CBS did not have high hopes for NCIS, the spin-off of Jag, when it first premiered in 2003. Overshadowed by CSI, the network’s smash hit of the time, Mark Harmon-led NCIS soon became a fan favorite and eventually the number one drama on television. Thanks to the relatable characters, Anthony DiNozzo, Ziva David and Abby Sciuto. With 15 seasons aired and much more to come, the show has been through a lot, both on-screen and off-screen. 

Here are some of the facts that you probably didn’t know about NCIS. 

Before we get caught up in the behind the scene facts about your favorite show, subscribe to our channel and turn the notification on by clicking the bell icon.

NAME ISSUES

If you have been a fan of NCIS since its first season, you probably remember that the show was called Navy NCIS in the first season. The Navy was later dropped since its second season, as the title was redundant as the N in NCIS stands for Naval. 

BELLISARIO AND GIBBS

The show was created by Donald Bellisario, who was also the creator of NCIS’ parent show, JAG. The lead character, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, was named after his father and grandfather. 

Ironically enough, Mark Harmon, who portrayed Gibbs, became the reason Bellisario had to leave the show after Harmon’s dissatisfaction over Bellisario’s chaotic management style. The creator was forced to resign in 2007.

SPIN-OFF DRAMA

The show, which is itself a spin-off series, has spun two more series, NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans, but it did not come without any drama. A major lawsuit was filed during the creation of NCIS: Los Angeles. CBS hired Shane Brennan to create the new show, but, the contract Bellisario had signed with the network gave him the exclusive right to create the NCIS’ first spin-off. The case was later settled out of court.

If things have gone right, there would have been a third spin-off, NCIS: Red. It was introduced in two episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles. It was supposed to focus on the anti-terrorist team within NCIS. 

ABBY SCIUTO’S DRINK

The quirky forensic scientist, Abby Sciuto, who is sadly leaving the show after 15th season, used to drink a signature energy drink, Caf-Pow. While the contents of the drink was never revealed on the show, Pauley Perrette explained that in real life, the cup contained Hawaiian Punch for the first six years and later it was filled with unsweetened cranberry juice. If you want to take a sip of your own drink in Abby’s cup, you are in luck, it is available on the internet. Link is in the description.

Have you ever thought that Pauley Perrette seems the perfect fit to play Abby? She actually is. She has a master’s degree in criminal psychology and was also admitted to John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York.

NCIS’ MOST WANTED

The wall of the most wanted criminal keeps changing, but it is always 15 portraits of bad guys. The portraits have included the criminals within the show and also real-life terrorists like Bin Laden. 

The show has a sense of humor, apparently. Portrait of the show’s creator, Bellisario, was also hung among America’s most wanted.

Which is your favorite character on the show? Let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to like the video and subscribe to our channel. Later, we will be covering unknown facts about NCIS: Los Angeles.

CBS did not have high hopes for NCIS, the spin-off of Jag, when it first premiered in 2003. Overshadowed by CSI, the network’s smash hit of the time, Mark Harmon-led NCIS soon became a fan favorite and eventually the number one drama on television. Thanks to the relatable characters, Anthony DiNozzo, Ziva David and Abby Sciuto. With 15 seasons aired and much more to come, the show has been through a lot, both on-screen and off-screen. 

Here are some of the facts that you probably didn’t know about NCIS. 

Before we get caught up in the behind the scene facts about your favorite show, subscribe to our channel and turn the notification on by clicking the bell icon.

NAME ISSUES

If you have been a fan of NCIS since its first season, you probably remember that the show was called Navy NCIS in the first season. The Navy was later dropped since its second season, as the title was redundant as the N in NCIS stands for Naval. 

BELLISARIO AND GIBBS

The show was created by Donald Bellisario, who was also the creator of NCIS’ parent show, JAG. The lead character, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, was named after his father and grandfather. 

Ironically enough, Mark Harmon, who portrayed Gibbs, became the reason Bellisario had to leave the show after Harmon’s dissatisfaction over Bellisario’s chaotic management style. The creator was forced to resign in 2007.

SPIN-OFF DRAMA

The show, which is itself a spin-off series, has spun two more series, NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans, but it did not come without any drama. A major lawsuit was filed during the creation of NCIS: Los Angeles. CBS hired Shane Brennan to create the new show, but, the contract Bellisario had signed with the network gave him the exclusive right to create the NCIS’ first spin-off. The case was later settled out of court.

If things have gone right, there would have been a third spin-off, NCIS: Red. It was introduced in two episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles. It was supposed to focus on the anti-terrorist team within NCIS. 

ABBY SCIUTO’S DRINK

The quirky forensic scientist, Abby Sciuto, who is sadly leaving the show after 15th season, used to drink a signature energy drink, Caf-Pow. While the contents of the drink was never revealed on the show, Pauley Perrette explained that in real life, the cup contained Hawaiian Punch for the first six years and later it was filled with unsweetened cranberry juice. If you want to take a sip of your own drink in Abby’s cup, you are in luck, it is available on the internet. Link is in the description.

Have you ever thought that Pauley Perrette seems the perfect fit to play Abby? She actually is. She has a master’s degree in criminal psychology and was also admitted to John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York.

NCIS’ MOST WANTED

The wall of the most wanted criminal keeps changing, but it is always 15 portraits of bad guys. The portraits have included the criminals within the show and also real-life terrorists like Bin Laden. 

The show has a sense of humor, apparently. Portrait of the show’s creator, Bellisario, was also hung among America’s most wanted.

Which is your favorite character on the show? Let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to like the video and subscribe to our channel. Later, we will be covering unknown facts about NCIS: Los Angeles.