Ever since Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs first assembled his team in 2003, NCIS has captivated audiences worldwide with its inventive and gripping storylines, bolstered by a host of vibrant characters. What began as a spin-off from JAG has firmly established itself as one of the longest-running scripted crime dramas, boasting over 460 episodes across 21 seasons.
With such an extensive catalog, selecting the top 20 episodes is no easy task. Nevertheless, we’ve considered factors like plot, character development, emotional impact, and the quintessential blend of action and humor that defines NCIS to highlight the most pivotal installments. These episodes delve into key moments in an agent’s backstory or propel the seasonal arcs in unexpected directions.
Throughout the series, beloved characters like Gibbs, Tony, Ziva, and Abby keep viewers engaged with thrilling investigations and intriguing true-crime mysteries. While individual favorites may vary, the 20 episodes on this list encapsulate some of the most memorable moments in NCIS history and are sure to entertain.
1. “She”
A pivotal episode, “She,” centers around the NCIS team discovering a confused 9-year-old girl hiding in a storage unit on a Marine base. As they delve deeper, they connect her to a decade-old missing persons case involving Navy recruit Morgan Burke. Special Agent Eleanor Bishop dedicates herself to the case, uncovering that her predecessor, Ziva David, was secretly investigating long after the files were closed.
This episode stands out by revealing Ziva’s covert work outside of NCIS and hinting at her possible survival, having faked her death to protect her family. It also provides significant development for Bishop and bridges past and present storylines, captivating long-term fans.
2. “Great Wide Open”
“Great Wide Open” is memorable for its sentimental, character-driven storyline. In this episode, Jethro Gibbs, who led the team for 19 years, travels with McGee to Alaska to investigate a company tied to a contract killer named Paul Lemere. The episode marks a crucial turning point as Gibbs decides to stay in Alaska, saying goodbye to his team and his life in Washington, D.C.
This episode offers a poignant farewell to Gibbs, reflecting on his internal struggles, personal growth, and the strong bonds he has formed over the years. A memorable callback to his past includes the mystery of how he got his boat out of the basement.
3. Tribute to Ralph Waite
In a heartfelt season finale, NCIS pays tribute to Ralph Waite, the actor who played Gibbs’ father, Jackson. Upon receiving the devastating news of his father’s passing, Gibbs travels to his childhood home in Stillwater, Pennsylvania, to handle his father’s affairs and confront his grief. Concurrently, the team investigates a fire on a U.S. Navy ship, which was a front for a secret terrorist detention site.
This episode not only honors the memory of Ralph Waite but also delves deeply into Gibbs’ personal history and emotional landscape, adding layers of complexity to his character and the series as a whole.
These episodes, among others, showcase the best of NCIS—from its emotional depth and character development to its gripping plots and enduring humor. They serve as a testament to the show’s ability to engage and entertain viewers across the globe, leaving a lasting impact on television history.
