NCIS: The 10 Best Episodes You Must See!

With hundreds of episodes amassed over 21 seasons, NCIS has delivered many highly enjoyable installments—some of which naturally stand out. While the show can sometimes feel repetitive due to its case-of-the-week format, which resets the narrative week after week, certain episodes go beyond the typical formula. These standout episodes possess unique qualities, such as special characters or storylines, that elevate them above standard police procedurals and offer a more complex experience for the audience.

The best episodes of NCIS often share a common denominator: they emotionally appeal to the human condition in a way that viewers can relate to without coming off as inauthentic. This is particularly evident in some of the earliest seasons of NCIS, but a few standout episodes were also pulled from NCIS season 21, despite the shortened season due to the writer’s strike. Additionally, the series occasionally achieves a perfect blend of comedy within its narratives, mastering the challenging mix of humor in the context of serious crime scenes.