The Best 'NCIS' Shows, From 'JAG' to 'Hawaii Five-0'

Ranker TV
Updated May 7, 2024 11 items
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693 votes
227 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the best show in the NCIS television franchise.

There are already three shows in the NCIS franchise but, thanks to their regular crossovers with shows outside the immediate franchise, the NCIS universe extends farther than you ever thought. Beginning with JAG, which premiered on September 23, 1995, audiences were introduced to naval-themed legal dramas. In 2003 the concept and characters for NCIS were introduced via a backdoor pilot. Since then, there have been some great NCIS series, in the expanded NCIS universe, as characters from the main franchise show up in other shows and expand the world of JAG and NCIS over 20 years and aired over 1,000 episodes.

In 2014, NCIS had been on the air longer than JAG. Mark Harmon has starred in every NCIS season playing the former marine, now special agent, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. NCIS: Los Angeles is also a popular series in the franchise and features an all-star cast including Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J. In total, there are nine series in the NCIS universe, some of which are reboots of popular serial cop dramas from the eighties. The family tree of the NCIS universe has branches at JAG (with the spinoff Firsts Monday) and with Hawaii Five-0 (which had a crossover with NCIS: LA and links the other series to the Lenkov-verse) Many episodes in the NCIS franchise feature stories that have been ripped from the headlines.

In this list, we're going to look at all the NCIS shows and find out once and for all which are the best in the NCIS universe. Vote up the best NCIS TV shows ever made.

Latest additions: NCIS: Sydney
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best 'NCIS' Shows, From 'JAG' to 'Hawaii Five-0'
  • NCIS
    1

    NCIS

    Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen
    135 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Criminal Minds, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Bones, The Mentalist
    Why Should I Stream? Crime procedural fans will relish in the high-stakes investigations and complex character relationships of NCIS, which has garnered a massive following since its debut. With its expert blend of action, humor, and drama, this long-running series has cemented its place in television history. The show's relevance continues to grow as it delves deeper into the lives of special agents working for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

    Special agents investigate crimes related to the Navy and Marine Corps.
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  • NCIS: Los Angeles
    2

    NCIS: Los Angeles

    Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J, Linda Hunt
    114 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Hawaii Five-0, Covert Affairs, Burn Notice, White Collar, 24
    Why Should I Stream? Set against the backdrop of sunny California, NCIS: Los Angeles offers viewers an exhilarating mix of intricate espionage missions and engaging personal stories. As a spin-off from the original series, this fast-paced show expands upon the established universe while carving out its own identity. Soaring ratings and consistent critical acclaim speak to its undeniable success in both realms.

    OSP agents track criminals who threaten national security.
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  • JAG
    3

    JAG

    David James Elliott, Catherine Bell, Patrick Laborteaux
    61 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: A Few Good Men(movie), Boston Legal , The Practice , Ally McBeal , L.A. Law
    Why Should I Stream? As a precursor to NCIS's phenomenal success, JAG remains an enduring fan favorite thanks to its fascinating exploration of military justice and engrossing courtroom drama. The show's striking combination of legal intrigue and personal relationships sets it apart from other crime procedurals while providing viewers with captivating storylines rooted in ethical dilemmas and complex characters. Experience these thought-provoking episodes that offer insights into the rarely seen world of Navy lawyers fighting for truth both inside and outside the courtroom.

    In a seamless fusion of military drama and legal intrigue, this long-running series delves deep into the high-stakes world of the United States Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps. Through the eyes of determined characters such as Lt. Cmdr. Harmon Rabb (David James Elliott) and Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie (Catherine Bell), the show explores complex cases involving criminal investigations, ethical dilemmas, and international disputes. Spanning ten seasons,JAG is often lauded for its accurate portrayal of military life and thought-provoking storylines. With an ensemble cast delivering compelling performances, this TV gem remains a classic in the annals of television history.
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  • Hawaii Five-0
    4

    Hawaii Five-0

    Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, Chi McBride
    92 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Magnum P.I., MacGyver, NCIS: Los Angeles, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, The A-Team
    Why Should I Stream? Hawaii Five-0 is a captivating modern-day reimagining of a classic TV series that seamlessly blends thrilling action sequences with lush island landscapes. This tropical crime procedural stands apart from others in the genre with innovative storytelling techniques and intriguing local customs woven throughout each episode. It's no wonder that audiences around the world have embraced this exciting take on Honolulu's elite crime-fighting task force.

    Hawaii Five-0, an action-packed police procedural drama, gracefully showcases the picturesque landscape of Hawaii while delving into its rich cultural heritage. The series has garnered several award nominations for its exceptional storytelling and stellar performances. At its core, the show follows a skilled task force led by Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) and Danny Williams (Scott Caan), as they tackle high-profile crimes across the islands. Each episode blends thrilling action sequences with moments of heartfelt camaraderie among the team members, creating an engaging and immersive viewing experience. Steeped in local lore and traditions, Hawaii Five-0 offers a refreshing take on the classic crime-solving genre.
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  • Scorpion
    5

    Scorpion

    Elyes Gabel, Robert Patrick, Katharine McPhee
    50 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Numb3rs, Leverage, Chuck, MacGyver (2016), Limitless
    Why Should I Stream? Rooted in real-life genius Walter O'Brien's experiences, Scorpion combines gripping high-tech adventures with heartwarming human connections to deliver a truly unique viewing experience. Each episode immerses viewers in cutting-edge technology-driven missions while exploring the everyday struggles of an eccentric group of misfits. Delve into this one-of-a-kind series that showcases ingenious problem-solving skills and engaging character dynamics.

