A durable, comfort-watch procedural with a strong ensemble, clean case-of-the-week structure, and a long run of dependable TV. It is especially appealing if you like military-adjacent investigations, light character banter, and low-friction bingeing, but it can feel formulaic and uneven across its very long lifespan.
46% ★★☆☆☆ (178,501)
NCIS
Where to watch: Netflix
TV Show · Crime · Drama
2003 · ★ 46% (178.5K)
Back in force.
Starring: Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law
Overview
From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, a team of special agents investigates any crime that has any connection to Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position.
Production
Paramount Television, Belisarius Productions, CBS Studios
Cast
Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law, Brian Dietzen, Rocky Carroll, Diona Reasonover, Gary Cole
Where to watch
Netflix, Hulu, fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Philo, Netflix Standard with Ads
Curator Review
Verdict
A durable, comfort-watch procedural with a strong ensemble, clean case-of-the-week structure, and a long run of dependable TV. It is especially appealing if you like military-adjacent investigations, light character banter, and low-friction bingeing, but it can feel formulaic and uneven across its very long lifespan.
Best for
procedural fans
viewers who want an easy long-running network series
fans of ensemble workplace dynamics
people who like crime shows with a military setting
binge-watchers seeking many seasons of familiar rhythm
Skip if
you want tightly serialized prestige drama
you get bored by formulaic case-of-the-week storytelling
you prefer a darker or more psychologically intense tone
you want every season to feel creatively fresh
Overview
NCIS is one of the defining network procedurals of the 2000s and 2010s: sturdy, approachable, and built for repeat viewing. Its core appeal is the team chemistry, the steady cadence of investigations, and the way it balances crime-solving with a lightly humorous workplace tone. The show’s military setting gives it a distinct identity without making it inaccessible, which helped it become a long-running staple.
Worth noting
The series is at its best when the ensemble is clicking and the cases have a clean, propulsive hook. Early seasons are the most essential for establishing the formula and the original team dynamic, while later years lean more heavily on familiarity and franchise maintenance. That makes it a great pick if you want a dependable procedural comfort show, but less compelling if you need constant reinvention.
Bottom line
Because it runs so long, quality is uneven and viewer attachment often depends on which cast era you start with. Still, the show’s longevity is earned: it is efficient, watchable, and very good at delivering exactly what it promises. If that promise sounds appealing, it remains an easy recommendation; if not, the repetition will likely wear thin quickly.
2005 · ★ 65% (193.4K) · Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock Premium, Philo, BBC America, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Peacock Premium Plus
A lighter, character-forward procedural with strong banter, case-of-the-week structure, and a long, easy binge.
2011 · ★ 82% (209.8K) · Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
If you like procedural engines with a bigger mythology and a strong team dynamic, this is a smart upgrade in ambition.
Themes
crime investigation, military setting, team dynamics, workplace banter, espionage, terrorism, procedural storytelling, loyalty
Topics
procedural, ensemble drama, military crime, case of the week, network TV, light banter, long-running series, investigation, action drama, comfort watch