‘People Don’t Remember This’: Mark Harmon Recalls How NCIS Struggled Early On

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Currently in its 23rd season, NCIS remains incredibly popular, having aired over 1,000 episodes – the 1,000th aired in 2023. The show has also launched several successful spin-offs, like NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which is available on Paramount+. However, the original NCIS didn’t immediately find success, as Mark Harmon recalls the challenges the show faced when it first aired on CBS.

Many viewers may not realize that NCIS originally started as a spin-off of the show JAG, which ran for ten seasons mostly in the 1990s. NCIS was first introduced to audiences in a two-part episode of JAG in early 2003 – this is where fans first met characters like Gibbs, Tony, Abby, and Ducky. Although the show later premiered on its own that same year, it didn’t immediately find success, as Mark Harmon explained to TheWrap:

It’s easy to forget now, but ‘NCIS’ didn’t become popular overnight. We faced challenges at the beginning, and those struggles were actually really important for the show’s development. Creating something great isn’t easy or quick, but I’m confident in the show’s creative direction and happy to be involved.

Launching a successful TV show is tough, even if it’s connected to a popular one. Sometimes, being a spinoff can actually make things harder, as viewers might be hesitant to try something new. It took NCIS some time to gain traction, but thankfully it did – it’s still a hit after 22 years.

When NCIS first began as a potential spin-off, Mark Harmon quickly agreed to be part of a long-running story. He later shared that the character’s name, Gibbs, was a key factor in his decision to join the show. At the time, he had no idea he’d be with the series for nearly 20 years, and many believed his departure would signal the end of NCIS.

Mark Harmon played Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS for its first 18 seasons before departing at the start of Season 19. Now, he’s returned to the NCIS world as an executive producer and narrator for the prequel series NCIS: Origins. He made a cameo appearance in the premiere of Origins last year and will be featured in the upcoming crossover event between NCIS and Origins on Tuesday.

It’s remarkable how NCIS overcame a shaky start to become a 23-season hit with six spin-offs. I’m thrilled the show found its footing, as the NCIS franchise has significantly impacted television. The future looks bright, with NCIS, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Sydney now dominating Tuesday nights on CBS – a first for the franchise. It’s exciting to imagine what comes next.

The special event kicks off Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern with Origins, immediately followed by NCIS. New installments of Sydney will then air at 10 p.m. Eastern.

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2025-11-11 17:08