The NCIS franchise has become a procedural powerhouse, expanding into a vast shared universe that spans multiple TV series. The franchise originally focused on the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, but it has grown over the years to incorporate a variety of spin-offs, crossovers, and connections to other iconic TV shows. Here’s a look at the 12 TV shows that make up the NCIS universe and how they’re all intertwined.
12. JAG (1995-2005)
JAG is the show that started it all, launching the NCIS universe with its backdoor pilots for the franchise. In JAG’s season 8 episodes “Ice Queen” and “Meltdown,” viewers are introduced to key NCIS characters, including Gibbs, DiNozzo, Abby, and Ducky. This connection is long-lasting, with JAG characters continuing to appear on NCIS and its spin-offs.
11. First Monday (2002)
While short-lived, First Monday shares its universe with JAG through the character of U.S. Senator Edward Sheffield. Sheffield first appeared on First Monday, and after its cancellation, he transitioned to a recurring role on JAG, tying both shows together.
10. NCIS (2003-Present)
The flagship show of the franchise, NCIS debuted in 2003 and established the universe that has expanded ever since. NCIS itself grew out of JAG through a backdoor pilot, and it has continuously crossed over with its spin-offs, such as NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawai’i. The show has become a staple in crime procedural television, with its characters appearing across the wider universe, keeping the series interconnected.
9. NCIS: Los Angeles (2009-2024)
The first major NCIS spin-off, NCIS: Los Angeles was introduced through a backdoor pilot on NCIS in season 6. It brings together characters like G. Callen, Sam Hanna, and Kensi Blye. NCIS: Los Angeles has since featured appearances from NCIS regulars and has also had its own crossovers, including with NCIS: Hawai’i and even Hawaii Five-0.
8. Hawaii Five-0 (2010-2020)
While not initially part of the NCIS universe, Hawaii Five-0 has since crossed over with NCIS: Los Angeles, Magnum P.I., and MacGyver. The crossover events with NCIS are particularly notable, such as the team working together on the “Touch of Death” episode to investigate a crime family. Hawaii Five-0 blends its police procedural with military themes, making it a natural fit in the extended NCIS universe.
7. Scorpion (2014-2018)
A tech-driven action series, Scorpion joined the NCIS universe with a crossover event with NCIS: Los Angeles. In the episode “True Colors,” the Scorpion team is accused of theft, and the NCIS: LA team helps clear their name. The connection between the shows centers on a shared commitment to solving complex problems, albeit from different angles.
6. NCIS: New Orleans (2014-2021)
Introduced through the NCIS episode “Crescent City,” NCIS: New Orleans follows the team in New Orleans, led by Dwayne Pride. The spin-off continued the NCIS tradition of crime investigation with a local twist. It also brought in numerous crossover events, featuring characters from the original NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles teams.
5. MacGyver (2016-2021)
Part of the “Lenkov-verse” alongside Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., MacGyver features crossover moments with Hawaii Five-0, including an episode where MacGyver teams up with the Five-0 team to investigate stolen weapons. While the show didn’t have direct ties to the NCIS franchise, the shared universe allows for connections between the shows.
4. Magnum P.I. (2018-Present)
Like MacGyver, the reboot of Magnum P.I. is part of the “Lenkov-verse” and shares crossover moments with Hawaii Five-0. In “Desperate Measures,” the teams from Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0 unite to investigate a stolen list of CIA agents. This collaboration brings both shows into the NCIS universe via their connections to Hawaii Five-0.
3. NCIS: Hawai’i (2021-Present)
Though it wasn’t introduced via a backdoor pilot, NCIS: Hawai’i quickly became part of the NCIS universe with crossovers from NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles. In the episodes “T’N’T” and “Prisoners’ Dilemma,” characters from the main show join forces with the Hawai’i team to tackle high-stakes investigations, further solidifying its place in the broader universe.
2. NCIS: Sydney (2023-Present)
The latest addition to the NCIS family, NCIS: Sydney brings the franchise’s signature crime procedural format to Australia. Though still in its infancy, the show includes subtle Easter eggs linking it to the broader universe. As the series progresses, we can expect more crossovers and potential connections to other NCIS properties.
1. NCIS: Origins (Upcoming)
Set to be the prequel to the NCIS franchise, NCIS: Origins will explore the formative years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his time at Camp Pendleton in the 1990s. Mark Harmon, who played Gibbs on the original NCIS, will lend his voice as the narrator, making the prequel an exciting new chapter in the franchise’s expansion.
The NCIS universe is vast, spanning across different genres, locations, and even crossover events with other beloved TV series. As it continues to grow, there’s no telling just how many more shows will be added, but for now, these 12 titles represent a world of connections that fans can enjoy, whether they’re following the original investigations in D.C. or solving crimes in Sydney.
