How Many Seasons of NCIS Are There?
Introduction to NCIS
NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is a popular American television series that premiered on CBS in September 2003. Created by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill, the show revolves around a team of special agents who investigate criminal cases involving members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
The show has gained a massive following over the years due to its compelling storylines, well-developed characters, and a talented cast that includes Mark Harmon, Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, and Emily Wickersham, among others. The series has also received critical acclaim and has been nominated for numerous awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards and People’s Choice Awards. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at how many seasons of NCIS have aired and delve into some of the show’s most noteworthy moments.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
NCIS has been on the air for nearly two decades, and in that time, the show has produced a total of 19 seasons. The first season premiered in September 2003 and consisted of 23 episodes. Since then, the show has aired every year, with the exception of the 2020-2021 season, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s a breakdown of how many episodes were in each season of NCIS:
- Season 1: 23 episodes
- Season 2: 23 episodes
- Season 3: 24 episodes
- Season 4: 24 episodes
- Season 5: 19 episodes
- Season 6: 25 episodes
- Season 7: 24 episodes
- Season 8: 24 episodes
- Season 9: 24 episodes
- Season 10: 24 episodes
- Season 11: 24 episodes
- Season 12: 24 episodes
- Season 13: 24 episodes
- Season 14: 24 episodes
- Season 15: 24 episodes
- Season 16: 24 episodes
- Season 17: 20 episodes
- Season 18: 16 episodes
In addition to the regular seasons, NCIS has also produced several special episodes, including a two-part JAG crossover episode and a two-part NCIS: Los Angeles crossover episode.
Notable Episodes and Moments
Over the course of its 19 seasons, NCIS has produced many memorable episodes and moments that have left a lasting impact on fans. Here are a few noteworthy examples:
- “Twilight” (Season 2, Episode 23) – The first NCIS episode to feature the character of Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), who would go on to become a beloved member of the team.
- “Hiatus” (Season 3, Episodes 23-24) – A two-part episode that marks the departure of Special Agent Caitlin Todd (Sasha Alexander) and introduces her replacement, Ziva David.
- “Requiem” (Season 5, Episode 7) – A heartbreaking episode in which Gibbs (Mark Harmon) must confront the death of his mentor, Mike Franks (Muse Watson).
- “Truth or Consequences” (Season 7, Episode 1) – A dramatic episode that sees Ziva David captured and tortured in Somalia, leading to a daring rescue mission by the team.
- “Swan Song” (Season 8, Episode 24) – A pivotal episode that marks the departure of fan-favorite character Mike Franks (Muse Watson) and sees Gibbs taking on his arch-nemesis, Sergei Mishnev (Alex Veadov).
- “Family First” (Season 13, Episode 24) – A significant episode that marks the departure of Michael Weatherly’s character, Tony DiNozzo, and sets up the future of the show.
These are just a few examples of the many standout moments from NCIS, which has continued to captivate audiences with its thrilling storytelling and compelling characters.
Spin-Offs and Crossovers
NCIS has spawned several spin-offs and crossovers over the years, further expanding the world of the series and introducing new characters and storylines. Here are a few examples:
- NCIS: Los Angeles – This spin-off premiered in 2009 and follows a team of NCIS agents based in Los Angeles. The series stars Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, and Daniela Ruah, among others.
- NCIS: New Orleans – Another spin-off, NCIS: New Orleans premiered in 2014 and follows a team of NCIS agents based in New Orleans. The series stars Scott Bakula, Lucas Black, and Vanessa Ferlito, among others.
- JAG – NCIS was originally a spin-off of JAG (Judge Advocate General), a legal drama that aired on CBS from 1995 to 2005. NCIS and JAG crossed over several times, with characters from one show appearing on the other.
- Hawaii Five-0 – NCIS has also crossed over with the CBS series Hawaii Five-0. In a two-part episode that aired in 2014, Gibbs and his team travel to Hawaii to team up with the Five-0 task force and solve a case together.
These spin-offs and crossovers have allowed fans to delve deeper into the world of NCIS and see different sides of the franchise. They’ve also introduced new characters and provided opportunities for fan-favorite characters to interact and collaborate.
Future of NCIS
As of April 2023, NCIS has not been officially renewed for a 20th season. However, the show remains one of CBS’s top-rated dramas and has a devoted fan base, so there’s reason to believe that it will continue for at least a few more seasons.
There have also been rumors of a potential NCIS Hawaii spin-off, although no official announcement has been made at this time. If the spin-off were to happen, it would mark the fourth series in the NCIS franchise and could introduce a whole new cast of characters and storylines.
Regardless of what the future holds for NCIS, the show has already established itself as a beloved classic of American television, with a rich history and countless memorable moments. Fans can continue to look forward to new episodes, and the opportunity to see their favorite characters solve more thrilling cases and navigate the challenges of life in the Navy and Marine Corps.
