The NCIS franchise has been solving crimes on television for over two decades, but keeping track of all the shows can feel like a full-time job. From the original series that started it all to the newest adventures in Australia and Europe, this guide breaks down exactly where every NCIS series fits in the timeline. Whether you are a new viewer wondering where to begin or a longtime fan looking to understand the crossovers, we have organized everything in simple order. The universe began with a military legal drama called JAG back in the 1990s, and today it includes shows set in Los Angeles, New Orleans, Hawaii, Sydney, and even a prequel following a young Gibbs. Here is the only timeline guide you will ever need.
Where It All Began: The JAG Connection
Before there was an NCIS television show, the characters first appeared on a different CBS series. JAG, which stands for Judge Advocate General, aired from 1995 to 2005 and focused on Navy lawyers . In the spring of 2003, during JAG’s eighth season, two special episodes titled “Ice Queen” and “Meltdown” introduced television audiences to a new team of investigators . These episodes served as what the industry calls a backdoor pilot. Viewers met Leroy Jethro Gibbs played by Mark Harmon, Anthony DiNozzo played by Michael Weatherly, Abby Sciuto played by Pauley Perrette, and Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard played by the late David McCallum . These two JAG episodes are technically the very beginning of the NCIS story, and completionists often start here before moving to the main series.
The Main Show: NCIS (2003โPresent)
The flagship series officially premiered on September 23, 2003, under the original clunky title Navy NCIS, which was later shortened to simply NCIS . Set at the Washington Navy Yard, the show follows the Major Case Response Team as they investigate crimes connected to the Navy and Marine Corps . For most of its run, the team was led by the legendary Special Agent Gibbs, a man with a strict set of rules and a tragic past. Over the years, the cast changed many times. Current team members include Sean Murray as Timothy McGee, Wilmer Valderrama as Nicholas Torres, Katrina Law as Jessica Knight, and Gary Cole as Alden Parker, who now leads the team . The show recently celebrated its 500th episode and is currently airing its 22nd season . CBS has already renewed the series for a 23rd and 24th season, proving the original show remains as strong as ever .
NCIS: Los Angeles (2009โ2023)
The franchise expanded for the first time in 2009 with NCIS: Los Angeles. Characters from the Office of Special Projects were introduced in a two-part episode of the mothership series called “Legend, Part 1” and “Legend, Part 2” during NCIS season six . The spin-off focused on undercover operations and high-tech surveillance in the City of Angels. Chris O’Donnell starred as G. Callen, and LL Cool J played Sam Hanna, a former Navy SEAL . The show also featured Daniela Ruah as Kensi Blye and Eric Christian Olsen as Marty Deeks, whose romantic relationship became a fan-favorite storyline. NCIS: Los Angeles ran for an impressive 14 seasons before concluding in May 2023 . This series was known for its action-heavy episodes and deeper exploration of the characters’ personal lives.
NCIS: New Orleans (2014โ2021)
The Big Easy got its own team in 2014 when NCIS: New Orleans premiered. Once again, the spin-off was launched through a backdoor pilot on the original series. The NCIS season 11 episodes “Crescent City (Part I)” and “Crescent City (Part II)” introduced viewers to Dwayne Pride, played by Scott Bakula . Known to friends as “King,” Pride led a team investigating cases across the Gulf Coast region. The show brought the unique culture and music of New Orleans to the forefront, giving it a distinct flavor compared to the other series. It ran for seven seasons, concluding in May 2021 . The series also featured Lucas Black, Zoe McLellan, and CCH Pounder as coroner Loretta Wade.
NCIS: Hawaiสปi (2021โ2024)
Breaking tradition, NCIS: Hawaiสปi did not receive a traditional backdoor pilot introduction. Instead, the show was ordered straight to series and premiered in September 2021 with a historic milestone . Vanessa Lachey starred as Jane Tennant, the first female Special Agent in Charge in franchise history . Set against the beautiful backdrop of Oahu, the series followed the Pearl Harbor field office as they balanced high-stakes investigations with island life. The show featured crossovers with the mothership series, including a two-part event where agents from Washington traveled to Hawaii to assist on a case . Despite positive reviews and a diverse cast, CBS canceled the show in 2024 after three seasons, primarily due to high production costs . A planned three-part crossover with NCIS: Los Angeles served as a fitting farewell for the Hawaii team .
