As NCIS gears up for its 22nd season, set to premiere on October 14, 2024, fans are left wondering whether the series has already reached its peak or if it still has more to offer. With the departure of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) in 2021, who served as the backbone of the investigative team for nearly two decades, the show faces the challenge of recapturing its former glory. Gibbs’ absence has undoubtedly shifted the dynamic, leaving some viewers nostalgic for the earlier days when the show was at its height.
Reflecting on the past, 2024 also marks the 20th anniversary of NCIS Season 2, a chapter that many fans and critics alike consider the finest in the show’s long history. Season 2 is often celebrated for the significant improvements it made over the inaugural season, refining the episodic storytelling formula that has become a hallmark of the series. One of the key changes was the promotion of a beloved character to series regular status, which helped solidify the show’s core team and deepen its character dynamics.
While Season 2 may not have garnered the massive viewership numbers seen in later seasons—such as the show’s 10th season, which remains its most-watched—it set the standard for what NCIS could achieve. The season was marked by top-notch writing, direction, and performances, laying the groundwork for the successful format that continues to this day. It became the benchmark against which subsequent seasons were measured, establishing a balance of procedural drama, character development, and a touch of humor that defined the show’s identity.
As NCIS heads into its 22nd season, the legacy of Season 2 looms large. Whether the series can recapture the magic of its earlier years or continue to evolve in new directions remains to be seen, but the influence of that pivotal second season will undoubtedly continue to shape the show’s future.
