In a significant development for television fans, the entire beloved legal drama series JAG will soon be available for streaming. This series, which served as the precursor to the wildly popular NCIS franchise, will be accessible to Prime subscribers starting July 1, just ahead of Independence Day. According to TV Line, Amazon has secured the rights to all 227 episodes of JAG, contrasting with Paramount+’s previous limited offering.
JAG, created by Donald P. Bellisario, debuted on NBC in September 1995 before finding a long-term home on CBS from January 1997 to April 2005. The show follows the lives of Judge Advocate General’s Corps lawyers who handle military cases, exploring themes of military justice, international law, and personal relationships within the armed forces.
David James Elliott starred as Navy Captain Harmon Rabb Jr., with Catherine Bell joining in Season 2 as Lieutenant Colonel Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie. The series featured a strong ensemble cast including Tracey Needham, Patrick Labyorteaux, John M. Jackson, Scott Lawrence, and Zoe McLellan, alongside notable guest stars like Terry O’Quinn, Andrea Parker, and Steven Culp.
This move to stream JAG in its entirety acknowledges its pivotal role in launching the NCIS franchise. The show introduced core NCIS characters and themes through a two-part backdoor pilot episode. Characters like Harmon Rabb Jr., Bud Roberts, and Thomas Morrow have since crossed over into NCIS, highlighting the interconnectedness and influence of JAG on the enduring success of NCIS, which remains a television powerhouse since its 2003 debut.