CBS has earned a reputation as America’s “most watched network,” largely due to the success of its NCIS franchise. With NCIS entering season 21 and led by TV veteran Gary Cole, this show has consistently ranked as one of the most-watched scripted TV shows.
Though it’s a spin-off itself (from JAG), NCIS has become the parent of its own popular franchise, inspiring spin-offs like NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai'i, and NCIS: Sydney.
So, what makes the show and its franchise so enduringly popular? And, how accurate is it to real-life Naval Criminal Investigative Service work? Let’s dive into what NCIS gets right and wrong about the life of agents and the world of crime-solving.
What makes NCIS so popular?
The NCIS franchise combines mystery, action, and crime-solving with characters who feel like family to long-time viewers. It’s the type of show where every episode delivers a suspenseful mystery and a high-energy resolution.
But beyond the thrill, many fans find comfort in the show’s predictable formula and sense of justice delivered in each episode.
Many fans may not know that NCIS actually began as a spin-off of JAG, another popular CBS show focusing on the military justice system. NCIS has since far surpassed its predecessor in popularity, becoming a series and brand of its own.
Seeing the success of NCIS, CBS created several spin-offs, expanding the crime-fighting world into different cities and territories:
- NCIS: Los Angeles brings cases to the glamour of Hollywood.
- NCIS: New Orleans dives into the unique culture of the Big Easy.
- NCIS: Hawai’i explores cases in paradise, with Hawaiian scenery as a backdrop.
- NCIS: Sydney is the newest addition, taking the action to Australia.
Each show has its unique vibe, adding fresh locations and diverse storylines while still keeping the core NCIS style.
While the NCIS series provides plenty of drama and excitement, it’s often exaggerated or inaccurate compared to real NCIS work. The real-life Naval Criminal Investigative Service deals with crimes involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel, focusing on specific areas like serious crime investigations, counterterrorism, and cybercrimes.
What does real NCIS actually do?
The real NCIS isn’t always chasing dangerous criminals. Their core work includes:
- Investigating major crimes, like homicides or sexual assaults involving Navy or Marine members.
- Handling cyber threats and economic crimes.
- Working on counterterrorism cases but mainly when Navy or Marine interests are involved.
In reality, NCIS is a relatively small agency with limited resources compared to other federal agencies like the FBI. For instance, the actual NCIS office in New Orleans only has two special agents.
While real NCIS work might be routine, the NCIS franchise amps up the action for entertainment. The shows often portray high-speed chases, gunfights, and suspenseful showdowns, tapping into what audiences love about action dramas.
The franchise often skips over important yet less exciting topics:
- Economic Crimes and Cybersecurity: While the real NCIS handles these areas, they rarely appear in the shows since they lack the high-stakes thrill viewers expect.
- Military Sexual Assault: A serious issue within the Navy, sexual assault cases are rarely explored, likely because they would reflect poorly on the military, which has close ties to the show.
The show may air over 20 episodes a season, each with a murder to solve, but real-life NCIS agents don’t see nearly that many homicides. For example, in 2020, there were only 18 homicides reported in the Navy and Marine Corps. The writers of NCIS essentially have to invent crimes for the sake of keeping episodes full of action and suspense.
Real-life NCIS agents sometimes consult with the NCIS show to make certain aspects more believable. For instance, D’Wayne Swear, a real agent, helped inspire Scott Bakula’s character in NCIS: New Orleans.
Despite the fiction, NCIS occasionally reflects real events. For instance, in 2013, NCIS agents engaged in a shootout with a mass shooter in Washington, D.C., showing that danger can be part of the job, even if it’s rare.
The NCIS franchise has entertained millions with its exciting yet simplified portrayal of law enforcement. While the action and heroism make for great TV, the franchise’s inaccuracies paint a misleading picture of real NCIS work. Ultimately, NCIS is a work of fiction designed to thrill, not to educate viewers about actual crime-solving.
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