How to Watch All NCIS Shows in Order, Including NCIS: New York

Credit: CBS

The NCIS franchise is one of TV’s longest-running procedural universes, introduced through JAG into multiple series set across different cities and teams. With crossovers and overlapping timelines, the watch order can get confusing, especially if you want to catch character introductions and major events in context. Here is a clear watch order, including both release and chronological order, for a more in-universe timeline flow.

The Best NCIS Watch Order

NCIS has grown into a long-running and well-expanded franchise, branching into multiple series while staying connected through shared characters and storylines. The universe originally began with JAG, where the NCIS team was first introduced in Season 8. From there, the story continues smoothly across its spin-offs. For fans looking for a clear and engaging way to follow the franchise, the watch order below offers a balanced and easy-to-follow path:

• NCIS: Origins
• JAG Season 8 Episode 21
• JAG Season 8 Episode 22
• NCIS
• NCIS: Los Angeles
• NCIS: New Orleans
• NCIS: Hawaiʻi
• NCIS: Sydney
• NCIS: Tony & Ziva
• NCIS: New York

The watch order follows the natural expansion of the franchise, starting with Origins and keeping major crossover events aligned within the timeline.

NCIS Chronological Timeline

The NCIS chronological timeline closely matches the recommended watch order, making it a simple way to follow the story. Starting from JAG and moving through each spin-off, the timeline keeps character arcs and crossovers in proper sequence. Fans interested in deeper details about each series and what to expect can explore more in-depth breakdowns alongside this timeline.

1. NCIS: Origins

Created by Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North, NCIS: Origins is set a decade before the events of the original series. It follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he begins his career, offering early character background and insight into his journey.

2. JAG Season 8

Fans can stream Episodes 21 and 22 of JAG Season 8 for an early look at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service team, introduced through a two-part backdoor pilot. The story follows Agents Gibbs and DiNozzo investigating Lt. Loren Singer’s murder, with Harmon Rabb as a key suspect.

3. NCIS

NCIS, the series that launched the successful franchise, follows Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs handling naval criminal cases. It forms the core of the franchise with ongoing storylines and crossovers. The series continues with the recent renewal for Season 24.

4. NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles is the first spinoff of the original series and follows the NCIS Office of Special Projects as they handle complex and high-risk cases for the government. The series ran for a total of 14 seasons from 2009 to 2023.

5. NCIS: New Orleans

Following NCIS: Los Angeles, the franchise introduced NCIS: New Orleans, which focuses on a team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Led by Supervisory Special Agent Dwayne Cassius Pride, the team investigates crimes involving personnel from the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

6. NCIS: Hawaiʻi

Set in Hawaii, the series follows an investigative team based at the Pearl Harbor Field Office, led by Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant. The team handles cases tied to the military and national security.

7. NCIS: Sydney

One of the most recent spin-offs and the first set outside the United States, this series follows a joint team of NCIS agents and Australian Federal Police officers. They work together on cases involving U.S. military personnel.

8. NCIS: Tony & Ziva

NCIS: Tony & Ziva centers on fan-favorite NCIS characters Anthony DiNozzo and Ziva David, following their lives in Paris as they co-parent their daughter. Their quiet life is disrupted when Tony is framed for a cybercrime, forcing them to work together to clear their names.

9. NCIS: New York

Recently announced spin-off, NCIS: New York, is set to bring back LL Cool J as Sam Hanna as he returns to New York City to join a new team (Deadline). Hanna is joined by a new partner, played by Scott Caan, as they lead high-stakes investigations tied to one of the world’s busiest ports.

NCIS in Release Watch Order

For those looking for a straightforward approach, the NCIS franchise can be watched in release order, following when each series originally aired. Here is the full release watch order for the NCIS series:

• JAG Season 8
• NCIS
• NCIS: Los Angeles
• NCIS: New Orleans
• NCIS: Hawaiʻi
• NCIS: Sydney
• NCIS: Origins
• NCIS: Tony & Ziva
• NCIS: New York

It keeps things simple and mirrors how audiences experienced the shows over time. There is also very little difference between the release order and the chronological timeline, making it an easy option to follow.

What You Can Skip in the NCIS Timeline

Longtime fans and new viewers exploring the NCIS franchise can choose to skip the JAG backdoor pilot if they prefer, as it mainly serves as an introduction. It is possible to start directly with NCIS or NCIS: Origins for a chronological approach. Both options still provide a clear understanding of the characters and overall storyline.

The Complete Streaming Guide For NCIS

The original NCIS series is available to stream on Paramount+, along with NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Sydney, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Tony & Ziva. An active Paramount+ subscription is required to access these shows. JAG, where the franchise began, is also available on the platform.

Plan	Monthly Price	Annual Price	Features
Essential (with ads)	$8.99	$89.99	Limited ads, access to CBS content, no live local CBS station
Paramount+ (Premium)	$13.99	139.99	Ad-free (except live TV), includes Showtime content and live CBS

Meanwhile, other spin-offs like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawai‘i are available to purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video for fans of the show.

Platforms	NCIS: Los Angeles	NCIS: Hawai‘i
Apple TV	$359.86	Starts at $29.90/episode
Prime Video	$350.36	$67.88

Upcoming NCIS Seasons and Spinoffs

The NCIS franchise continues to expand with new seasons and spin-offs. The recently announced NCIS: New York adds another chapter to the growing universe. Meanwhile, NCIS is currently in Season 23 and has already been renewed for Season 24. Other ongoing entries are also set to return, with NCIS: Sydney renewed for Season 4 and NCIS: Origins renewed for Season 3 (Deadline).

If this watch guide helped make the NCIS timeline easier to follow, feel free to share your thoughts or feedback. Share your favorite series, characters, or preferred watch orders.