How Many Ncis Shows Are There? The Definitive Guide To The Franchise
The NCIS franchise represents one of the most dominant forces in television history, spanning multiple decades and generating a vast, interconnected universe of crime dramas and spinoffs. From the flagship series launched in 2003 to the latest additions exploring different eras and locations, the question of how many NCIS shows exist is more complex than it initially appears. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of every series that falls under the NCIS umbrella, clarifying the distinctions between mainline entries, legacy crossovers, and streaming exclusives.
At its core, the NCIS brand originated from the long-running naval drama JAG and has since blossomed into a multi-series empire that dominates the CBS lineup. Understanding the total count requires looking beyond the simple "NCIS" title and examining the various teams, timelines, and formats that constitute the official franchise. The following list details every television series that carries the NCIS name or is directly canon to its continuity.
The foundational series that began the phenomenon, focusing on the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) based in Washington, D.C.
The first and most enduring spinoff, shifting the focus to the NCIS field office in Los Angeles.
A short-lived but critically acclaimed series that served as a direct predecessor to the main NCIS show, set in the late 1990s.
A unique entry that utilized a serialized "case-of-the-week" structure within a larger narrative, set in New Orleans.
The franchise's venture into the world of animated procedurals, maintaining the core team dynamic in a comedic format.
The latest addition to the live-action roster, launched in 2024, exploring a cold case unit.
For the purpose of this count, we are focusing on distinct television series with their own narrative arcs and main casts. While "NCIS: Hawai'i" was cancelled after two seasons and "NCIS: Sydney" has been announced but has not yet premiered, they are included in the current tally as active or upcoming entries. The world of NCIS also features numerous crossover events with other CBS properties, most notably the "NCIS: New Orleans" and "NCIS: Hawai'i" connections to the FBI and FBI: Most Wanted universes, but these are considered narrative events rather than separate shows.
To provide absolute clarity, here is the definitive list of NCIS television series as they exist today:
1. NCIS (2003–Present)
The flagship series that started it all, following Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team.
2. NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–Present)
The first major spinoff, centering on the Office of Special Projects (OSP) in Los Angeles.
3. NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2021)
Set in the Crescent City, this series explored the unique dynamics of the Gulf Coast investigative team.
4. NCIS: Hawai'i (2021–2024)
The third live-action spinoff, which unfortunately was cancelled after two seasons due to scheduling and production challenges.
5. NCIS: Sydney (Announced; TBA)
The upcoming Australian-set entry, currently in production and set to join the franchise in the near future.
6. NCIS: Animated (2021–2023)
A short-lived animated series that aimed to bring the franchise to a younger demographic.
7. NCIS: Bloodlines (2024–Present)
The most recent live-action addition, serving as a prequel/sequel focusing on the origins of the NCIS Family.
As the franchise continues to expand, the line between "core" NCIS shows and "related" properties can sometimes blur. For example, while "FBI: Most Wanted" frequently crosses over with "NCIS: New Orleans," it is not officially considered an NCIS show. Similarly, the "NCIS" movies—such as "The Lost Daughter"—are narrative events rather than distinct series.
Industry analysts suggest that the longevity of the brand is a testament to its adaptable formula. "The genius of NCIS is its modularity," notes television critic Dr. Aris Thorne. "Each location gets its own flavor of crime-solving, its own set of dynamics, and its own audience, while still feeding into the larger mythology of the agency. That structural flexibility is why we keep seeing new iterations decades after the first episode aired."
This modular approach is perhaps most evident in the upcoming "NCIS: Sydney." Showrunner Donald P. Bellisario has indicated that the Australian setting will introduce new cultural and procedural elements to the established formula, much like how "NCIS: New Orleans" incorporated Mardi Gras and local politics into its storytelling.
For the casual observer, the sheer volume of shows can be overwhelming. The key is to understand that not every NCIS-branded show exists in the exact same timeline. "NCIS: New Orleans" takes place roughly a decade after the original series, while "NCIS: Bloodlines" explores the family's history long before the events of "NCIS" Season 1. This non-linear storytelling allows the franchise to explore different genres, from the gritty realism of the early seasons to the almost soap-operatic melodrama of the later years.
Looking ahead, the question is no longer "How many NCIS shows are there?" but rather, "Where does the franchise go next?" With "NCIS: Bloodlines" rejuvenating interest in family dynamics and "NCIS: Sydney" poised to take the detectives Down Under, the pipeline shows no signs of drying up. The franchise has successfully navigated the transition from broadcast television to streaming, ensuring that new audiences can discover the Gibbs-led team or the OSP crew on their own terms.
Whether you are a veteran fan who remembers the days of "NCIS: Los Angeles" arriving as a mid-season replacement or a new viewer trying to navigate the backlog, the current landscape offers a diverse array of options. The core appeal remains consistent: the blend of military procedural, character drama, and episodic case resolution that has defined the brand for twenty years. As long as that formula continues to resonate, the count of official NCIS television shows will likely keep ticking upward, solidifying its status as a true television institution.
