NCIS TV Series: A Police Procedural Drama

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NCIS TV Series
An overview of the NCIS TV Series

Series Overview

NCIS: Navigating Crime and Camaraderie on the High Seas

In the ever-expanding universe of crime procedural dramas, “NCIS” has carved out a distinctive niche that resonates with audiences worldwide. Premiering in 2003 as a spin-off from “JAG,” the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) quickly established itself as more than just another entry in the genre. With an engaging blend of mystery, action, and character-driven storytelling, the series has enjoyed a successful run, becoming one of the longest-running scripted TV dramas in American television history.

The Heart of NCIS: A Unique Procedural

At its core, “NCIS” follows a team of special agents from the titular federal agency tasked with investigating crimes related to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Led by the stoic and dedicated Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), the team includes diverse characters, each bringing unique skills and personal backstory. From forensic specialists and intelligence analysts to seasoned field agents, the NCIS team tackles everything from murder and espionage to terrorism and kidnapping, ensuring the safety and security of military personnel and national interests.

More Than Just a Crime Show

What sets “NCIS” apart from other shows in the genre is its emphasis on its characters’ personal dynamics and development. The series expertly weaves into its team’s personal lives and challenges, creating a rich tapestry of evolving relationships. This approach adds depth to the narrative and engenders a strong sense of camaraderie and family among the team members, making the audience deeply invested in their stories.

The character of Gibbs, with his no-nonsense attitude, strict set of rules, and complex personal history, serves as the linchpin of the series. His leadership and interactions with team members like Tony DiNozzo, Abby Sciuto, and Timothy McGee provide much of the show’s heart and humor. The tragic loss of Gibbs’s wife and daughter, a storyline that runs through the series, adds a layer of emotional depth and drives many of his actions and decisions.

Legacy and Impact

“NCIS” has not only enjoyed high ratings throughout its run but has also spawned several spin-offs, including “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” and “NCIS: Hawai’i,” further solidifying its impact on popular culture. The original series itself has been lauded for its accurate portrayal of investigative procedures and military life, albeit with the creative liberties typical of the genre.

The show’s ability to balance procedural elements with character-driven drama, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone through humor and banter, has endeared it to a broad audience. Its formula of blending episodic cases with overarching narrative arcs has proven effective in keeping viewers engaged season after season.

Conclusion

“NCIS” is a testament to the enduring appeal of crime procedural dramas when done right. Its success lies in its ability to transcend the boundaries of the genre, offering viewers an engaging mix of action, mystery, and heart. As the series evolves, it remains a staple of television viewing, a comfort to its long-time fans, and a discovery for new audiences. With its compelling stories of crime and justice, underscored by the enduring bond among its characters, “NCIS” secures its place in the annals of TV history.

Production Company and Executive Producers

Belisarius Productions, Paramount Network Television (2003 to 2006), CBS Paramount Network Television (2006 to 2009), and CBS Television Studios produce the series from 2009 to the present. CBS Television Distribution is the distributor. The executive producers are Donald P. Bellisario and Chas. Floyd Johnson, Frank Cardea, Gary Glasberg, George Schenck, Mark Harmon, Mark Horowitz, and Shane Brennan.

List of NCIS TV Series Cast Members

  • Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly)
  • Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette)
  • Brian Dietzen
  • Sasha Alexander as Caitlin Todd
  • Cote de Pablo as Ziva David
  • David McCallum, Doctor Donald “Ducky” Mallard
  • Duane Henry
  • Emily Wickersham
  • Jennifer Esposito
  • Lauren Holly
  • Maria Bello
  • Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs
  • Michael Weatherly
  • Pauley Perrette
  • Rocky Carroll
  • Sasha Alexander
  • Sean Murray as Timothy McGee
  • Wilmer Valderrama

List of NCIS TV Series episodes

The NCIS series has aired for an impressive 15 seasons with 354 episodes. The sixteenth season will begin airing in September 2018. Each episode ranges from 39 to 44 minutes. Visit the NCIS Wikipedia page for the series for a list of all episodes.

All of the episodes are available to stream online at Amazon Video. In addition, all seasons are available on DVD.

The first season has a total of 23 episodes.

  • S1 E1 – Yankee White
  • E2 – Hung Out to Dry
  • E3 – Sea Dogs
  • E4 – The Immortals
  • E5 – The Curse
  • E6 – High Seas
  • E7 – Sub Rosa
  • E8 – Minimum Security
  • E9 – Marine Down
  • E10 – Left for Dead
  • E11 – Eye Spy
  • E12 – My Other Left Foot
  • E13 – One Shot, One Kill
  • E14 – The Good Samaritan
  • E15 – Enigma
  • E16 – Bete Noir
  • E17 – The Truth is Out There
  • E18 – UnSEALed
  • E19 – Dead Man Talking
  • E20 – Missing
  • E21 – Split Decision
  • E22 – A Weak Link
  • E23 – Reveille

Critical Response, Ratings, and Awards

The series was nominated for and won numerous awards, which helped it continue as the second longest-running prime-time TV series (the first is Law & Order). For example, the series won multiple ALMA Awards, Emmy Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and many others for acting, stunts, music, and more.

In addition, the show has numerous spin-offs and TV movies—for instance, NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.

The series didn’t always garner high ratings. The show had relatively low ratings in the initial seasons but slowly increased with each new season, leading it to be voted one of America’s favorite shows.

  • Amazon Video viewers rate the show 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The series received 7.9 out of 10 stars on IMDB
  • TV.com gives it 8.7 out of 10 stars
  • 94% of Google users indicate they like the show

Questions and Comments

If you have questions about the NCIS TV Series, please post a message below. Also, check out other Police Crime Dramas on DVD.

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Michael Kissiah is the owner of Brandy Lane Publishing, LLC, which owns and operates a small portfolio of websites, including eInvestigator.com. Michael created eInvestigator.com more than 20 years ago after working as a private investigator in the state of Florida. Since that time, he has become an expert at how to find information online and has written over 1000 articles on topics related to the investigation industry. In addition, he is the author of the "Private Investigator Licensing Handbook", available at Amazon.com.
ncis-naval-criminal-investigative-service-tv-series Series Overview NCIS: Navigating Crime and Camaraderie on the High Seas In the ever-expanding universe of crime procedural dramas, "NCIS" has carved out a distinctive niche that resonates with audiences worldwide. Premiering in 2003 as a spin-off from "JAG," the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) quickly...

1 COMMENT

  1. You should have never took off Abby as she was the best part of the show. Please put her back on
    Thank you for your time and attention.
    Maureen

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