NCIS Spin-Offs in Order
The NCIS franchise has expanded across multiple series beyond the flagship show, each introducing new teams, locations, and storylines. If you are looking for NCIS spin-offs in order, this guide lists every related series and explains how they connect to the broader universe. From long-running investigations to fresh settings, these shows build on shared themes while standing on their own. Below, you will find an organized overview of each spin-off, key cast details, and how they fit together.
Primary Franchise and Shared Universe
The NCIS television universe centers on the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, where special agents handle high-stakes cases involving the Navy and Marine Corps. Each spin-off retains core elements such as team investigations, forensic work, and interagency collaboration, while adapting to distinct regional demands and storytelling tones. Understanding this framework helps clarify why certain characters cross over and how each series contributes to the overall continuity.
What Defines an NCIS Spin-Off
- Direct connection to the main NCIS universe through recurring characters or crossover episodes
- Focus on investigative work, often with a specialized geographic or functional lens
- Familiar procedural format with serialized character arcs across seasons
NCIS: Los Angeles
NCIS: Los Angeles debuted in 2009 and remains one of the longest-running NCIS spin-offs. The series follows a specialized team operating under the Office of Special Projects in Los Angeles, handling undercover operations, counterintelligence, and high-profile threats. It frequently intersects with the primary NCIS show through shared characters and case links.
Core Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character | Role Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Chris O'Donnell | G. Callen | d>Senior Special Agent, team leader with a deep undercover background|
| LL Cool J | Sam Hanna | Senior Special Agent, former Navy SEAL, skilled in surveillance and combat |
| Daniela Ruah | Kensi Blye | Special Agent, fluent in multiple languages, works closely with Sam |
| Eric Christian Olsen | Marty Deeks | LAPD liaison who works closely with the NCIS team |
| Barrett Foa | Eric Beale | Technical operator and analyst supporting field operations |
| Renee Felice Smith | Nell Jones | Intelligence analyst and later field agent, known for technical expertise |
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series Premiere | September 22, 2009 | Network Announcement |
| Status | Concluded after season 14 in 2023 | Network Statement |
| Seasons | 14 | Network Records |
| Notable Crossovers | Multiple episodes intersecting with NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans | Episode Guides |
NCIS: New Orleans
NCIS: New Orleans launched in 2014, bringing the investigative focus to the Gulf Coast. The series centers on a team solving cases involving the Navy and Marine Corps in a region known for its unique culture and strategic importance. It often features crossover events with NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles, enriching the shared universe.
Core Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character | Role Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Bakula | Dwayne Pride | Supervisory Special Agent, team leader with deep local ties |
| Lucas Black | Leroy Jethro Gibbs | Former NCIS Agent and team advisor with extensive field experience |
| Zoe McLellan | Paula Cassidy | Senior Special Agent, later replaced by other leads in evolving seasons |
| Rob Kerkovich | Sebastian Lund | Forensic Specialist and intelligence analyst |
| Daryl Mitchell | Patton Plame | Computer Specialist supporting field operations |
| Shalita Grant | Sonja Percy | Special Agent contributing to field and investigative work |
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series Premiere | September 23, 2014 | Network Announcement |
| Status | Concluded after season 9 in 2021 | Network Statement |
| Seasons | 9 | Network Records |
| Notable Crossovers | Episodes shared with NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles | Episode Guides |
NCIS: Hawaiʻi
NCIS: Hawaiʻi premiered in 2021 and brought the franchise to the Pacific, focusing on a team based in Honolulu. The series emphasizes both investigative work and regional dynamics, with lead characters engaged in complex operations tied to national security. It aired for three seasons before concluding, marking the franchise's most recent addition at the time of its run.
Core Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character | Role Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Vanessa Lachey | Jane Tennant | Senior Special Agent and team leader |
| Alex Tarrant | Kai Holman | Special Agent and skilled operative |
| Noelani Rapoza | Jenna Kaye | Intelligence Analyst and field support |
| Bryan Hull | Nick Taylor | Special Agent contributing to missions |
| Oscar Torres | Ben Keoki | Team Specialist with local expertise |
| Jason Antoon | Ernie Malik | Technical analyst supporting the team |
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series Premiere | September 20, 2021 | Network Announcement |
| Status | Concluded after season 3 in 2024 | Network Statement |
| Seasons | 3 | Network Records |
| Notable Crossovers | Limited crossover events with NCIS and other franchises | Episode Guides |
NCIS: Sydney
NCIS: Sydney entered the lineup in 2023 as an international expansion, set in Australia. This series marked a deliberate step toward global storytelling, featuring Australian law enforcement collaboration while maintaining the investigative DNA of the parent show. It continues to air as of the latest available information, representing the newest major iteration of the NCIS television family.
Core Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character | Role Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Megan Follows | Harper | NCIS Supervisory Special Agent leading the Sydney team |
| Daniel MacPherson | McKay | Local Australian law enforcement liaison working with NCIS |
| Hannah Monson | Evie Cooper | Field agent contributing to complex investigations |
| Todd Lasance | Jake | Technical and intelligence support specialist |
| Aaron Jeffery | Callan | Senior agent with extensive field background |
| Ditch Davey | Commander Gray | Overseeing military and investigative coordination |
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series Premiere | November 10, 2023 | Network Announcement |
| Status | Ongoing (renewed for at least one more season as of late 2024) | Network Statement |
| Seasons | 1 (Season 1 ongoing at time of reference) | Network Records |
| Notable Crossovers | Planned future crossover events with core NCIS universe | Development Announcements |
How These Shows Connect
While each NCIS spin-off operates in a distinct region, they form a connected television family through shared characters, crossover arcs, and overarching storylines. Certain agents appear across multiple series, and major cases sometimes span more than one show, creating a cohesive universe. This structure allows for both localized storytelling and broader franchise continuity, giving viewers different entry points while rewarding long-term engagement.
Relationship Overview
| Spin-Off | Premiere Year | Base Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCIS: Los Angeles | 2009 | Los Angeles, California | Concluded (Season 14, 2023) |
| NCIS: New Orleans | 2014 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Concluded (Season 9, 2021) |
| NCIS: Hawaiʻi | 2021 | Honolulu, Hawaiʻi | Concluded (Season 3, 2024) |
| NCIS: Sydney | 2023 | Sydney, Australia | Ongoing |
Choosing a Starting Point
New viewers often ask where to begin among NCIS spin-offs. If you enjoy ensemble-driven investigations with strong procedural elements, starting with NCIS: Los Angeles offers the deepest character development and extensive crossover history. Alternatively, NCIS: Sydney provides a fresh setting for those already familiar with the core series, while NCIS: New Orleans brings a distinctive regional flavor. Each series maintains the meticulous investigative style that defines the franchise, ensuring consistent quality across the board.
Conclusion
NCIS spin-offs in order reflect a carefully expanded universe that balances regional diversity with unified storytelling. Whether you follow the investigations in Los Angeles, New Orleans, Hawaiʻi, or Sydney, each series contributes to a broader tapestry of naval crime drama. With overlapping characters, shared case files, and consistent production values, these shows deliver enduring entertainment for long-time fans and new viewers alike.