For over two decades, NCIS has stood on its own as one of the longest-running and most successful procedural dramas on television. With its mix of military intrigue, crime-solving, and beloved characters, many fans often forget that NCIS actually started as a spinoff of JAG.
While NCIS quickly outgrew its predecessor in terms of popularity, the show has never completely severed its ties to JAG. A few key character cameos over the years have served as effective reminders of where it all began. Here’s a look at three JAG characters who made their way into NCIS, reinforcing the deep connection between the two shows.
1. Admiral A.J. Chegwidden (Played by John M. Jackson)
One of the most iconic characters from JAG, Admiral A.J. Chegwidden was a pillar of leadership in the Judge Advocate General’s office. His appearance in NCIS was a welcome callback to the original series.
Chegwidden made a guest appearance in NCIS Season 10, Episode 24, titled “Damned If You Do.” By then, he had retired from JAG and was working as an attorney. His return not only brought nostalgia but also solidified the shared universe between JAG and NCIS. His presence reminded longtime fans that NCIS was born from the military legal drama that had captivated audiences for years.
2. Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie (Played by Catherine Bell)
Mac was a major part of JAG, serving as one of its central characters throughout the series. As a Marine Corps lawyer, she played a crucial role in handling legal cases involving military personnel.
Her return in NCIS: Los Angeles (a spinoff of NCIS) during Season 10 was a major event for JAG fans. In the episode, she was still actively working within military law, bridging the gap between her past and present. Her cameo reminded viewers of the legal drama’s influence on NCIS and how JAG’s legacy still had a place in the NCIS universe.
3. Captain Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr. (Played by David James Elliott)
Harm was the face of JAG—a fighter pilot turned lawyer whose career spanned both the courtroom and the battlefield. His return in NCIS: Los Angeles alongside Mac was a major nostalgic moment.
Harm’s cameo showed him as the XO of an aircraft carrier, highlighting his continued dedication to the military. His interaction with the NCIS team reinforced that the procedural world of NCIS wouldn’t exist without JAG.
These cameos, while brief, were significant in keeping the spirit of JAG alive within NCIS. They serve as a reminder that without JAG, the NCIS franchise might never have existed.
