As a long-time fan of “NCIS,” I have to say that my personal favorite season is undoubtedly Season 3. Coming from someone who has binge-watched every episode more times than I can count, I truly believe that this season stands out as the best.
In the early 2000s, the hit CBS naval-themed legal drama “JAG” was transformed into a show with a similar theme called “NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service,” which was later simplified to just “NCIS.” Initially, it took some time for the series to gain an audience, but CBS continued to support “NCIS,” and their faith in the show proved to be well-placed. In its sixth season, “NCIS” entered the top five most-watched shows and has remained there ever since. Remarkably, despite the cast’s predictions that something would end the series, it didn’t.
Over the past three decades, shows similar to popular police procedurals like “NCIS” have given birth to numerous spin-offs. These spin-offs, much like “CSI,” are often centered around a specific location, such as “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “NCIS: Hawai’i,” and even venturing overseas with “NCIS: Sydney.” However, the “NCIS” franchise has started to think outside the box lately. This is evident in the premiere of “NCIS: Origins,” which debuted in October 2024, and the upcoming series “NCIS: Tony & Ziva,” which revolves around the main characters Tony and Ziva.
It’s common for TV series franchises like this one to have mixed results when it comes to spin-offs. Unlike “Law & Order,” where “Special Victims Unit” outshone the original show in terms of popularity and duration, the original “NCIS” still holds the top spot among its counterparts. However, in our unique ranking of the best seasons across the entire “NCIS” family of shows, considering both critical acclaim, fan favorites, and the opinions of our team at Looper, some spin-off seasons have managed to make it onto the list.
14. NCIS: New Orleans, Season 5
As a die-hard fan, I’d like to share my perspective on “NCIS: New Orleans.” This series was the second offshoot in the NCIS universe, born from a two-part episode during Season 11 of the original show. Spanning seven seasons, it may seem shorter than its counterparts, but for a series that stirs strong opinions among fans, it’s quite an impressive run.
The storyline begins as Pride recovers from a severe shooting incident and the team is in transition following Agent Percy’s departure. A significant portion of the narrative unfolds around the exploration of the Apollyon spy network, discovering that Apollyon had an informant within NCIS ranks. This multi-episode arc stands out as a key moment. Additionally, viewers appreciated this season as it maintained the ensemble feel of “New Orleans,” a quality that was slightly lost in the following seasons, making them seem more like “NCIS: Pride.
13. NCIS, Season 13
In the thirteenth season of “NCIS”, the storyline commences with main character Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) recuperating in the hospital following a gunshot wound sustained at the end of the previous season. This scenario presents Dr. Taft, a character previously portrayed by Jon Cryer on “NCIS,” who later appeared in two additional episodes. As for notable guest stars, it’s worth mentioning that Michelle Obama, then still the First Lady, made an appearance in an episode of Season 13.
In my gaming world, Season 13 of NCIS was like a level transition where key characters bid farewell, with Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) being one of them. New faces joined the crew to keep things interesting. Some familiar characters like “Ducky” Mallard (David McCallum) and Abby Scuito (Pauley Perrette) got more attention too, as we delved into their family backgrounds with dedicated storylines.
12. NCIS: Los Angeles, Season 3
Among the “NCIS” spin-offs, “NCIS: Los Angeles” has been running the longest, and although fans have varied opinions about it concluding in Season 14, its longevity appears set to continue. Compared to shows like “NCIS: Hawai’i,” which was cancelled after three seasons, or potential newcomers such as “NCIS: Sydney” or “NCIS: Origins,” the likelihood is that “Los Angeles” will maintain its position as the second longest-running “NCIS” series – surpassing even “Jag” with 10 seasons.
There are numerous factors that resonated with viewers regarding “Los Angeles”. Part of its appeal might stem from the familiar faces of Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, and veteran actor Linda Hunt. However, it may simply be due to the show’s quality, as hinted by two of its seasons being recognized among other outstanding “NCIS” performances.
