All 4 NCIS shows ranked from worst to best (Warning: No. 4 will stun you)

NCIS shows ranked: What is the best NCIS show?

20 years ago, CBS took a chance on spinning off its hit Naval legal drama JAG with the backdoor pilot for a series following a relatively unknown Naval Criminal Investigative Service department of the government. Months later, NCIS officially debuted its first season and with that, a franchise was born.

In the two decades that have passed since NCIS first debuted in 2003, NCIS has not only enjoyed one of the most successful runs on television but has also launched one of the most successful franchises to ever hit the airwaves.

CBS has since further expanded the universe by introducing fans to more amazing NCIS teams across the US. We’ve traveled to LA, New Orleans, and Hawaii to follow the regions’ elite teams of agents working to solve the latest Naval crimes and fight the good fight.

While each of the NCIS shows follow similar formulas, they’ve each brought their own unique spins to the franchise with their own incredible ensembles. There is a lot to love about each of the shows, but which is the best of the best?

4. NCIS: Los Angeles

Hey, we said our No. 4 pick was going to stun you and we’re pretty sure your jaw might be on the floor at this point but you know what we stand by our convictions in ranking NCIS: Los Angeles as the worst of the NCIS shows.

We get it, of the NCIS shows, NCIS: Los Angeles definitely knew how to bring the action and leaned harder into its focus on espionage and terrorist-based cases than its sister series. However, if you take away the over-the-top action what are you left with? Subpar writing and bad acting.

The cast has a lot of big names, but I’ll die on the hill in saying the acting on this show was just plain awful and the chemistry was just not there. I barely made it through crossover events when I had to see the NCIS: LA cast play opposite the franchise’s other leads. No disrespect to the fans of this long-running series, but no love was lost when CBS finally brought it to an end.

3. NCIS: Hawai’i

Many have criticized NCIS: Hawai’i since its premiere on CBS in 2021; however, don’t let the critics fool you, this show is so much better than many give it credit for!

Led by Vanessa Lachey as NCIS Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant, the series features an amazing ensemble cast who have incredible chemistry and play off one another so well. Each character brings their own unique piece to the puzzle, balancing one another’s personality and dynamics so well!

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The show leverages its backdrop perfectly and has learned to embrace it more with each passing episode, leaning into the unique beauty of Hawaii.

Give it another few seasons and there is no doubt that NCIS: Hawai’i has the potential to rise further in this ranking as the show has delivered two amazing seasons already and shows no signs of slowing down!

2. NCIS: New Orleans

While NCIS: Hawai’i is gradually learning to embrace its backdrop, NCIS: New Orleans made the city of New Orleans a lead character from day one which helped the show bring a unique spin to the franchise.

The vibrant backdrop of New Orleans helped to add a distinct flavor to the show which set it apart from the rest of the series in the franchise. It embraced the city’s history and often found ways to incorporate it into the show’s cases, while also using the city’s music and heart to amplify the viewing experience and the show’s characters.

While there were some major casting changes over the years, the heart of the show was always Scott Bakula’s Special Agent Dwayne Pride, who served as the glue that kept his team together. He was often at the center of some of the show’s biggest storylines, which helped audiences to invest not only in his professional life but his personal life as both were equally spotlighted over the show — something the other series have struggled with at times.

Across its seven seasons, NCIS: New Orleans excelled in delivering a balance of action, suspense, humor, and heart. It struck the winning combination that kept fans coming back and made it a must-watch for audiences.

1. NCIS

While there have been many shows to join the franchise, none will ever come close to topping the success the flagship NCIS show has enjoyed from the start. While its many spinoffs have each been amazing in their own regard, the original series stands above the rest thanks to its perfect blend of crime-solving action and lovable characters who give the show its heart.

In its 450+ episodes, NCIS has never struggled with crafting intriguing mysteries and engaging storylines, striking a perfect balance between case-of-the-week type stories and overarching stories that span several episodes and seasons.

The heart of the show has always been its diverse and amazing characters. While the core team has changed many times over the years as actors have come and gone, the show has this magical way of putting together the perfect combinations of actors to build its ensemble. The chemistry of the show’s cast is unmatched and has given us some of the greatest pairings in the genre.

Fans don’t just like the characters, they genuinely care about their well-being and form emotional connections to them over the years. This is because the show does an incredible job of weaving in witty banter among the agents and creating a sense of family within the team that extends to the audience at home.

Often imitated, never duplicated. Seldom does that phrase apply to any other show in the way it applies to NCIS. While we love the spinoffs, nothing compares to the show that started it all which will always have a special place in the hearts of the franchise’s fans and remains the gold standard for the franchise.

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