NCIS has blossomed into a vast franchise with six standalone shows, yet the original series remains the best entry point for new fans eager to explore its universe. Starting November 8, Seasons 1 through 11 of NCIS will be available to stream on Hulu, providing the perfect introduction to the show and its beloved characters.
The NCIS concept was first introduced in two episodes of JAG Season 8—“Ice Queen” and “Meltdown”—which aired as backdoor pilots in April 2003. These episodes featured early appearances from future stars Mark Harmon (Gibbs), Pauley Perrette, and Michael Weatherly. NCIS officially premiered on CBS in September 2003 and is now in its 22nd season, which kicked off on October 14, 2024.
After 18 years, Mark Harmon departed the series in 2021, leaving a legacy as impactful as Steve Carell’s exit from The Office. In his final episode, Season 19’s “Great Wide Open,” Gibbs chose to remain in Alaska, symbolizing peace without completely retiring. Harmon noted that the role needed to stay “fresh” and “challenging,” a sentiment echoed by showrunner Steven Binder, who stated that Gibbs’ open-ended departure allows fans to imagine his future.
With NCIS: Origins, Gibbs’ journey comes full circle, delving into his early years as a Naval Investigative Service recruit (before it became NCIS) in 1991. Austin Stowell portrays the young Gibbs, while Harmon returns to narrate as the voice of the older Gibbs, adding emotional depth to the prequel. Showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal described this new perspective as “liberating,” offering fans insight into Gibbs’ thoughts, which he famously kept private in the original series.
Catch NCIS Seasons 1 to 11 on Hulu starting November 8.
