20 Best Episodes NCIS Has to Offer

Ever since Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs first brought his team together in 2003, NCIS has enthralled viewers around the world with its creative and gripping storylines, as well as vibrant new characters. What began as a spin-off from JAG steadily established itself as one of the longest-running scripted crime dramas of all time, with 460+ episodes spanning 21 seasons so far.

With such an enormous library of work, distilling the very best that NCIS has to offer down to just 20 episodes is challenging. Yet, we have considered factors like plot, character development, emotional resonance, and how well they embody NCIS’ perfect mix of action and humor to choose the most pivotal installments. Some focus on key moments in an agent’s backstory while others push the seasonal arcs forward in surprising new directions.

Through it all, fan-favorite characters like Gibbs, Tony, Ziva, and Abby keep viewers on the edge of their seats with thrilling investigations and true-crime mysteries. So, while we may have overlooked a reader’s personal favorite, the 20 episodes on this list represent some of the most memorable moments in the history of NCIS and they are guaranteed to entertain you.

20 “She”

Season 16, Episode 13

A pivotal episode, “She” centers around the NCIS team discovering a peckish and confused 9-year-old girl hiding in a storage unit on a Marine base. They investigate further and make connections with a decade-old missing persons case about a Navy recruit named Morgan Burke. Special Agent Eleanor Bishop devotes herself to the case and uncovers the fact that her predecessor, Ziva David, was actually secretly running an investigation long after the files were officially closed.

The episode stands out because it reveals the truth about Ziva’s work outside of NCIS and hints that she’s possibly alive and only faked her death to protect her family. It also provides significant development for Bishop and bridges past and present storylines to intrigue long-term fans of the show.

19 “Great Wide Open”

Season 19, Episode 4

“Great Wide Open” is memorable because of its sentimental and character-driven storyline. In it, Jethro Gibbs, who was in charge for 19 years on the show, joins McGee and the two travel to Alaska to investigate a company involved in hiring a contract killer named Paul Lemere. The episode marks a significant turning point as towards the end, Gibbs decides to stay in Alaska and say goodbye to his team and his life in Washington, D.C.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a character who has been central to the series since its inception, gets a poignant farewell in the episode. His entire journey throughout the series concludes in this episode; some moments reflecting on the internal struggles he’s faced, the growth he has seen and the strong bonds he’s formed over the years. One callback to Gibbs’ past also induces the mystery of how he got his boat out of the basement.

18 “Honor Thy Father”

Season 11, Episode 24

In the season finale, NCIS pays tribute to Ralph Waite, the actor who played Gibbs’ father, Jackson. After Gibbs receives the devastating news that his father has passed away, he travels to his childhood home in Stillwater, Pennsylvania to handle his father’s affairs and confront his grief. Meanwhile, the team investigates a fire on a U.S. Navy ship that was a front for a secret detention site for terrorists.

Like several other NCIS episodes, “Honor Thy Father” delves into Gibbs’ past and adds depth to his character. His journey back to his hometown allows for character development and provides closure to the long-running subplot that was his relationship with his father. Additionally, Mark Harmon delivers a brilliant performance; the cast is also remarkable in highlighting the team’s support at a time of loss.

17 “Shabbat Shalom”

Season 10, Episode 11

The NCIS team works on the murder investigation of a Petty officer after a father and son duo find his body on their fishing trip only to discover that he was actually a civilian and journalist. Meanwhile, Ziva is shocked to hear that her father, Mossad Director Eli David, whom she hasn’t seen in over two years, is unexpectedly paying her a visit in the U.S. He claims that the visit is personal, that he wanted to spend Shabbat dinner with his daughter, but Ziva remains skeptical.

The episode takes a sharp turn when Eli and Director Vance’s wife, Jackie, are killed in a drive-by shooting. “Shabbat Shalom” thus leaves a massive emotional impact on the history of NCIS. It delivers several powerful punches and explores the dynamic between Ziva and her father, adding a rich and personal layer to the episode and making it more than just a procedural episode. The twist also sets up Ziva’s arc for the rest of the season as she embarks on a revenge mission.

