NCIS plot: what the series is about
NCIS is an American crime drama that follows the special agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the agency that handles criminal cases tied to the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps. The team takes on any case connected to naval or Marine personnel, whatever the rank of the people involved. That covers a wide range: a suspicious death, a security breach, a threat with national consequences, or a crime that only looks military at first glance.
Each case usually moves from the crime scene to the autopsy table to the interrogation room. Field agents, a medical examiner and a forensic specialist each add a piece to the puzzle. The investigations lean on old-fashioned police work, careful questioning and lab evidence. Alongside the cases, the series gives time to the people on the team, many of them veterans or career officers, and to the working bonds and friction between them.
The format is a classic police procedural. Most episodes centre on a self-contained investigation, while character threads continue across seasons. That makes the show easy to pick up even for viewers who are new to it.
Review guide: what makes NCIS notable
- Broadcaster and origin: NCIS is a U.S. series from CBS. It premiered on September 23, 2003, and is still a returning series, with new episodes being released.
- Creators: The show was created by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill. Bellisario also wrote and directed for the series.
- Format: 24 seasons and 513 episodes are listed so far. Most seasons run between 20 and 25 episodes. Season 24 premiered on October 6, 2026.
- Cast: The actors credited in the most episodes include:
- Sean Murray as Timothy McGee
- David McCallum as Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard
- Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs
- Brian Dietzen as Jimmy Palmer
- Rocky Carroll as Leon Vance
- Pauley Perrette as Abby Sciuto
- Michael Weatherly as Anthony ‘Tony’ DiNozzo
- Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres
- Cote de Pablo as Ziva David
- Emily Wickersham as Ellie Bishop
- Behind the camera: Several cast members also worked off-screen. Rocky Carroll and Michael Weatherly are among the episode directors, and Brian Dietzen is among the writers.
- Genre: Crime, drama, and action and adventure.
Who will enjoy NCIS
- Fans of police procedurals with a new case to crack in most episodes
- Viewers curious about military settings, naval officers and Marine Corps life
- Anyone who likes forensic and medical examiner scenes alongside tense interrogations
- Viewers who enjoy ensemble casts and long-running team dynamics
- Fans of American network TV crime series
Where and how to watch NCIS in the Philippines
In the Philippines, NCIS is listed on Amazon Prime Video, which requires a subscription. A separate Philippine release date is not yet listed. The series first premiered in the U.S. on CBS on September 23, 2003. NCIS carries a PG content rating in the Philippines.
The series is still airing, and new episodes are being released. Check Prime Video for the seasons currently offered in your region.
Trailer
Cast
Sean Murrayas Timothy McGee498 episodes
David McCallumas Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard457 episodes
Mark Harmonas Leroy Jethro Gibbs435 episodes
Brian Dietzenas Jimmy Palmer400 episodes
Rocky Carrollas Leon Vance399 episodes
Pauley Perretteas Abby Sciuto354 episodes
Michael Weatherlyas Anthony DiNozzo / Tony DiNozzo313 episodes
Wilmer Valderramaas Nick Torres207 episodes
Photo: TMDB
Episode guide
| Season | Episode | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 1 | Aired | |
| 24 | 2 | Aired | |
| 24 | 3 | Aired | |
| 24 | 4 | Aired | |
| 24 | 5 | Upcoming | |
| 24 | 6 | Upcoming |
Dates are original broadcast dates in the country of origin (Korea/China). Official streaming platforms in your country may add episodes the same day or later.
FAQ
- How many episodes does NCIS have?
- NCIS has 513 episodes listed so far across 24 seasons. The series is still airing, so that number will grow as new episodes are released.
- Where can I watch NCIS legally in the Philippines?
- NCIS is listed on Amazon Prime Video in the Philippines, which is a subscription service.
- When was NCIS released?
- NCIS premiered on CBS in the U.S. on September 23, 2003. A specific Philippine release date is not yet listed. Season 24 premiered on October 6, 2026.
- Who is in the cast of NCIS?
- The main cast includes Sean Murray, David McCallum, Mark Harmon, Brian Dietzen, Rocky Carroll, Pauley Perrette, Michael Weatherly, Wilmer Valderrama, Cote de Pablo and Emily Wickersham.
- What genre is NCIS?
- NCIS is a crime drama and police procedural with action and adventure elements. It is built around investigations linked to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
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