Season 3 of the series “NCIS: Los Angeles” reached its peak performance, as Steve Marsi from TV Fanatic aptly stated, “‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ initially was a show I watched due to its placement after ‘NCIS’, providing consistent enjoyment. Now, it’s progressing towards that essential viewing status.” The events unfolding within the season are numerous – international investigations occur frequently, cyber espionage takes center stage, and there’s an engaging crossover with another CBS law enforcement series, “Hawai’i Five-0.
11. NCIS, Season 11
While Season 13 of “NCIS” marked a significant shift, it was primarily influenced by several key incidents that transpired in Season 11. This includes Ziva David’s (Coté de Pablo) departure as a regular character, a role she reprised as a guest star in Season 16. On the bright side, Season 11 also introduced Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham), who many believe is the best new addition since the original team. She added a touch of charm to a show that often attempts to maintain a lighter tone but occasionally falters when trying to deliver on this promise.
Notable episodes from Season 11 were the emotional time-travel tale “Past, Present, and Future,” the challenging “Devil’s Triad,” and the poignant season finale, “Honor Thy Father,” where Gibbs went home to grieve his father’s death, portrayed by Ralph Waite. Despite appearing in just eight episodes, Waite left a lasting impression on the series and significantly contributed to developing Gibbs as a character. His swansong episode for “NCIS,” titled “Better Angels” from Season 11, was also one of his last acting roles before his passing in 2014.
10. NCIS, Season 12
After wrapping up Season 11, “NCIS” in Season 12 delivered significant moments that hinted at the need for the show to reconsider its direction as it approached Season 13 and beyond. The storylines became increasingly intense throughout the season, eventually leading to a confrontation with a dangerous terrorist organization aiming to wreak havoc on a global scale.
It can be argued that going so big and so global was a little on the ambitious side for “NCIS” and the narrower scope that it excels at working within — a suggestion reinforced by Season 13 needing to hit the reset button. But while Season 12 was actually unfolding, it was a thrill to be along for the ride. Even if the show had shot itself in the foot by subsequently struggling to top the heights of Season 12, it was worth it to get such a great season of television. Unfortunately, the worst storyline in “NCIS” Season 12 kept the season merely great when it could have been excellent: the show didn’t know what to do with Tony after Ziva’s Season 11 departure, leading to some really out-of-character creative decisions for him.
9. NCIS, Season 4
In the initial season of “NCIS”, it primarily focused on presenting all the major characters. However, subsequent seasons picked up the pace with non-stop action. But with the commencement of Season 4, the show started to slow down a bit, choosing instead to delve deeper into character development rather than just moving from one case to another. This shift proved to be quite strategic, as it allowed each main cast member to have their own significant story arc in that season, thereby offering viewers a more comprehensive insight into these characters and solidifying their roles within the team.
Although viewers didn’t truly believe Gibbs would remain retired when he chose to do so during this season, it nonetheless provided an opportunity for Tony to shine brighter than ever before, solidifying his status as one of the show’s most cherished characters. Interestingly, Season 4 marked the debut of an “NCIS” episode as the highest-rated program of its week, suggesting that audiences were increasingly embracing this stage of the series and appreciating its content.
Though others thought Season 4 delved excessively into personal matters, it proved beneficial for the series as it attracted numerous new viewers who got insights into the characters they were only encountering then, deepening their connection with the show.
8. NCIS: Los Angeles, Season 7
The seventh season of “NCIS: Los Angeles” stands out in the franchise, managing to rank higher than several robust seasons of the original “NCIS”. This highlights the quality of Season 7, as it not only made it into the top 10, but exceeded the expectations set by some strong seasons of the parent series. The reason for this success lies in the show’s balanced approach, where it didn’t solely rely on one main character, but rather distributed the spotlight among three leads, ensuring each had ample opportunities to excel and face challenges.
