All 4 NCIS shows ranked from worst to best

NCIS has 20 seasons under its belt, making it one of the longest-running series on CBS. Not only that, but NCIS created an entire franchise, giving fans multiple spinoffs throughout the years.

We can’t give NCIS all the credit, though. JAG is the series that truly started it all. As some of you may recall, the series was introduced to the world via a backdoor pilot from the show JAG. And, well, the rest is history!

Now if you love the original NCIS, it’s easy to get into all the rest. But even so, there’s always a favorite. You know, that one series you get just a little more excited about than the others. The show that you look forward to watching every week and are so disappointed when a new episode does not air. Which NCIS series is your favorite?

We are ranking the original series and its three spinoffs, Los Angeles New Orleans, and Hawai’i. Don’t forget, there’s another spinoff in the works, NCIS: Sydney, set to become the first international series in the growing franchise. However, we are not going to include Sydney in this ranking since it has not yet been released.

All 4 NCIS shows ranked from worst to best

Please note: This ranking is based on audience scores and ratings, sprinkled in with our personal preference. 

NCIS: Los Angeles (2009-2023)

Released on Sept. 2009, Los Angeles has been on CBS for 14 seasons. Since airing, each season has declined in ratings. Season 14 finale did pick up a bit from the season 13 finale, hitting 5.4 million viewers versus season 13’s 4.44 million. Still, I would argue that the show’s Sunday night time slot isn’t doing it any favors. Unfortunately, CBS decided not to renew Los Angeles for another season.

I know I’m ranking Los Angeles at No. 4, but if the ranking was solely based on action and excitement, this spinoff would be at the top of the list. However, I just didn’t enjoy the characters and their stories as much as the other shows.

NCIS: Hawai’i (2021-present)

Hawai’i is the latest show in the franchise, and it instantly became a favorite. Its second season wrapped up on May 22, 2023, but CBS ordered a renewal for a third season months before the season 2 finale on Feb. 2023. Of course, with the upcoming release of Sydney, Hawai’i won’t be the baby in the family anymore.

On Hawai’i, viewers see cases related to the military and takes place on an island in Hawaii where Special Agent Charge Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) works at the Pearl Harbor Field Office. The series also stars Yasmine Al-Bustami, Tori Anderson, Noah Mills, and Alex Tarrant.

NCIS: New Orleans (2014-2021)

Sadly, this is another spinoff that has been canceled, and New Orleans did not get as many seasons as los Angeles, but a total of seven seasons. NCIS: New Orleans is the first show in the franchise to be canceled. The finale aired on May 23, 2021. Throughout the final season, New Orleans averaged about 4.5 million viewers per episode, significantly down from an episode average of about 6 million during season 6.

Though New Orleans could be predictable at times, especially since it’s not too different from the original series, it ranks at No. 2 for its cast (Rob Kerkovich, Scott Bakula, Vanessa Ferlito, and Daryl Mitchell) and the storylines that pull back no punches.

NCIS (2003-present)

Is anyone truly surprise NCIS it our top choice? It’s the show that started it all. And though two of its spinoffs have been canceled, there is clearly still a large following for NCIS. The long-running CBS procedural features some of the most engaging cases, the stories are easy to follow, and we love the chemistry between the cast.

Do you agree with our ranking? If you don’t, share yours, we’d love to know! Which series is your favorite? Do you love the original or do you find yourself more invested in one of the spinoffs? Catch up on episodes (or rewatch any season) on Paramount+.