“NCIS,” one of the longest-running criminal investigation TV series in history, has captivated audiences since its debut in 2003, with 18 seasons and over 300 episodes. The show, short for “Naval Criminal Investigation Service,” centers around an elite team of agents led by Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon. Over the years, the series has produced several memorable episodes. Here are the top 10, according to IMDb:
1. “Kill Ari Part II” (Season 3, Episode 2) – 8.8
- In the aftermath of Kate Todd’s death, the team hunts down Ari Haswari, who killed her on a rooftop. The episode also introduces Ziva David’s character and her complicated history with Ari.
2. “Judgment Day Part II” (Season 5, Episode 19) – 8.9
- This emotionally charged episode marks the farewell of Jenny Shepard, the former director of NCIS, who is killed in a shootout. The team investigates the circumstances of her death and deals with the emotional aftermath.
3. “Spinning Wheel” (Season 13, Episode 11) – 8.9
- In this heartwrenching episode, two emotional storylines unfold. Ducky’s past resurfaces when he is attacked by someone claiming to have information about his long-lost half-brother. Meanwhile, Bishop’s troubled marriage takes a significant turn.
4. “Scope” (Season 13, Episode 18) – 8.9
- Gibbs and his team investigate the deaths of an officer and her husband in Iraq. They uncover an American-made sniper rifle in enemy hands, leading them on a trail to prevent an assassination.
5. “Twilight” (Season 2, Episode 23) – 8.9
- In the season 2 finale, Tony returns to work after sick leave and joins an investigation into the murder of two Naval pilots during their time off. The episode features a mysterious killer dressed as a Virginia State Trooper and a bomb explosion.
6. “Heartland” (Season 6, Episode 4) – 8.9
- Gibbs suspects foul play when a Marine corporal is found dead after a pub brawl. His investigation leads him to uncover a carefully planned ambush and a complex conspiracy in the victim’s hometown.
7. “Requiem” (Season 5, Episode 7) – 8.9
- This personal episode sees Gibbs investigating a Marine sergeant stalking the childhood friend of his daughter, Kelly. The situation escalates when the friend is kidnapped, leading to a tense investigation.
8. “Head Of The Snake” (Season 7, Episode 21) – 9.0
- In a secret investigation, Gibbs collaborates with FBI agent Tobias Fornell to uncover a drug ring responsible for Fornell’s daughter’s overdose. The investigation takes unexpected turns, including Bishop getting kidnapped.
9. “SWAK” (Season 2, Episode 22) – 9.0
- The NCIS headquarters receives a deadly love letter with mysterious white powder, and the team races to solve the case. Tony becomes seriously ill, and Kate takes care of him. The episode involves uncovering the sender’s identity and an old rape case.
These episodes showcase the emotional depth, intriguing mysteries, and memorable character moments that have made “NCIS” a beloved and enduring series. While newer episodes continue to garner attention, many fan-favorite episodes come from the early seasons of the show.