Compared to other “NCIS” series, Los Angeles often portrayed violence more raw and unapologetic. While this occasionally worked against the show, Season 7 found an ideal blend. The episodes were thrilling without feeling contrived, and discomfort only set in when it served a creative purpose. Additionally, the cast delivered their best performances during this season, both individually and collectively.
Los Angeles” came the closest to overtaking the original series in popularity during its seventh season. If the following seasons had maintained that level of quality, it could have potentially taken the top spot.
7. NCIS, Season 1
As a devoted fan, I’d say: For shows like dramas, the initial seasons are often their least impressive. That’s because during this time, they have to establish the entire world, introduce multiple characters, and develop their relationships. However, spin-offs benefit from having some of that groundwork already laid out, as was the case with “NCIS”. Leveraging the foundation of “JAG”, Season 1 of “NCIS” managed to bypass much of the typical debut season slog and hit the ground running.
Discussing the initial two seasons of “NCIS” wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Kate Todd (played by Sasha Alexander), who was a key character since the early “JAG” spin-off episodes and remained with the main cast until the end of Season 2. Her presence within the team was so significant that it was tough to envision the series continuing without her, although it did eventually manage. Still, it’s difficult not to ponder if the show could have been even more successful had she stayed for the duration. As for the first season, it didn’t follow the usual trend of gradually increasing tension, as it tackled cases as significant as a presidential assassination attempt right from the get-go.
If you started watching “NCIS” from Season 4 or 5, I recommend taking some time to watch Seasons 1 and 3. If you can’t manage that, then at least catch up on Season 2. We’ll discuss Season 3 later.
6. NCIS, Season 10
Season 9 ending of “NCIS” was incredibly intense, impacting nearly every character, leaving them to clean up the mess at the onset of Season 10. This setup has always been rich for crafting a gripping TV series, and they certainly made good use of it. In other words, Season 10 can be described as one of the grimmest seasons in “NCIS,” not just due to visible events like deaths and severe injuries, but also because of intricate reasons that cause characters to make doubtful professional or ethical choices. Characters who were previously unyielding became significantly flawed throughout Season 10.
Although the mid-season cliffhanger in Season 10 may have ended with a disappointing resolution, it still subjected Tony and Ziva to intense trials, particularly Ziva who was deeply affected by the emotional events of “Shabbot Shalom,” one of the series’ finest episodes. Throughout our discussion thus far, we’ve emphasized how challenging it has been for “NCIS” to compensate for the absence of Ziva as a character after she left, and Season 10 offers numerous instances that highlight her significant role in the show – it’s no accident that the series’ golden age coincides with Ziva’s most substantial storylines.
5. NCIS, Season 8
In Season 8 of “NCIS”, they made some significant leaps, like the expansive storyline about the Port-to-Port serial killer that spanned over five episodes. While “NCIS” is generally a series with ongoing plots, it’s also important to note that it airs on network television, which means many smaller arcs are usually resolved within one or two episodes so as not to confuse viewers who miss a few episodes. However, by 2010, when Season 8 debuted, cable shows such as “Breaking Bad”, “Mad Men”, and “Sons of Anarchy” were attracting audiences with their more intricate and prolonged narratives – a trend that was putting pressure on the networks to adapt.
In Season 8, it seemed like “NCIS” was eager to demonstrate its worth – not only for itself but also for the entire television industry. This competitive spirit resulted in some remarkable developments. The storylines became more expansive, character choices had far-reaching consequences beyond the next few episodes, and even events from Season 1 were revisited through flashbacks.
Meanwhile, even though his Emmy-winning guest roles on “The Big Bang Theory”, airing on CBS, were capturing all the limelight back then, Bob Newhart also starred in a significant episode of “NCIS” during Season 8. He portrayed the retired NCIS Chief Medical Examiner whose tenure came before Ducky’s, directly setting the stage for his character.
