For fans of the long-running crime procedural NCIS, the streaming landscape is shifting in unexpected ways. Originally, it was anticipated that NCIS would leave Netflix entirely by the end of June 2024. However, in a surprising twist, Netflix will not only retain some seasons but also add new ones, with a significant caveat: the removal of most early seasons.
NCIS, now in its 21st season on CBS, has captivated audiences with its blend of investigative intrigue and compelling characters since its debut in September 2003. Throughout the 2010s, Netflix was the go-to streaming service for fans to catch up on new seasons before the latest one premiered. However, this pattern halted in 2018, leaving fans without updates on Netflix. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that NCIS would exit Netflix by the end of June 2024, and fans braced for the loss.
In a surprising turn of events, Netflix announced a partial retention and expansion of the series’ catalog, keeping NCIS on the platform in a reduced capacity. By the end of June, Netflix will remove seasons 1 through 11. While this is a significant loss, the platform will gain seasons 16 and 17, from the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons. Moving forward, Netflix will hold onto seasons 12 to 17, ensuring fans still have access to a substantial portion of the series.
This news brings a mix of relief and disappointment but underscores the series’ enduring popularity. NCIS has consistently performed well on Netflix, regularly appearing in Nielsen’s Top 10 lists. For instance, it was the fifth most popular show from April 8 – 14, 2024, and ranked as the third most popular library title on Netflix in 2023. Given its strong performance, it’s clear why Netflix would want to retain the show in some capacity.
The partial retention means that while Netflix will miss out on the earliest and latest seasons, fans can still enjoy the middle seasons on the platform. This shuffle, though inconvenient for those who enjoy revisiting the series from the beginning, still allows fans to stay connected to Gibbs and the team. To watch the latest seasons (18 through 21) and the earliest seasons (1 through 11), fans will need to turn to Paramount+, which holds exclusive streaming rights for these episodes.
Prepare for the NCIS shuffle on June 30th and savor the seasons that remain on Netflix. Though it’s a bittersweet transition, the adventures of Gibbs, McGee, and the rest of the team will still be accessible for many more investigations to come.