CBS has long been the home of procedural dramas. From NCIS to CSI to FBI, the network has built a reputation for offering viewers crime-solving series that combine suspense, teamwork, and character-driven storytelling. Recently, one fan summed up the appeal of FBI with a blunt yet revealing comment:
“It’s entertaining enough… FBI is better than those alternate NCIS shows.”
This short remark has sparked discussion in online forums about why FBI has managed to carve out its own identity in a landscape dominated by long-running franchises like NCIS.
The Strength of Entertainment Value
The first part of the comment — “It’s entertaining enough” — highlights what many fans see as FBI’s core strength: consistency. The show doesn’t always reinvent the wheel, but it reliably delivers fast-paced stories that keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
Unlike some procedurals that rely heavily on humor or quirky character tropes, FBI maintains a balance between action and drama. Its entertainment value lies not in flashy gimmicks but in the tension of high-stakes cases, whether involving terrorism, organized crime, or personal threats to the agents themselves.
For many fans, that balance is “enough” — enough to keep them tuning in weekly, enough to make the series feel grounded yet thrilling, and enough to stand out against competitors.
Standing Tall Against NCIS Spin-offs
The second half of the fan’s statement — “FBI is better than those alternate NCIS shows” — is where the real debate begins. The NCIS franchise, with its many spin-offs (NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai’i), has long dominated CBS’s crime-drama lineup. But in recent years, some viewers feel those shows have become predictable or formulaic.
By comparison, FBI feels fresher to many. Its cases lean toward realism, often drawing inspiration from current events and modern threats. The tone is more serious and less lighthearted than many NCIS episodes, which means that the danger feels immediate and the stakes more intense.
This difference in style has led fans to crown FBI as the more compelling option — especially for those who prefer sharp, high-tension storytelling over character-driven banter.
Characters That Resonate
Another reason for FBI’s edge lies in its central characters. Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym), Omar Adom “OA” Zidan (Zeeko Zaki), and Isobel Castille (Alana de la Garza) bring depth and intensity to the series. Their struggles — both professional and personal — ground the show in a way that feels relatable, even as they tackle extraordinary threats.
Unlike the lighter tone of NCIS spin-offs, where quirky personalities often take center stage, FBI presents its agents as professionals facing the very real dangers of their jobs. This sense of authenticity resonates with fans who want to see characters grappling with the complexities of modern law enforcement.
Why “Better” Matters
Calling FBI “better” than NCIS spinoffs isn’t necessarily about ratings or popularity. Instead, it reflects a shift in audience expectations. Viewers today crave shows that feel both relevant and grounded. In that sense, FBI delivers what many fans feel other procedurals lack: stories that feel ripped from the headlines and characters who embody the grit of real federal agents.
Conclusion
The fan’s comment — “It’s entertaining enough… FBI is better than those alternate NCIS shows” — may sound simple, but it captures a larger truth about the current state of CBS dramas. FBI has managed to step out of the shadow of older franchises by focusing on realism, high-stakes storytelling, and strong character work.
While NCIS spin-offs still have their loyal fans, FBI has carved out a unique identity that feels both timely and compelling. For many viewers, that’s not just “enough” — it’s exactly what they’ve been looking for.
