NCIS Fans Express Disappointment Over “Inauthentic” Characters as They Turn to Spinoff Show
The long-running TV drama NCIS, which has captivated audiences for over 20 years, is facing criticism from some fans who feel the show has lost its authenticity with the introduction of new characters. While the series has evolved significantly over the years, bidding farewell to beloved staples like Donald “Ducky” Mallard (David McCallum) and welcoming fresh faces such as Kasie Hines (Diona Reasonover), not all viewers have embraced the changes.
Some fans have expressed their dissatisfaction on forums like Reddit, even vowing to stop watching the show in favor of its spinoff, NCIS: Origins. One user shared their frustration in a post titled “Ridiculous,” writing, “I just started watching NCIS again after a few years away (when that wacky-looking black chick came on). How the hell did it get so stupid? Stupid conversations, costumes, etc. I only started because Origins started. Origins = good. Original = stupid.”
Others chimed in, agreeing that the newer characters haven’t resonated with them. “Maybe people don’t like Kasie as much because she’s trying too hard to be like Abby,” one commenter noted, referring to the beloved forensic scientist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), who was a fan favorite. “A lot of years went by, and the original actors got a little burnt out with the role or just wanted to go live life. You can understand why some of them would want a different role or to retire. Trying to remake it or replace people is hard.”
Another user criticized Alden Parker (Gary Cole), who stepped into a leadership role after the departure of Gibbs (Mark Harmon). “I HATE Parker. He’ll always be fake Gibbs to me. They should have just made McGee team lead. He was there forever,” they said, a sentiment others supported.
Despite the criticism, some fans have defended the new characters and changes. “Why bother watching it if you don’t like Kasie?” one viewer replied.
The growing preference for NCIS: Origins hasn’t gone unnoticed, as the spinoff recently received a full-season order from CBS. The show will continue to air alongside the network’s Monday lineup, which also includes the comedy Poppa’s House. Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for the new shows, telling Variety: “These shows fit seamlessly into our Monday night lineup while resonating with viewers on CBS and Paramount+.”
While NCIS continues to evolve, it’s clear the franchise remains a hot topic among fans, even as their loyalties shift within the expanding universe.