    A team of brilliant misfits helps Homeland Security defend against complex high-tech threats.
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  • NCIS: New Orleans
    6

    NCIS: New Orleans

    Scott Bakula, Vanessa Ferlito, Rob Kerkovich
    103 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Castle, The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, Major Crimes, Justified
    Why Should I Stream? NCIS: New Orleans serves up a delectable Southern twist on the popular investigative franchise by delving into cases rich with regional flavor and vibrant characters. Set against a culturally diverse backdrop, this spin-off boasts an impressive ensemble cast led by Scott Bakula whose performances strike an ideal balance between professionalism and charm. Each episode showcases fascinating storylines that explore Crescent City's unique culture and history.

    Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Crescent City, NCIS: New Orleans invites viewers into a world of crime-solving, camaraderie, and culture. This spin-off series has captured audiences with its unique blend of action, drama, and southern charm. As Special Agent Dwayne Pride, Scott Bakula leads a dedicated team of agents who tirelessly work to protect the city they love. Each episode delves into the rich history and diverse communities of New Orleans while unraveling complex cases that challenge even the most experienced investigators. With its memorable characters and compelling storytelling, NCIS: New Orleans offers an engaging television experience that keeps fans coming back for more.
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  • NCIS: Hawai'i
    7

    NCIS: Hawai'i

    Vanessa Lachey, Alex Tarrant, Noah Mills
    64 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Magnum P.I. (2018), Lethal Weapon (TV series), Chicago P.D., S.W.A.T., Blue Bloods
    Why Should I Stream? The latest addition to the NCIS universe, NCIS: Hawai'i brings a fresh perspective to the franchise with its first-ever female-led team working in the picturesque setting of Oahu. The show's dynamic, diverse cast has been widely praised for their compelling performances and on-screen chemistry, making it an instant hit with both new and long-standing fans alike. Tune in for thrilling investigations, breathtaking scenery, and groundbreaking storytelling.

    Jane Tennant and her team of specialists investigate high-stakes crimes.
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  • Magnum, P.I.
    8

    Magnum, P.I.

    Jay Hernandez, Perdita Weeks, Zachary Knighton
    54 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Knight Rider (1982), Miami Vice (1984), Simon & Simon , Remington Steele , The Rockford Files
    Why Should I Stream? Revitalizing a classic '80s private investigator series for modern audiences, Magnum, P.I., skillfully balances action-packed cases with lighthearted humor and camaraderie amongst its charismatic ensemble cast. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii, the reboot features captivating storylines involving veterans' issues and local culture while paying homage to its source material. This contemporary take has proven successful in capturing viewers' imaginations through high-octane adventures guided by heart and loyalty.

    A former Navy SEAL works as a private investigator in Hawaii with the help of his partner and team.
  • MacGyver
    9

    MacGyver

    Lucas Till, Tristin Mays, Justin Hires
    44 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Quantum Leap, Airwolf, The Incredible Hulk (1978), The Six Million Dollar Man, Knight Rider (1982)
    Why Should I Stream? Inventive ingenuity takes center stage in MacGyver as viewers witness extraordinary feats using unconventional resources to save lives during high-stakes missions. With each episode presenting unique challenges requiring resourcefulness and quick thinking from its titular hero, this action-adventure series remains a fan favorite. Dive into an exhilarating world where brains triumph over brawn and creative problem-solving thrives.

    In an ingenious fusion of action, adventure, and problem-solving, the rebooted series pays homage to its classic '80s predecessor while incorporating modern twists. Viewers follow the resourceful Angus MacGyver (Lucas Till) as he uses his extraordinary intellect and unconventional methods to outwit adversaries and save countless lives. Nominated for multiple Teen Choice Awards, this show delves into the intricacies of teamwork and friendship, as MacGyver collaborates with a covert government organization, led by the stern but caring Patricia Thornton (Sandrine Holt). With each thrilling episode, audiences are treated to a masterclass in creative thinking and daring escapades.
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  • NCIS: Sydney
    10

    NCIS: Sydney

    Olivia Swann, Todd Lasance, Sean Sagar
    19 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: City Homicide (Canadian version), Rush(Australia), Blue Heelers (Australian drama) Water Rats (Australian drama), The Bill (British crime drama)
    Why Should I Stream? Expanding the franchise's global reach, NCIS: Sydney embarks on fascinating investigations centered around Australia's sparkling harbor city and its unique maritime culture. This highly-anticipated spin-off promises to captivate viewers with new characters, intriguing storylines, and exotic locales as it transports audiences to a fresh setting while maintaining the signature mix of action, humor, and drama that fans have come to love.

    A team of NCIS agents and the AFP are grafted into a taskforce to keep naval crimes in check.
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  • First Monday
    11

    First Monday

    Joe Mantegna, James Garner, Charles Durning
    34 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: The West Wing, Boston Legal, The Good Wife, Suits, Law & Order
    Why Should I Stream? With a rare glimpse behind the curtains of America's highest court, First Monday offers a captivating examination of the Supreme Court justices' personal dynamics as they grapple with the nation's most pressing legal issues. This engaging drama showcases the delicate balance between personal convictions and legal obligations while humanizing those tasked with interpreting the Constitution for millions of citizens. Step into this thought-provoking courtroom series that sheds light on an institution often shrouded in mystery.

    Nine Supreme Court Justices make decisions that affect history and headlines.