NCIS has become a staple of television, and when talking about its impact, it’s not possible not to mention the original Major Case Response Team and the characters we will never forget. Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Abby Sciuto, Tony DiNozzo, Dr. Ducky Mallard, and Kate Todd have shaped NCIS into what it is today, each adding their unique touch to the show’s dynamic. While their shoes have been properly filled after their departures, their legacy continues to live on in the hearts of viewers.
As NCIS grew in popularity, ultimately becoming one of the longest-running series in the history of television, it branched out into five spinoff series. From NCIS: Los Angeles to NCIS: Hawaiʻi, the franchise’s impact on modern TV is undeniable. Plus, with an upcoming Tony & Ziva show finding its place in the NCIS timeline, the story continues with even more on the horizon.
5 Kate Todd
Played by Sasha Alexander
Etched into our brains for the rest of time, Caitlin Todd’s shocking death in the second season of NCIS was perhaps the biggest bombshell twist in the entire series. In reality, Sasha Alexander, the actor who played Kate, couldn’t handle the workload, which is why her character had to be written off the show. Unfortunately, because of her shorter run, we never got to see Kate grow.
Still, Kate was a highly skilled investigator who was often the voice of reason among the original MCRT team. Her compassion set her apart, making her both relatable and easy to love, which is also one of the main reasons her untimely death took most by surprise. The event echoed throughout the rest of NCIS' time on air, marking a turning point that forever changed the dynamics of the show. Despite her time being cut short, we will always remember Kate fondly.
4 Dr. Ducky Mallard
Played by David McCallum
Watching the late David McCallum play the brilliant Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard at times felt like seeing the actor play himself. Ducky was one of NCIS’ most beloved characters, and, at the time of his passing in 2023, was the last remaining member of the original MCRT team. However, Ducky was so much more than a medical examiner. He was a pillar of wisdom, stability, and humanity who brought us some of the best NCIS moments of all time.
Known for his patience, compassion, and long-winded anecdotes, Ducky delivered some of the best quotes from NCIS. His “I told you so” moments were more often than not laced with humor and warmth, and the combination of dry wit and genuine care made him truly unforgettable. While he might not have been the most central to the plot, Ducky helped define NCIS’ legacy.
3 Tony DiNozzo
Played by Michael Weatherly
When one thinks of charm, there’s no other NCIS character that comes to mind other than Anthony DiNozzo. Portrayed by Michael Weatherly, DiNozzo mostly went by Tony and stole our hearts along the way. He brought laughter and movie trivia to the original MCRT team like no other, as well as some serious moves with the ladies.
However, despite his suave nature, DiNozzo had some of the most growth seen throughout the series. He went from serial womanizer to having one woman in his life (well, technically, two), which is one of the main reasons we can’t wait for the NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff to hit the screen. Tony shared amazing chemistry with almost every team member and, despite having a silly streak, was one of NCIS’ best investigators. Weatherly left the show in 2016 after 13 seasons, but we’ll be seeing him again soon.
2 Abby Sciuto
Played by Pauley Perrette
Forensic specialist Abby Sciuto had as much of an impact on NCIS as any other field agent, if not more at times. Her unique personality and quirky brilliance make her one of the most iconic characters of the entire franchise to date, making it no surprise that her departure in season 15 left a palpable void in the show.
Masterfully played by Pauley Perrette, Abby stood out for a number of reasons. Her signature gothic look was a stark contrast to her bubbly personality and made her visually unique in the world of crime investigations. Not only that, but the way Abby approached her work (with the mandatory Caf-Pow in hand) was impressive. She was both intuitive and knowledgeable, all while making forensic science seem exciting. If you ask us, it’s the perfect time for Abby to return to NCIS and bring back her quintessential charm.
1 Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Played by Mark Harmon
If there’s one character who is central to the success of NCIS, it’s its fearless and intuitive leader, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. While a few actors have played Gibbs throughout the NCIS franchise, Mark Harmon will go down in history as the man who truly brought him to life. Harmon carried the show for most of the 18 seasons he starred in, and broke our hearts when he decided to leave the MCRT team.
NCIS Franchise Shows | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|
NCIS | 7.8 / 10 |
NCIS: Los Angeles | 6.8 / 10 |
NCIS: New Orleans | 6.8 / 10 |
NCIS: Hawaiʻi | 6.8 / 10 |
NCIS: Sydney | 5.9 / 10 |
NCIS: Origins | 7.3 / 10 |
There’s no doubt about it — Gibbs' presence shaped NCIS from its inception. From his signature personality, boat building, and infamous slaps on the head to nailing down some of the show's most notorious villains and continuously standing up for what’s right, Gibbs’ legacy remains unsurpassed. Even after leaving the show in 2021, his presence continues to be deeply felt, proving just how much Gibbs was and continues to be the heart and soul of NCIS.
