The Definitive Count: How Many Seasons Of NCIS Are There (And The Shocking Total Of The Entire Franchise)?
The question of "How many seasons of NCIS are there?" has become a trickier one to answer with each passing year, as the flagship series continues its unprecedented run and the franchise expands with multiple hit spin-offs. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, the original NCIS series has secured its place in television history as an unstoppable force, confirming a colossal number of seasons that few other shows have ever achieved. The latest renewal status is the definitive answer, and it confirms the show's elite status as a global phenomenon.
The total number of seasons for the main NCIS show is a staggering $\text{23}$. The series, which began its life as a spin-off of the legal drama JAG, has not only been renewed for a 23rd season but continues to dominate viewership, proving that the Naval Criminal Investigative Service team’s cases still captivate millions. This incredible longevity makes it the longest-running scripted primetime television series in CBS history, surpassing even legendary shows like Gunsmoke.
The Definitive NCIS Season Count (Flagship Series & All Spin-Offs)
The core answer to the query "how many seasons of NCIS" refers to the original series, which premiered in 2003. However, to truly understand the scale of the franchise, you must account for its six sister shows, which collectively form the largest and most successful procedural universe on television. The total season count for the entire NCIS universe is pushing towards the 50-season mark, a feat of topical authority that is nearly unmatched.
The Flagship Series: NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service)
The original series, which started with Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) at the helm, is the undisputed king of the franchise. It continues to air on CBS and stream on Paramount+, with its cast currently including Gary Cole (Special Agent Alden Parker), Sean Murray (Special Agent Timothy McGee), and Wilmer Valderrama (Special Agent Nick Torres).
- Total Seasons: 23
- Status: Renewed. Season 23 is scheduled to premiere in October 2025, cementing its status as a television juggernaut.
The show's ability to evolve and introduce new leadership, such as Alden Parker, following the departure of the iconic Gibbs, is a major factor in its sustained success and continued renewals.
The NCIS Spin-Off Universe: A Complete List of Seasons
The NCIS franchise has successfully launched five spin-offs, with a sixth one on the way, each exploring different geographical locations and specialized teams within the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The cumulative season count of these related shows adds significant depth to the franchise's legacy.
1. NCIS: Los Angeles
This was the first spin-off, focusing on the Office of Special Projects (OSP) in Los Angeles. It starred Chris O'Donnell (G. Callen) and LL Cool J (Sam Hanna) and was known for its high-octane action and covert operations.
- Total Seasons: 14
- Status: Concluded in May 2023.
2. NCIS: New Orleans
Set in the Big Easy, this series was led by Scott Bakula as Special Agent Dwayne Cassius Pride, focusing on crimes involving military personnel in the region. It ran for seven successful seasons before concluding its run.
- Total Seasons: 7
- Status: Concluded in May 2021.
3. NCIS: Hawaiʻi
The first series in the franchise to feature a female lead, Vanessa Lachey (Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant), this show brought a fresh, scenic backdrop to the procedural format. Its cancellation came as a surprise to many fans.
- Total Seasons: 3
- Status: Canceled in May 2024.
4. NCIS: Sydney
The first international installment of the franchise, this series is a joint effort between the NCIS team and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), investigating crimes in the Pacific. It has quickly proven its popularity by securing multiple renewals.
- Total Seasons: 2 (with Season 3 confirmed/upcoming)
- Status: Renewed for a third season in February 2025.
5. NCIS: Origins
This prequel series explores the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in 1990, with Austin Stowell playing the younger version of the iconic character. The show’s premise has generated massive curiosity among long-time fans.
- Total Seasons: 1 (with Season 2 confirmed/upcoming)
- Status: Renewed for a second season.
6. NCIS: Tony & Ziva
An upcoming spin-off that has generated significant buzz, this series will see the highly anticipated return of fan-favorite characters Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo). While no season count exists yet, its development confirms the franchise's aggressive expansion strategy.
The Shocking Return of Leroy Jethro Gibbs: Mark Harmon's Status Update
One of the most persistent questions among the fanbase, second only to the season count, is whether Mark Harmon will ever return to the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs following his departure in Season 19. The latest news provides a thrilling answer that confirms the character's enduring importance to the NCIS universe.
In a massive television event scheduled for November 11, 2025, Mark Harmon is set to reprise his role as Gibbs in a highly-anticipated crossover with the prequel series, NCIS: Origins. This on-screen appearance is a huge development, as Harmon had previously stepped back from the main show but remained an executive producer.
The crossover event is designed to bridge the gap between the original series and the prequel, giving fans a rare glimpse of the character's past and present. Harmon's involvement, both as an executive producer on Origins and as an on-screen presence, signals that the legacy of Gibbs will continue to be a central pillar of the entire NCIS franchise for years to come.
Why NCIS Continues to Break Longevity Records
The sheer number of seasons—23 for the main show and a combined total of nearly 50 across the entire universe—is a testament to the franchise's unique appeal. The show’s success can be attributed to several key factors that keep the audience engaged and ensure its longevity on the CBS primetime schedule.
Firstly, the show's procedural format, focusing on the week-to-week investigation of crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, offers a reliable and engaging structure. This formula allows for constant turnover in cases, preventing the show from becoming stale over two decades. The consistency of the core team dynamic, even with cast changes, provides a powerful emotional anchor for viewers.
Secondly, the franchise has mastered the art of the spin-off, a crucial strategy for topical authority. By expanding to different locations—from the sunny shores of Hawaiʻi to the bustling streets of Los Angeles and the international setting of Sydney—the franchise taps into new demographics while keeping the core investigative theme intact. The introduction of NCIS: Origins is a brilliant move, leveraging nostalgia for the show’s most iconic character, Gibbs, to launch a new hit series.
Finally, the cast itself, including long-time veterans like Sean Murray's Timothy McGee, provides a sense of continuity and family. The emotional investment viewers have in these characters—from the original "Tiva" pairing (Tony and Ziva) to the current team led by Alden Parker—is the ultimate driver of the show’s record-breaking run. With Season 23 confirmed and a major Mark Harmon return on the horizon, the NCIS universe is far from finished.
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