NCIS: 10 Mind-blowing Behind-The-Scenes Secrets Revealed!

Here are 10 behind-the-scenes secrets about NCIS that even die-hard fans might find surprising:

1. Mark Harmon’s Role in Casting

Mark Harmon, who played Gibbs, had significant influence over casting decisions. He reportedly fought for certain characters, including Cote de Pablo (Ziva David), believing they would add depth to the show.

2. Real NCIS Agents Consulted on Set

To keep the show authentic, producers regularly consulted with real NCIS agents. They provided insight into protocols, investigations, and terminology, ensuring a realistic portrayal of their work.

3. The “Gibbs Slap” Was Improvised

The iconic “Gibbs slap,” used to get his team’s attention, wasn’t originally in the script. It started as a playful moment on set and became a recurring, fan-favorite gag.

4. Pauley Perrette’s Love for Science

Pauley Perrette, who played Abby Sciuto, studied criminal science in real life. Her genuine interest in forensic science added authenticity to Abby’s character.

5. The Boat Building Mystery

Fans have long wondered how Gibbs gets his boats out of the basement. The writers intentionally left it a mystery to keep audiences intrigued and have fun with the speculation.

6. David McCallum’s Autonomy as Ducky

David McCallum (Ducky) was allowed to write his autopsy dialogue. His real-life knowledge of medical terms and history made his scenes especially detailed and accurate.

7. Michael Weatherly’s Pranks

Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) was infamous for pranking cast members. One notable prank involved tricking Cote de Pablo into thinking her script had major changes.

8. Abby’s Caf-Pow! Wasn’t What It Seemed

The neon-red drink Abby loved wasn’t actually an energy drink. Pauley Perrette revealed it was often cranberry juice or another harmless liquid during filming.

9. The Real Reason for Cote de Pablo’s Exit

While creative differences were cited for her initial departure, Cote later shared that she left to pursue roles that offered deeper storylines and personal growth.

10. Linda Hunt Was Almost Cast

Before landing her iconic role on NCIS: Los Angeles, Linda Hunt was considered for a recurring role on NCIS. However, scheduling conflicts prevented it.

Which of these secrets surprised you the most? Let me know if you’d like me to dive deeper into any of them!