Michael Weatherly Explains Why He Believes NCIS Is Different From Shows Like FBI And Law And Order: ‘I Don’t Want To Dismiss That Whole Genre’

Michael Weatherly Explains Why He Believes NCIS Is Different From Shows Like FBI And Law And Order: 'I Don't Want To Dismiss That Whole Genre'

As a seasoned gamer and avid TV enthusiast who’s spent countless hours binge-watching various crime procedurals over the years, I can confidently say that Michael Weatherly‘s assessment of NCIS being more than just a typical procedural hits the nail on the head.


Michael Weatherly parted ways with the series regular role on NCIS eight years ago, but he made a brief return this year for an appearance in the episode “The Stories We Leave Behind,” which was a tribute to David McCallum. If you didn’t catch him as Dr. Jason Bull on Bull, it’s likely that you know Weatherly best from his time on NCIS. The show is set to begin its 22nd season next month according to the 2024 TV schedule. While NCIS is categorized as a procedural, Weatherly has explained why he believes it stands apart from other shows of that kind, such as FBI and Law & Order

On the podcast “Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch“, stars Mark Harmon (Weatherly) and Michaela Conlin (Cote de Pablo), who co-host, sat down with director Dennis Smith, responsible for 63 episodes of “NCIS” from 2003-2017. During their discussion, Harmon shared insights on what keeps viewers engaged with the series, and he touched upon several aspects, one of which was

NCIS isn’t merely “evergreen” in the FBI/Law & Order sense or the Dick Wolf kind of everlasting, as there isn’t much character development involved. I’m not downplaying the genre, but NCIS often gets categorized with crime procedurals, and it fits the mold. However, it’s not purely a crime procedural. It has comedic elements that make it a workplace comedy at times, and it also has romantic suspense and even horror movie-like moments. Essentially, it blends these genres together

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Michael Weatherly Explains Why He Believes NCIS Is Different From Shows Like FBI And Law And Order: 'I Don't Want To Dismiss That Whole Genre'

During Emily Wickersham’s screen test for NCIS, she appeared on two significant sets. What captivated me is the manner in which Mark Harmon informed her that she had secured the role of Bishop – a moment I find utterly fascinating

‘Cote de Pablo recounted a heartfelt moment when NCIS co-star Joe Spano offered his support before she departed the series, and it’s quite moving.’

NCIS cannot escape being labeled as a procedural show because, like FBI, Law & Order, and others of its kind, it primarily focuses on its main characters resolving weekly cases, many of which revolve around murder victims. However, according to Michael Weatherly, the series doesn’t solely inhabit the procedural genre due to its forays into various other genres/tones. At times, the show can delve into darker themes, but there are also numerous moments dedicated to characters like Tony DiNozzo, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Ziva David, and others who have graced the screen over the years in more lighthearted scenarios

Regardless of your opinion on Michael Weatherly’s analysis about the uniqueness of NCIS compared to other investigative series, it is indisputable that the program has been doing something correctly to remain on air for over 20 years and spawn a television franchise consisting of six shows in total, with two more upcoming. One of these spin-offs is the Paramount+-exclusive NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which will depict the title characters evading authorities in Europe following Tony’s security firm. It is worth noting that unlike other NCIS shows, this series will take a more serialized approach, implying viewers should not anticipate a conventional procedural storyline

Currently, NCIS stars Tony and Ziva are shooting scenes in Budapest, with a planned release date for Paramount+ subscribers sometime in 2025. Meanwhile, NCIS Season 22 and the upcoming Gibbs-focused prequel titled NCIS: Origins will debut on Monday, October 14

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2024-09-05 17:25