
H2: Stereotypes in Antagonists
Both shows have been criticized for portraying people of color as one-dimensional villains. Whether it’s a terrorist in NCIS or a gang member in Blue Bloods, these portrayals often play into harmful stereotypes.
H3: Missed Opportunities for Depth
Complex, relatable antagonists are rare. Instead, these shows often use racialized villains as plot devices, reinforcing fear-based narratives.
H1: What About the Fans?
H2: The Shows Reflect Their Viewers
The core audiences for NCIS and Blue Bloods skew older and more conservative, demographics that may feel comfortable with the shows’ framing of authority and tradition. But comfort doesn’t equal progress.
H2: Social Media Reactions
Discussions about privilege in these shows have sparked heated debates online. Fans are quick to defend their favorite characters, but these conversations are necessary for growth.
H1: How Other Shows Are Doing It Better
H2: The Shift Toward Inclusive Storytelling
Modern procedurals like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Rookie have tackled similar themes with more nuance, showing how diversity can enhance storytelling without alienating audiences.
H2: Lessons from Streaming Platforms
Streaming shows like Orange Is the New Black and When They See Us have provided groundbreaking portrayals of race, justice, and authority, proving that complex narratives can succeed commercially.
H1: The Path Forward for Network Television
H2: Embracing Authentic Diversity
Network TV needs to prioritize authentic representation—not just token characters, but fully developed perspectives that challenge the status quo.
H2: Tackling Systemic Issues Head-On
Instead of avoiding discussions about race and privilege, shows like NCIS and Blue Bloods have the platform to engage with these topics meaningfully.
Conclusion: Time to Rethink Our Stories
Mark Harmon’s NCIS and Tom Selleck’s Blue Bloods are undeniably iconic. They’ve entertained millions and shaped how we think about authority and justice. But it’s equally undeniable that these shows, whether intentionally or not, reflect a system of privilege that leaves little room for alternative narratives.
It’s time for TV to evolve. Entertainment doesn’t have to sacrifice tradition to embrace progress—it can do both. As viewers, we have the power to demand better. The question is: will we?
FAQs
1. Why is white privilege a concern in TV shows?
White privilege in TV perpetuates a narrow worldview, limiting representation and reinforcing systemic biases.
2. Have NCIS or Blue Bloods addressed diversity criticisms?
Both shows have made minor strides but often fall short of meaningful change.
3. Are there any diverse characters in these shows?
Yes, but they’re typically secondary characters with limited screen time and influence on the narrative.
4. What makes other shows better at handling these issues?
Shows like The Rookie incorporate diverse casting and tackle systemic issues head-on, offering more nuanced storytelling.
5. How can fans encourage change?
By engaging in conversations about representation and supporting shows that prioritize diversity, fans can push networks to evolve.
