NCIS’ Origin Revealed: Shocking Connection to Legal Drama Before it Became a Franchise!
The television juggernaut NCIS traces its origins back to the late-’90s legal procedural JAG, a show that initially aired on NBC before finding its permanent home on CBS, setting the stage for the franchise’s enduring success.
JAG, spanning ten seasons from 1995 to 2007, revolves around the JAG team (Judge Advocate General), a group of military lawyers handling cases related to the American military. Starring David James Elliot as Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr. and Catherine Bell as Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie, the series weaves together courtroom drama and military field operations, offering a diverse and engaging viewing experience. The show, often likened to “Top Gun meets A Few Good Men,” explores the enduring will-they-won’t-they relationship between Harm and Mac.
Created by Donald P. Bellisario, known for his military background and other successful series like Magnum P.I. and Quantum Leap, JAG benefited from its production ties to Paramount, providing access to high-quality action footage from films like Top Gun and The Hunt for Red October. The show skillfully combines visual continuity with a forward-thinking approach, addressing issues such as sexism from its early episodes.
In 2003, NCIS emerged as a two-part special within JAG’s eighth season, introducing characters like Jethro Gibbs, Anthony DiNozzo, Abby Sciuto, and Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. These episodes marked the birth of NCIS’s unique investigative world, with the team led by Gibbs investigating the murder of a JAG Navy Lieutenant. NCIS’s success, now approaching its 21st season, solidifies its place as one of the most beloved TV series in recent decades.
Harm and Mac, iconic characters from JAG, made a comeback in NCIS: Los Angeles Season 11, a spin-off from JAG’s own spin-off. Their reunion addressed the unresolved finale of the original series, adding layers to the narrative and showcasing the enduring appeal of Bellisario’s creation. The interconnected yet distinct identities of JAG and the various NCIS series highlight the strength of the franchise. From the courtroom drama of JAG to the California vibes of NCIS: Los Angeles, each installment contributes to the franchise’s ongoing success, with the newest addition, NCIS: Sydney, further expanding its reach. JAG stands as a pivotal yet underrated member of the expansive NCIS family, laying the foundation for the franchise’s continued triumph.
