The essential episodes of NCIS
Watch these 15 in order and you've got NCIS — each pick states its reason.
- 01
A Marine mysteriously drops dead aboard Air Force One and jurisdiction problems force Gibbs to share the investigation with a Secret Service agent.
- 02
Ducky and Gerald are held hostage in the autopsy room of NCIS headquarters by an armed intruder (Rudolf Martin), whose purpose is unexplained.
- 03
When a letter sealed with a kiss is delivered to NCIS, Tony assumes it's for him and opens it, only to release a mysterious powder into the NCIS squad room.
- 04
While the NCIS team deals with Kate's death, Gibbs' determination to finally put an end to Ari's reign of terror mounts.
- 05
The NCIS team suspects foul play when a Navy Lieutenant is the victim of radiation poisoning.
- 06
The final showdown between the NCIS team and an elusive arms dealer reaches an explosive and deadly conclusion.
- 07
Ziva's homecoming to Israel with Gibbs and the team is not a happy reunion with her father, the enigmatic and powerful head of Mossad. As tensions rise, Gibbs is forced to make a decision that sends shockwaves through NCIS.
- 08
As the hunt for Ziva's replacement begins, Gibbs and his remaining team members must head back to work with the past still weighing heavily on their minds.
- 09
The dismembered fingertips and teeth of a murdered Marine are discovered in the stolen purse of a pickpocketer, launching NCIS on a mission to find a cold-blooded killer.
- 10
The NCIS investigation of a fire on a Navy vessel reveals evidence that elevates security at all U.S. Navy facilities worldwide. Meanwhile, DiNozzo and Ziva travel to Italy when an explosive device is found hidden on a Navy ship.
- 11
After a malnourished and confused 9-year-old is found hiding in a storage unit, NCIS reopens an old missing persons case when the girl is believed to be the daughter of a Navy recruit who disappeared 10 years ago. Also, Bishop discovers notes that Special Agent Ziva David kept on the case long after NCIS officially stopped investigating.
- 12
The team tries to verify the identity of Joe Smith, who claims he served on the U.S.S. Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and wants to be buried there upon his death.
- 13
As NCIS mourns the loss of Ducky, the agents find comfort in working on one of his unfinished cases involving a woman whose father was dishonorably discharged from the Marines.
- 14
As Vance prepares to host diplomatic talks with Venezuela, the team is called in to investigate the dead body of one of his inside men.
- 15
One year after a deadly coffee shop bombing, a new explosion proves the attack wasn't the work of a lone wolf - a case that forces the team to confront legacy and loyalty.
Shows like NCIS
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Action·CrimeThe essential episodes of Marvel's Daredevil2015–2018·Netflix
Matt Murdock, a Marvel Comics hero who's a lawyer by day but fights the bad guys at night to avenge the murder of his father, a boxer. - 02Drama·Action·CrimeThe essential episodes of Marvel's The Punisher2017–2019·NetflixAfter exacting revenge on those responsible for the death of his wife and children, Frank Castle uncovers a conspiracy that runs far deeper than New York's criminal underworld.
- 03Drama·Action·CrimeThe essential episodes of 9-1-12018–present·ABC
9-1-1 is a fast-paced exploration into the lives and careers of first responders – cops, paramedics, firefighters – the people who put their lives on the line to save others. - 04Drama·Action·CrimeThe essential episodes of Tracker2024–presentSame network — CBS·
- 05Drama·Action·CrimeThe essential episodes of Gotham2014–2019·FOXThe good. The evil. The beginning.Everyone knows the name Commissioner Gordon.
- 06Drama·Action·CrimeThe essential episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles2009–2023Same network — CBS·
