NCIS has grown into a massive franchise with six standalone shows, yet the original series remains the best entry point for new fans looking to explore its universe. Starting Nov. 8, NCIS Seasons 1 through 11 will be available to stream on Hulu, offering a perfect introduction to the show and its iconic characters.
The NCIS concept was first introduced in two episodes of JAG Season 8 — “Ice Queen” and “Meltdown” — which aired as backdoor pilots in April 2003. These episodes featured early appearances by future mainstays Mark Harmon (Gibbs), Pauley Perrette, and Michael Weatherly. NCIS officially debuted on CBS in September 2003 and is now in its 22nd season, which premiered on Oct. 14, 2024.
After 18 years, Mark Harmon departed in 2021, leaving an impact as monumental as Steve Carell’s exit from The Office. In his final episode, Season 19’s “Great Wide Open,” Gibbs chose to stay in Alaska, symbolizing peace without fully retiring. Harmon explained that the role needed to stay “fresh” and “challenging,” and showrunner Steven Binder echoed this, saying Gibbs’ open-ended departure lets fans imagine his future.
With NCIS: Origins, Gibbs’ story comes full circle, exploring his early years as a Naval Investigative Service recruit (before it became NCIS) in 1991. Austin Stowell plays the young Gibbs, while Harmon returns as the voice of the older Gibbs, narrating and adding emotional depth to the prequel. Showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal said this new perspective is “liberating” as it gives fans insight into Gibbs’ thoughts, which he famously kept guarded in the original series.
Stream NCIS Seasons 1 to 11 on Hulu starting Nov. 8.
