NCIS plot summary: what is the series about?
NCIS is an American crime drama and police procedural that premiered on CBS on 23 September 2003. Its focus is a squad of special agents whose cases have one thing in common: a link to the U.S. Navy or the Marine Corps. A victim, a suspect or a witness might be a sailor, a naval officer, a marine or a veteran, and that connection brings the team in, whatever the person’s rank or position.
The cases cover a wide range. Some begin with a murder. Others lead into espionage, terrorism or high-stakes military theft. Each investigation combines fieldwork, forensic analysis and the work of a medical examiner. Tense interrogations are a recurring part of the show, as agents push suspects to explain what really happened.
The team is led by Leroy Jethro Gibbs, an ex-marine played by Mark Harmon. His agents, forensic specialists and superiors must balance procedure, instinct and loyalty while chasing the truth behind each crime.
What makes NCIS notable
- Creators: NCIS was created by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill. Bellisario also has writing and directing credits on the series.
- Network: The series has aired on CBS since its premiere on 23 September 2003. It is listed as a returning series, and its 24th season premiered on 6 October 2026.
- Format: 24 seasons and 513 episodes are listed so far. Most seasons run between 20 and 25 episodes, while a few are shorter.
- Cast: The long-running ensemble includes:
- Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs
- Sean Murray as Timothy McGee
- David McCallum as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard
- 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
- Cast behind the camera: Several cast members have also worked off screen. Rocky Carroll and Michael Weatherly are credited as episode directors, and Brian Dietzen holds writing credits.
- Genre and rating: The series combines crime, drama and action-adventure. It is rated TV-14 in the US.
Who will enjoy NCIS?
- Fans of police procedurals with a self-contained case of the week
- Viewers interested in stories set around the U.S. Navy, the Marine Corps and military veterans
- Anyone who likes forensic and medical examiner storylines combined with tense interrogation scenes
- Viewers who want a long-running ensemble series with recurring characters to follow
- Audiences who enjoy cases that mix crime with espionage and terrorism plots
Where to watch NCIS in the US
NCIS is still airing on CBS, and new episodes are being released. In the US, the series is listed on these official platforms.
Subscription:
- Netflix
- Netflix Standard with Ads
- Hulu
- Paramount Plus Essential
- Paramount Plus Premium
- Paramount+ via the Apple TV channel
- Paramount+ via the Amazon Channel
- Paramount+ via the Roku Premium Channel
- fuboTV
- Philo
- YouTube TV
To buy:
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- Fandango At Home
Season availability can differ between services, so check each platform to see which seasons it carries.
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 and seasons does NCIS have?
- NCIS has 513 episodes listed so far across 24 seasons. It is a returning series, so new episodes are still being released.
- When did NCIS first premiere?
- NCIS premiered on CBS on 23 September 2003. Season 24 premiered on 6 October 2026.
- Who is in the cast of NCIS?
- The main cast includes: - Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs) - Sean Murray (Timothy McGee) - David McCallum (Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard) - Brian Dietzen (Jimmy Palmer) - Rocky Carroll (Leon Vance) - Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto) - Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) - Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres) - Cote de Pablo (Ziva David) - Emily Wickersham (Ellie Bishop)
- Where can I watch NCIS legally in the US?
- NCIS is available by subscription on: - Netflix - Hulu - Paramount Plus - fuboTV - Philo - YouTube TV It is also available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and Fandango At Home.
- What genre is NCIS?
- NCIS is a crime drama and police procedural with action-adventure elements. It is rated TV-14 in the US.
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