There’s no denying the appeal of procedurals and shared universes. NCIS is not just one of the longest-running procedurals on TV, it also has a long, shared universe to draw from. In fact, you’ll probably be surprised at how many shows exist in the NCIS universe, and how the franchise is far from dying: NCIS: Origins just premiered in 2024, and NCIS: Tony & Ziva is set to premiere in Fall 2025.
But what’s the right order to watch them? Is it chronologically? In order of release? What makes the most sense? Here’s how to watch all NCIS shows in order, and where to find them on streaming.
JAG (1995-2005)
The only show on the list with a non-NCIS name, JAG is technically where it all started. JAG, which stands for Judge Advocate General, is a Navy-based law show, and technically, the prequel to NCIS. In fact, the Season 8 two-parter, "Ice Queen"/"Meltdown,' serves as backdoor pilot for the main NCIS and introduces Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Anthony DiNozzo and Abby Sciuto. So, start here.
NCIS (2003-Present)
The show that really started it all is NCIS...or Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The main show is set in Washington D.C., with the team based at the Washington Navy Yard. It follows the Major Case Response Team (MCRT), a specialized team within NCIS that investigates high-profile and complex cases involving the Navy and Marine Corps. And yes, it’s going on Season 23—with a vastly different cast than when it started. Yet, it’s somehow still a fan favorite. Since all the shows happen more or less chronologically, this is your next stop.
NCIS: Los Angeles (2009-2023)
The first NCIS spinoff, NCIS: Los Angeles keeps the same team mostly intact during its entire run, with Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J heading a team that includes Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen. Set in Los Angeles with characters first introduced in a backdoor pilot on NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles focuses on the Office of Special Projects, a team that tracks criminals who threaten national security—with a fair bit of undercover work thrown in.
NCIS: New Orleans (2014-2021)
Following the ‘an NCIS team in every city’ joke, the next spinoff is NCIS: New Orleans, which follows a team tasked with investigating cases from Pensacola through Mississippi and Louisiana to the Texas panhandle. Headed by Scott Bakula, this show is perhaps the redheaded stepchild of the franchise, even if it has seven seasons and some crossovers with NCIS. The NCIS Season 11 episodes, "Crescent City (Part I)" and "Crescent City (Part II)" serve as the show’s backdoor pilot.
NCIS: Hawai’i (2021-2024)
NCIS: Hawai’i was not introduced via a backdoor pilot on NCIS but meant to stand on its own from the beginning. The show follows the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor, Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) and her team as they investigate crimes related to the military and national security on the Hawaiian Islands. The show was sadly cancelled in 2024, mainly due to how expensive it was to film.
NCIS: Sydney (2023-Present)
Set in Sydney, Australia, and also not introduced via a backdoor pilot, NCIS: Sydney is one of the three (soon to be four) NCIS shows still ongoing. It is also perhaps the most separated from the main franchise, as it features a self-contained cast and no crossovers as of yet. However, NCIS already mentioned team lead Michelle Mackey (Olivia Swann) during Season 22, so it feels like only a matter of time before a crossover does happen.
NCIS: Origins (2024-Present)
Technically set before all of the shows, NCIS: Origins follows the first few days of Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who led the main NCIS show and team for almost 20 years. It is, however, the kind of show that can only truly be appreciated if you already know Gibbs, as it’s filled with Easter eggs to the past that is actually the future. It is best to watch NCIS before diving into this one.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva (Upcoming)
Two of NCIS’ most beloved characters, Ziva David and Anthony DiNozzo, return for new adventures on NCIS: Tony & Ziva, set to debut in Fall 2025. The series begins with Tony and Ziva living in Paris, raising their teenage daughter, Tali. But after Tony’s security company is attacked, the three must go on the run across Europe and rely on all of the skills they learned during their time at NCIS to survive. Hopefully, this spinoff will also delve into their romance, which fans were cheated out of on the main NCIS.
Where To Watch All NCIS Universe Shows Online
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