NCIS or is a globally successful crime series that has been airing in the United States since 2003. Even though the NCIS cast has changed a lot over the years, the show is still one of the most-watched in all of network TV.

NCIS (which stands for Naval Criminal Investigation Service) and is probably one of the most successful crime series in the world. The series has been airing in the United States since 2003. Every week it deals with crimes in which members of the US Marine Service and the US Navy are involved or affected by.

The series has consistently good ratings in the United States and in the many countries where NCIS is broadcast. So it's no wonder that there are already two spin-off series: NCIS: L.A. and NCIS: New Orleans are taking at the respective locations of the series title and have a similar structure.

NCIS cast

The NCIS cast has changed a lot over the years. While stars the likes of Mark Harmon ("Gibbs") and David McCallum as "Ducky" have been on the show since the beginning, there have been some sad NCIS exits. But there are also newcomers, most recently Maria Bello joined the series as a Pauley-Perrette replacement in forensics.

NCIS exits

Coté de Pablo played "Ziva" from the third to the eleventh season in the main cast and shocked viewers with the (suppose) death of her character. Just like Michael Weatherly, who starred as "Tony DiNozzo" from the first to the 13th season. "Ziva" however returned in season 16 this year. Most recently, "Abby" (Pauley Perrette) left the series. She was (ans still is) an absolute fan favorite.

Michael Weatherly and Coté de Pablo at the 2010 NCIS photocall

"Tony" and "Alex" could still possibly return...

'NCIS': These Characters Do Really Deserve A Comeback!

NCIS Trivia

  • Pauley Perrette actually studied forensics before she joined NCIS
  • NCIS flashbacks featuring a young "Gibbs" were actually shot with Mark Harmon's son Sean
  • NCIS was actually created as a spin-off of the series JAG