NCIS (2003)

Kernel Score: 88% · 2,463 ratings

Genres: Crime, Drama, Action & Adventure

First aired: 2003-09-23

Seasons: 23 · 500 episodes

Is NCIS worth watching?

Worth watching. A Navy-focused team of investigators solves crimes with banter and loyalty. It's a comfortable, formula procedural with a huge number of episodes. Viewers like it a lot, though it rarely surprises.

Watch it if you

  • like reliable case-of-the-week procedurals
  • enjoy team banter and familiar characters
  • want a show with a lot of episodes

Skip it if you

  • want serialized, challenging storytelling
  • find formulaic crime shows dull

Best for: Background watching

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch NCIS

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, a team of special agents investigates any crime that has any connection to Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position.

NCIS parents' guide: ages 12+

Parents need to know that NCIS is a TV-14 crime procedural about Navy investigators handling murder, terrorism, and espionage.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Storylines involve murder, terrorism, and criminal investigations, with crime-scene and action violence typical of a TV-14 procedural.
  • Language: Some — Moderate language fits the TV-14 rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like NCIS

If you liked NCIS, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • The Mentalist (2008) — 92%: Charming procedural with a clever, witty lead.
  • Criminal Minds (2005) — 90%: Team-based case-of-the-week crime show with a darker edge.
  • FBI (2018) — 89%: Procedural with a team of federal agents.
  • Person of Interest (2011) — 89%: Crime drama with a high-concept hook and strong team.
  • Scorpion (2014) — 91%: Fast-moving team drama built around crises.
  • Reacher (2022) — 91%: Straightforward, satisfying crime action with a tough lead.

Cast

  • Sean Murray as Timothy McGee
  • Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres
  • Katrina Law as Jessica Knight
  • Brian Dietzen as Jimmy Palmer
  • Rocky Carroll as Leon Vance
  • Diona Reasonover as Kasie Hines
  • Gary Cole as Alden Parker

NCIS FAQ

Is NCIS worth watching?

Worth watching. A Navy-focused team of investigators solves crimes with banter and loyalty. It's a comfortable, formula procedural with a huge number of episodes. Viewers like it a lot, though it rarely surprises.

Where can I watch NCIS?

In the US you can stream NCIS on Netflix, Hulu, Fubo, Paramount+, Philo and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Paramount+ and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.

Is NCIS OK for kids?

NCIS is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 12+. Parents need to know that NCIS is a TV-14 crime procedural about Navy investigators handling murder, terrorism, and espionage.

What shows are like NCIS?

If you liked NCIS, try The Mentalist, Criminal Minds, FBI and Person of Interest.