How to watch

NCIS Franchise Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the NCIS franchise in order

Last updated: July 13 2026

Written by: ChronoAlice

NCIS is one of the most watched television franchises in the world, following the Naval Criminal Investigative Service across multiple cities and continents. This guide breaks down every series in the NCIS universe and the best way to watch them.

What began as a backdoor pilot inside JAG grew into a television powerhouse that dominated ratings for years. The NCIS franchise follows federal agents investigating crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, blending procedural investigation with character-driven drama. The flagship series ran for over two decades with Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and its spinoffs expanded the universe to Los Angeles, New Orleans, Hawaii, and beyond. Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering the franchise, this guide has you covered.

🕐 Release Order

Watching in release order gives you the full appreciation of how the NCIS universe expanded from its Washington D.C. origins to become a global franchise.

  1. JAG (1995–2005) — the origin; includes the backdoor NCIS pilot in Season 8
  2. NCIS (2003–present)
  3. NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023)
  4. NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2021)
  5. NCIS: Hawai'i (2021–2024)
  6. NCIS: Origins (2024–present)
  7. NCIS: Sydney (2023–present)

Each NCIS spinoff is largely self-contained, so you do not need to watch them in strict release order — but doing so helps you catch the crossover events and guest appearances that connect the universe.

📖 Story Chronology

Story chronology for NCIS is almost identical to release order, with the notable exception of NCIS: Origins — a prequel series showing Gibbs' early years at NCIS in the 1990s, which is set decades before the main show despite airing much later.

  1. NCIS: Origins (2024–present) — set in the 1990s, Gibbs as a new agent (prequel)
  2. JAG (1995–2005) — watch the NCIS backdoor pilot (S8E20–E21)
  3. NCIS (2003–present) — the main series
  4. NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023)
  5. NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2021)
  6. NCIS: Hawai'i (2021–2024)
  7. NCIS: Sydney (2023–present)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Start with the main NCIS series — it is the heart of the franchise and the best introduction to the world, tone, and characters. JAG is optional unless you want the full origin story. Once you are hooked, add Los Angeles for action, New Orleans for flavor, and Hawai'i for a refreshing newer perspective. NCIS: Origins is a great companion for anyone who loved Gibbs and wants to see his formative years. The Australian spinoff NCIS: Sydney stands completely on its own and can be watched anytime.

🔗 Related Guides

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Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!