NCISis among the fewpolice procedural showsthat just keeps going and going. With new murders to solve each week and enough characters to fill a small navy fleet, the show has entertained viewers for years now. Its unique and unparalleled mix of crime, drama, humor, and heart makesNCISstand out among the other television shows in the genre.
It follows a team of special agents as they investigate grizzly crimes and carry out keen investigations. A staple because of its serialized narratives and case-of-the-week format,NCISis known to take on almost everything from terrorism to corruption and infuse it with enough smarts and sarcasm to keep the episodes interesting. Along the way, the show has also introduced viewers to a bunch of characters – some who were in it for the long run and others who stayed for a season or two.
NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Special Agent Alden Parker, a quirky former FBI agent who solves his cases with calm professionalism and sharp, sarcastic charm, leads the NCIS team.
With such a diverse history and enormous cast, narrowing this list down to just ten was no easy task. But it goes without saying that some characters onNCIShave stood out over the years with their memorable personalities, quirks, dedication to the profession, and empathetic actions. While theNCISuniverse has also expanded over time by crafting successful spinoffs, we are here to focus on the ten characters onNCISwho have become fan favorites over the course of the last two decades.
10Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry)
Clayton Reevesbrought a fresh international perspective to the NCIS team as an agent from London. An MI6 officer who acted as a Liaison to the NCIS, he arrived on the show in Season 13. With years of experience working counter intelligence, he had this savvy style and unique sense of charm. Moreover, his backstory of growing up in foster care, dealing with alcohol addiction, and eventually doing volunteer work really added depth to the narrative.
Played byDuane Henryfrom Seasons 13 through 15, Clayton’s stay in NCIS was short, but he became a friend and trusted partner to many squad members. He deserves to be among the most beloved characters on NCIS because of hisskills as a sharp investigator, his strength, and his ability to show emotion beyond the need to protect innocent lives.
9Diane Sterling (Melinda McGraw)
Diane Sterling, also considered by fans as one of the most underplayed characters on the show, brought an interesting razor-sharp wit and legal expertise to NCIS as one of the IRS' criminal investigators. Diane was also the ex-wife of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Tobias Fornell, and Victor Sterling, as well as the mother of Emily Fornell. But viewers quickly saw that there was more to her than met the eye.
She appears on the show and several pivotal points in Seasons 4, 9, and 10 through 12. Of which, she plays a big part in episode 10 of season 11, titled “Devil’s Triad.” The episode sees her confess her love for Gibbs and also reveals that Fornell and Diane are back together. Diane deserves acclaim amongNCIS’ most beloved for being one of TV’srare female characterswhose impact is felt regardless of her brief stay.
8Tobias C. Fornell (Joe Spano)
Played byJoe Spano,Tobias C. Fornellis an important member of the show. He is a former FBI Special Agent who occasionally works with the NCIS Major Case Response Team. Despite clashing with Gibbs countless times over the years, Tobias came to be one of his closest friends outside the job. Their dynamic evolved into something truly profound and likable as the seasons passed by.
As someone who worked hard to get where he is, by first being a Junior Agent then a Senior Agent and then, finally, a Special Agent, he’s a perpetually compelling character. Tobias brought both much-needed comic relief and gut-wrenching drama to the show. The character also appears in the spin-off series,NCIS: New Orleans.
Related:NCIS: Every Main Character Who Left the Show (& Why)
7Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll)
As the no-nonsense Director of NCIS for over a dozen seasons and counting,Leon Vancemight seem stern, but underneath the veneer lies a fiercely principled and protective soul.Rocky Carrolldoes an outstanding job of infusing the character with subtlety and quiet heroism. After all, he is the one who makes hard calls to always keep his people safe while also making personal sacrifices.
Vance was the Assistant NCIS Director, but after the death of Jennifer Shepard, he was promoted and put in charge of Gibbs and his team. Though critical of Gibbs at first, Vance grew to respect him. He deserves praise for anchoring NCIS with his wisdom, justice and heart, proving a great leader is defined by integrity.
6Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette)
From her quirky style to her way with even the weirdest evidence,Abby Sciutolit upNCISas the Chief Forensic Scientist for the NCIS Major Case Response Team. She won the hearts of fans with her one-of-a-kind brilliance and great energy for 15 seasons. Played byPauley Perrette, Abby was not only passionate about science, but also very devoted to her friends.
Which is also why, after her dear friend and colleague Clayton Reeves was murdered, Abby resigned from NCIS and moved to London to start a charity with Reeves' mother. Abby is one of the most empathetic and loved characters on NCIS because of her hidden depths and infectious joy. Withher goth styleand love for Caf-Pow, she delivered several show-stopping scenes, and for that, she’s fondly remembered.
5Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen)
Initially an assistant under the great Doctor Mallard,James “Jimmy” Palmerfound his confidence in the job. He worked hard, was insightful, and was somewhat funny, and eventually rose up the ranks when Ducky stepped down from his position. From assisting regularly in autopsies to becoming the new NCIS Medical Examiner, Jimmy’s character went through notable development, constantly learning and proving himself as an asset.
Played byBrian Dietzen, Jimmy is beloved across the fandom for the way he transformed so fully western to his kind-hearted nature and humorous personality. After all, the nerds on a show always gain the spotlight. Overall, Jimmy Palmer is a good man, has some genuinely appreciable qualities, and is important to the show.
4Timothy McGee (Sean Murray)
Timothy Farragut “Tim” McGeestarted off as the greenest field agent. He worked under the leadership of agents Gibbs, Anthony DiNozzo, and Caitlin Todd before finally finding his footing. And then, for some 15+ years, he was managed incredibly well by the brilliant comedic timing and intelligence of actorSean Murray. Working alongside a team of seasoned agents, Tim developed qualities like courage, perseverance, and devotion.
Tim belongs among the most tenured batch of members of NCIS for seamlessly slipping between drama and levity. Never wavering in his determination to do the right thing, Tim is one of those characters who willremain endearingfor years to come. Currently, he is working as second-in-command to NCIS Supervisory Special Agent in Charge Alden Parker.
3Ziva David (Cote de Pablo)
Easily a favorite,Cote de Pablo’sZiva Davidfirst appeared on NCIS in the premiere of season 3 and soon after, became a regular member. Portrayed as a badass, aloof, and extremely stylish character, she is a former Israeli Mossad officer and former NCIS Special Agent who eventually joins the Major Case Response Team. Having suffered traumatic losses, Ziva directs all her energy into stopping threats through her inquisitive mind and Mossad training.
Cote de Pablo brings nuance and vulnerability into Ziva’s character, which only makes her more beloved. Over time, she’s earned an inspirational and unforgettable place on NCIS bydemonstrating strength, intelligence, and a riveting backstory that only makes her more fierce and passionate.
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2Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly)
With a frat boy charm and a heart of gold,Anthony DiNozzolightened up every room with his presence. He brought both laughter and emotion toNCISfor 13 seasons before departing from the show. (Only to unexpectedly returnin season 21 for a Ducky tribute episode called “The Stories We Leave Behind,” in a series of flashbacks.) Tony may have a tough and shallow exterior as a brilliant detective, but he’s a loyal friend and harbors a liking for movies.
Winning a place high among the most loved characters onNCISfor howMichael Weatherlyinfused three-dimensional humanity into a character that would have been a stereotype, Tony is a thoughtful, humorous, and charming man. Despite having long left the show, he is still remembered as one of television’s greatest gifts.
1Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon)
Retired for a couple of years now,Leroy Jethro Gibbsserved as a formidable but fair team leader on NCIS for almost two decades. A former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper turned Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Major Case Response Team, Gibbs has been a steady force behind the show – even when his own demons make it to the surface every now and then. It is brought to life by the perfectly castMark Harmon, who adds depth and softness to the character.
Showcasing uncanny skill, experience, and dedication, Gibbs is an agent all others aspire to be. He has deservedly topped the list for his longevity, which is part of the reason why NCIS is so successful. According to Harmon, Gibbs is a character who has “lousy taste in women” and is “addicted to coffee,” but he also harbors “a strong sense of honor and respect for the military.” That said, Gibbs is a testament to the fact that true heroes lead and win quietly, but certainly.
