“NCIS Co-Creator Speaks Out: Why the Show Was Never Emmy-Bound
In a candid interview marking the series’ 20th anniversary, Don McGill, co-creator of NCIS alongside Donald P. Bellisario, addressed the show’s notable absence from Emmy consideration. McGill expressed little surprise, emphasizing that NCIS was designed to capture audiences, not accolades.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily the kind of show that was out to get awards,” shared McGill. “It was really a show that was out to get eyeballs, and so I’m not surprised that it wasn’t ever really in Emmy consideration.”
Echoing McGill’s sentiments, executive producer Mark Horowitz likened NCIS to a comforting indulgence: chocolate cake. “Everybody knows what chocolate cake tastes like, but you still want the chocolate cake,” he mused.
Despite its lack of awards recognition, NCIS boasts an immense following, with Horowitz noting its appeal across diverse demographics. “You could absolutely say that the show is popular amongst people who perhaps are politically conservative or live in more rural areas,” he remarked. “But at the same time, we’ll go on a college campus, and everybody there watches the show, even in Southern California. Obviously, I think it’s more popular in the central states than on the coasts.”
Awards aside, NCIS remains a juggernaut in the television landscape, evidenced by its numerous spin-offs. The latest addition, NCIS: Sydney, is poised to captivate audiences when it premieres on Tuesday, November 14 at 8pm on CBS.
Furthermore, fans can catch the series on demand and stream it via Paramount+, with episodes available for Paramount+ Essential subscribers a day after they air. NCIS continues its reign as a staple of American television, captivating audiences across the globe.
NCIS airs on CBS in the US, with Seasons 1-20 streaming on Disney+ in the UK.”
