‘NCIS’ Approaches 500 Episodes, Thriving with Unstoppable Momentum

NCIS is about to reach a major television milestone. The show’s 500th episode arrives as the franchise continues to grow.

Milestone episode and creative team

The 500th installment is titled “All Good Things.” Showrunner and executive producer Steven D. Binder wrote the episode. José Clemente Hernandez directed it.

Binder began developing ideas when Season 22 concluded last year. He sought a story that would honor the series and its fans.

How the series began

The NCIS characters first appeared in a JAG backdoor pilot in April 2003. The standalone series premiered on September 23, 2003.

Original team members included Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Anthony DiNozzo, Abby Sciuto, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard and Caitlin Todd. Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette, David McCallum and Sasha Alexander played those roles.

Ratings growth and longevity

The show’s audience built gradually after its debut. Season 1 finished outside the top tier during 2003-04.

By Season 3, NCIS regularly entered the top 20. It reached the top five by Season 6 and became the No. 1 broadcast series by Season 10.

Industry standing

With 500 episodes, NCIS ranks among the longest-running scripted, live-action American prime-time series. Only Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order have produced more episodes in that category.

NCIS has secured heavy international distribution. The franchise is licensed in over 200 territories, subtitled in 35 languages, and dubbed in 12.

Franchise expansion and current series

The NCIS universe spawned multiple spinoffs set in Los Angeles, New Orleans and Hawaii. A show focused on Tony and Ziva also emerged from the franchise.

Currently airing are NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney. Origins is a prequel that follows a younger Gibbs. Actor Austin Stowell plays young Gibbs, with Mark Harmon narrating. NCIS: Sydney is available on Paramount+.

Streaming and scheduling

The series has maintained a primary Tuesday 8 p.m. slot on CBS for most years. The show did shift between 2021 and 2025.

Executives note that viewers now find NCIS across platforms, including Paramount+. The series remains a steady streaming performer.

Cast evolution and continuity

Cast turnover has been frequent over the years. Yet new characters often became core members.

Mark Harmon stepped back from his lead role in 2021. Gibbs’s exit did not end the franchise; Harmon continues as an executive producer.

• Gary Cole joined as Special Agent Alden Parker to lead the team.
• Rocky Carroll has played NCIS Director Leon Vance since Season 5.
• Sean Murray and Brian Dietzen have been series regulars since Season 1.
• Wilmer Valderrama arrived in Season 14 as Nick Torres.
• Diona Reasonover joined in Season 15 as Kasie Hines.
• Katrina Law first appeared at the end of Season 18 as Jessica Knight.

Adaptation and character focus

The show blends procedural cases with character-driven stories. That mix helped the series stand out early on.

Writers have introduced layered new characters. These additions helped maintain audience investment over time.

About the 500th episode’s story

“All Good Things” ties back to the series’ past. The plot revisits a youthful character named Billy Fuentes, played by Austin Marques.

The installment nods to the show’s second episode and includes several Easter eggs. Yet it also shifts the series’ tone and format in places.

The episode continues a plotline in which NCIS faces an existential threat. Director Leon Vance informs Parker that the agency may be shut down.

Crew members say the episode will have lasting effects on the series’ structure and future storytelling.

Recognition and future plans

NCIS celebrated earlier episode milestones, including a 150th episode event in 2009. The series has proven durable across decades.

In January, CBS renewed the franchise for a 24th season. Renewals included NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney.

As NCIS Approaches 500 Episodes, Thriving with Unstoppable Momentum, the franchise looks set to continue expanding. Its blend of familiar storytelling and new directions keeps viewers returning.

Filmogaz.com will continue to track developments as the series moves forward.