4. NCIS, Season 5
It speaks volumes about the quality of Season 5 of “NCIS” that it ranks so highly, despite being shortened by the 2007-2008 Writers Guild strike. The exploration of the characters’ histories, which had begun in Season 4, was further developed here, especially with regard to Gibbs. Additionally, this season saw a significant increase in allusions to past events, giving the impression that the production team felt secure enough in their audience size to assume viewers were catching up.
It’s worth noting that many lists ranking the best episodes of “NCIS” often overlook Season 5. However, this doesn’t mean it’s a weak season. Instead, it suggests that the episodes in Season 5 are so well-integrated that they lack those standout episodes which can sometimes overshadow other episodes when viewed individually. That being said, Season 5 does have some exceptional episodes, particularly “Chimera,” marking the 100th episode of the series, and “Internal Affairs,” which serves as the conclusion to the exciting storyline involving arms dealer La Grenouille (Armand Assante), a tale that began in Season 4.
3. NCIS, Season 7
There’s something about Season 7 of a long-running show that always feels a little extra special. If you believe in numerology, the number seven is, of course, associated with luck and good fortune — which may be all the explanation you need for the trend. But it’s also because it’s the point at which a show has managed to overcome the doldrums that often come around Seasons 4 and 5 of many series, and has proven that it has what it takes creatively to stick around for the long haul. It might not be the absolute best season of “NCIS,” but Season 7 certainly comes close.
In the captivating Season 7 of “NCIS,” the menacing Raynosa Drug Cartel casts a long shadow, keeping everyone guessing. The NCIS team, along with viewers, are kept on their toes throughout. The crew showcases their skills as seasoned detectives rather than just high-tech investigation tool users, particularly in the standout episode “Power Down,” where a power outage forces them to revert to traditional methods. Additionally, Ziva becomes a permanent team member, Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) makes his first appearance as assistant NCIS director (later becoming director), and it’s revealed that the cartel leader has significant personal connections with Gibbs, which will impact the storyline far beyond this season. Season 7 of “NCIS” offers some of the finest television of the 2000s, even surpassing those prestigious cable shows.
2. NCIS, Season 9
Amongst the outstanding seasons of “NCIS”, seasons seven through nine stand out as exceptional. If we were talking about movies, Season 9 would be akin to a trilogy’s climactic finale. It boasts the intensity that many shows aspire to but rarely achieve.
One unique aspect of Season 9 that stands out is the extended five-episode arc featuring Jamie Lee Curtis as the captivating Dr. Ryan, a character who challenges Gibbs professionally and briefly shares a romantic connection with him. Notably, Curtis hadn’t been very active on television during the previous two decades before this stint on “NCIS”, making her appearance here even more significant. Following her time on our show, she went on to star in other popular TV series like “New Girl” and “Scream Queens”, as well as delivering an Emmy-winning performance on “The Bear”. This subsequent television work only serves to make her time on “NCIS” all the more cherished.
1. NCIS, Season 3
In response to Season 2’s setback for “NCIS”, Season 3 not only managed to resurrect the show and demonstrate it wasn’t a mere flash in the pan, but it remains its most impressive season to this day. It seemed as though the writers were determined to regain viewer trust at the start of this season, and they did so by launching with an opening episode that was so impactful it required a two-part premiere. The season then concluded with equal force, wrapping up in another thrilling double-header. Can you recall many TV seasons that have the audacity to be framed by two-part episodes, let alone possess the talent to execute such an approach effectively?
In addition, Season 3 developed the characters of Ziva and Tony for both viewers and the storyline, setting up one of the most skillfully paced romantic build-ups in recent television history. Sadly, we also witnessed how Gibbs’ heartbreaking loss of his wife and daughter shaped him into the tough, sometimes aloof character he is today, through a flashback triggered by a coma. This was one of the initial significant glimpses into Gibbs’ life before Season 1, and it certainly wasn’t the last. Some might argue that Season 3 was almost too impressive, as “NCIS” has yet to surpass it, which could be considered its only notable shortcoming.
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2024-11-10 15:32