What Happened to NCIS (TV Series)?

NCIS, short for Naval Criminal Investigative Service, debuted on September 23, 2003, as a spin-off from the established CBS series 'JAG'. Created by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill, the show quickly distinguished itself with its blend of military procedural drama, character-driven storytelling, and humor. For nearly two decades, the series was anchored by Mark Harmon as Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a stoic and highly skilled investigator whose 'Gibbs' Rules' became a hallmark of the show.

A significant turning point for NCIS occurred in October 2021, during its 19th season, when Mark Harmon departed as a full-time cast member. Harmon, who also serves as an executive producer, explained that he was 'just tired' after 18 seasons and sought new creative challenges, though he ensured the show's renewal by appearing in a limited capacity at the start of Season 19. His exit led to Gary Cole stepping into a leading role as Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker, successfully ushering in a new era for the team. The show's ability to maintain strong viewership and critical relevance despite such a significant cast change speaks to its robust ensemble and enduring format.

NCIS has consistently been a ratings powerhouse for CBS, often ranking among the most-watched television series. By its 10th season, it was the most-watched TV series in the U.S. during the 2012–13 network television season. As of 2025, it was the third-longest-running scripted, live-action American prime-time TV series and has surpassed 'Gunsmoke' as the longest-running scripted primetime series on CBS. Its success has led to a sprawling franchise, including spin-offs like 'NCIS: Los Angeles,' 'NCIS: New Orleans,' 'NCIS: Hawaiʻi,' and 'NCIS: Sydney'.

As of May 3, 2026, NCIS remains a dominant force in television. The flagship series is currently airing its 23rd season, which premiered on October 14, 2025, and notably includes its 500th episode. In January 2026, CBS renewed NCIS for an unprecedented 24th season, scheduled for the 2026-2027 broadcast year. The network is strategically consolidating its NCIS universe, planning an 'NCIS night' on Tuesdays for the 2026-2027 schedule, featuring the main series alongside 'NCIS: New York' and 'NCIS: Origins' or 'NCIS: Sydney'. While spin-offs 'NCIS: Origins' and 'NCIS: Sydney' received renewals for reduced episode counts (10 episodes each) for the 2026-2027 season, and 'NCIS: Tony & Ziva' was canceled after one season on Paramount+ in December 2025, the core NCIS series continues to demonstrate remarkable longevity and popularity. A new spin-off, 'NCIS: New York,' starring LL Cool J and Scott Caan, was announced in April 2026 and is set to premiere in Fall 2026. Rocky Carroll, who plays Director Leon Vance, will conclude his run as a main cast member in Season 23 but will continue as the series' director.