From courtrooms to covert missions and from Southern jazz to Sydney harbors, the NCIS franchise is a franchise featuring unforgettable characters, high-stakes cases, and more spin-offs than you can count on one hand. No, really. There’s more than you think.
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been solving crimes with Gibbs since the early 2000s, watching the NCIS shows in release order gives you the clearest, most rewarding experience. But which shows were released when?
Here is a complete guide to watching every NCIS show in order. Read on!
1. JAG (1996-2005)
Start your NCIS journey with the two-part backdoor pilot in JAG (Season 8, Episodes 20 & 21, aired in 2003).
These episodes bring in Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, along with Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, who’s played by Michael Weatherly, and forensic specialist Abigail “Abby” Sciuto, played by Pauley Perrette.
Tuning into JAG is like seeing the magic happen between the characters for the first time!
Where to Watch: Paramount+
2. NCIS (2003–Present)
NCIS is where it all began! The original version of the show follows Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team. They crack cases that have the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps tied up in knots, and it’s been a favorite on the small screen for more than 20 years now.
You’ve got your all-stars like Special Agent Timothy McGee, played by Sean Murray, and Special Agent Ziva David, brought to life by Cote de Pablo. Don’t forget about Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, played by David McCallum. All of them are gone at this point, but fear not, there’s a new team, led by Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and featuring, on top of McGee, who is still around, Jessica Knight (Katrina Law), Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), and Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) plus Kasie Hines (Diona Reasonover).
What really makes this show tick are the relationships between the characters. And even if Gibbs isn’t around anymore, the Gibbs way remains.
Where to Watch: Paramount+, CBS
3. NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023)
NCIS: Los Angeles is the cousin of the NCIS family, with a lot more undercover work than the original. The main foursome is made up of Special Agent G. Callen, played by Chris O’Donnell, and LL Cool J as former Navy SEAL Sam Hanna, and Special Agent Kensi Blye, played by Daniela Ruah, and LAPD Liaison Marty Deeks, played by Eric Christian Olsen.
If you’re someone who enjoys the original NCIS but craves a bit more adrenaline, this is the show for you. It delivers on the action front and leans more into counter-terrorism and surveillance. Plus, it’s got perhaps the best ship on the NCISverse in Densi.
Where to Watch: Paramount+
4. NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2021)
Set in the heart of Louisiana, NCIS: New Orleans follows Special Agent Dwayne Cassius Pride (Scott Bakula) and his team as they tackle crimes in a city famous for its music, food, and culture.
This series stands out for its Southern charm, local flavor, and a close-knit team. If you love character-driven stories with a unique setting, this one’s for you. Also, check it out if you love Louisiana.
Where to Watch: Paramount+
5. NCIS: Hawai’i (2021–2024)
NCIS: Hawai’i is the first series in the franchise led by a female Special Agent in Charge, Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey). It’s also the first one to feature a queer ship in Kacy, the relationship between NCIS: Hawai’i, featuring FBI Special Agent Kate Whistler (Tori Anderson) and NCIS Special Agent Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami).
Beaches and a fresh, diverse team give this team a different vibe from the rest of the NCIS world. It’s a great entry point for new fans and a fun change of pace for longtime viewers.
Where to Watch: Paramount+
6. NCIS: Sydney (2023–Present)
The first international spin-off, NCIS: Sydney, introduces a new team of special agents investigating naval crimes in Australia. Australia? Yes, Australia. Somehow it works, integrating the local team with the NCIS agents for a fresh take at the stories we’ve seen before.
With new faces, Aussie culture, and storylines that feel very local, the NCIS universe brings a global twist to the classic formula. Plus, the show has set up two good ships already. Here at Fangirlish, we’re suckers for that.
Where to Watch: Paramount+
7. NCIS: Origins (2024–Present)
Go back in time with NCIS: Origins, a prequel series set in the 1990s that explores the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. And if you liked the character before, this is a must-watch.
See how Gibbs became the leader and legend he is today, with plenty of Easter eggs and callbacks for dedicated fans. Watching this after the original series lets you appreciate all the character development and franchise lore. Sure, it’s set before NCIS, but would it really make sense if you don’t already know Gibbs? The answer is no.
Where to Watch: Paramount+
8. NCIS: Tony & Ziva (2025)
The spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which reunited Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and former Mossad officer Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), only lasted one season. But what a season it was, giving fans the kind of closure they’d been waiting for. And the characters remain out there, ready to visit us again.
Case in point, Weatherly is set to return to NCIS in the upcoming season. Will we see Ziva too? And Tali? Hopefully, the answer will be yes.
9. NCIS: New York (2026)
Yes, the ninth show in the franchise, NCIS: New York. And yes, that is indeed Sam Hanna you see, with LL Cool J reprising the role he originated in NCIS: Los Angeles. This time, Sam is going back home, and he’ll get a new partner and a new team. Hopefully, he’ll keep us updated on his old team, though.
We need to know what happened to Hetty. And Callen’s baby! Plus, did Kensi and Deeks have a boy or a girl? Inquiring minds want to know.
The show will premiere in fall 2026, alongside NCIS and NCIS: Origins.
Where to Watch: Paramount+ upon release.