NCIS: Sydney (2023โPresent)
The franchise went international for the first time with NCIS: Sydney, which premiered in November 2023 . This series is a co-production between CBS Studios and Australian broadcasters, making it the first installment set entirely outside the United States. The show follows a mixed task force of American NCIS agents and Australian Federal Police officers working together in one of the most strategic naval regions in the world . The cast includes Olivia Swann as team lead Michelle Mackey and Todd Lasance as JD Dempsey. Unlike previous spin-offs, NCIS: Sydney did not launch from a crossover episode, though the main NCIS series has mentioned Mackey by name, hinting at a possible future connection . The show was recently renewed for a fourth season, securing its place in the expanding universe .
NCIS: Origins (2024โPresent)
For fans who always wanted to know more about Gibbs’ early years, NCIS: Origins provides the answers. This prequel series premiered in October 2024 and takes place in 1991, following a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he starts his career as a special agent at the Camp Pendleton office . Austin Stowell portrays the young Gibbs, while original star Mark Harmon returns as the narrator, voicing the older Gibbs reflecting on his past . The series explores Gibbs’ mentorship under Mike Franks, a legendary agent fans remember from the original show. NCIS: Origins has already been renewed for a third season, proving audiences remain hungry for stories about the franchise’s most iconic character .
NCIS: Tony & Ziva (2025)
The most recent addition to the family is NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which premiered on Paramount+ in 2025 . This series brings back two of the most beloved characters in franchise history. Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reprise their roles as Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, picking up their story years after they left the main show . The plot follows Tony and Ziva living in Paris with their teenage daughter Tali. When Tony’s security company is attacked, the family must go on the run across Europe, relying on the skills they honed during their NCIS days . Sadly, despite fan excitement, Paramount+ canceled the series after just one season in December 2025 . However, the 10-episode season remains available for streaming, giving fans closure on this long-awaited romance.
How to Watch Everything in Chronological Order
For viewers who want to experience the entire NCIS universe in story order rather than release order, the sequence is straightforward. Begin with NCIS: Origins, which is set in 1991 . Next, watch the two-part JAG episodes “Ice Queen” and “Meltdown” from 2003 . Then move to the main NCIS series starting from season one. When you reach NCIS season six, watch episodes 22 and 23 to introduce the Los Angeles team, then alternate between NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles as they aired . In NCIS season 11, watch “Crescent City” parts one and two to meet the New Orleans team, then add NCIS: New Orleans to your rotation. NCIS: Hawaiสปi can be added after its introduction in NCIS season 19 . NCIS: Sydney runs parallel to everything and can be watched anytime after 2023. Finally, end with NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which takes place after the characters left the main series . Pay special attention to crossover episodes, which include:
- NCIS Season 6 Episodes 22-23 (lead to Los Angeles)
- NCIS Season 11 Episodes 18-19 (lead to New Orleans)
- NCIS Season 19 Episode 17 / NCIS: Hawaiสปi Season 1 Episode 18 (two-part crossover)
- NCIS Season 20 Episode 10 / NCIS: Hawaiสปi Season 2 Episode 10 / NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14 Episode 10 (three-part crossover)
The Current State of the Franchise
As of March 2026, the NCIS universe remains in strong health. The flagship NCIS continues airing new episodes on CBS, with season 22 currently underway and future seasons already confirmed . NCIS: Sydney is preparing for its fourth season after the successful renewal announcement . NCIS: Origins has secured a third season, indicating solid viewership for the prequel concept . While NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawaiสปi have concluded their runs, they remain available for streaming. NCIS: Tony & Ziva concluded after one season on Paramount+, but the episodes give fans a proper sendoff for the popular characters. The franchise as a whole has produced over 1,000 episodes across all its series, making it one of the most successful television universes in history .
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The NCIS universe keeps growing because the formula works. Whether you prefer the original Washington team, the undercover work in Los Angeles, the music-soaked streets of New Orleans, or the sunny beaches of Sydney and Hawaii, there is a show for every taste. The timeline may seem complicated at first, but it all connects back to that original team Gibbs built. With new episodes airing weekly and more seasons already confirmed, this franchise shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