16 “Till Death Do Us Part”

Season 9, Episode 24

“Till Death Do Us Part” is the final episode of the ninth season. In it, the team faces a dire threat from an industrialist-turned-terrorist. As they investigate a series of bombings caused by him, they discover the fact that the terrorist’s vendetta stems from the death of his son, who was killed in a Navy accident. The episode also features a very frantic NCIS team when NCIS Director Leon Vance goes missing.

In the climax, a bomb is discovered in Director Vance’s car, and it leads to a massive explosion at NCIS headquarters. Amidst it all, Jimmy Palmer’s wedding is put on hold and Ducky suffers a heart attack after hearing the news. Gripping until the final seconds, this episode stunned fans with its high-stakes drama, constant drama and emotional gut-punches. It tests Gibbs’ leadership, reveals Vance’s vulnerability, and sets up the premise for Season 10.

15 “A Man Walks Into a Bar”

Season 8, Episode 14

An excellent episode with a unique narrative structure, “A Man Walks Into A Bar” begins with an investigation, as usual. This time, it is the death of a Navy commander, who was found in his own stateroom. But that’s not really the highlight. Following Kate’s death, the team undergoes mandatory psychological evaluations, conducted by Dr. Rachel Cranston. During these sessions, Tony, McGee, Gibbs and Ziva reflect on their past experiences and traumas.

Towards the end of the episode, it is also revealed that Dr. Cranston is the sister of Kate Todd, hoping to find closure for the death of the former NCIS agent through the interviews. Speaking of which, the therapy sessions are really enriching and introspective as they see the main characters confronting their inner demons and emotional state of minds. Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo deliver exceptional performances.

14 “Family First”

Season 13, Episode 24

By now, it has been established that NCIS has the best season finales. This one, titled “Family First,” follows the NCIS team joining forces with the FBI and MI6 and continuing their international manhunt for the rogue British spy, Trent Kort, who has already killed several former and current special agents. Along the way, Tony DiNozzo learns that his former colleague and love interest, Ziva David, is presumed dead in a mortar attack.

The news leaves all the members of the team torn. But with it comes the shocking revelation that Ziva has a daughter named Tali that Tony didn’t know he’d fathered. This leads Tony to make the life-changing decision to leave NCIS, head to Paris, and take care of his daughter. The episode is one of the best because we see Tony transitioning from a carefree agent to a devoted father. It provides a satisfying conclusion to his arc but disappoints fans who were shipping Tony and Ziva.

13 “Judgment Day” Parts 1 and 2

Season 5, Episodes 18 and 19

A two-part episode that pushes the NCIS team to the brink, “Judgment Day” Parts 1 and 2 begin with the murder of former NCIS Special Agent William Decker, prompting Director Jenny Shepard, Tony, and Ziva to travel to Los Angeles for his funeral. Despite knowing that Decker died of a heart attack, Jenny grows suspicious and starts her own investigation by summoning Franks and meeting Decker’s girlfriend. All the events eventually lead to a confrontation with a group of assassins.

Tragically, Jenny is killed in a shootout, leaving both the fans and viewers in absolute shock. Led by Gibbs, the remaining members of NCIS deal with the fallout of her death and hunt down her killers. Both the episodes are filled with suspense and high-stakes drama. We barely get time to catch a breath amidst the urgency and tension. Gibbs, who had a complex relationship with the Director is deeply affected. Leon Vance’s introduction as the new director leaves the show on a cliffhanger.

12 “Heartland”

Season 6, Episode 4

A genuinely compelling and poignant episode that takes a deep dive into Gibbs’ past, “Heartland” starts when the NCIS team takes on a new case. A bar brawl leaves one Marine dead and another critically injured. Gibbs investigates and claims it was an ambush and that the surviving Marine was the actual target. As it turns out, he’s from Gibbs’ hometown. Along with McGee and Ziva, he travels to his hometown in Stillwater, Pennsylvania.

As they follow the clues, Gibbs is forced to confront his past and his relationship with his estranged father, Jackson Gibbs. The episode also jumps back and forth and familiarizes us with a younger version of Gibbs, not only providing insights to his formative years but also revealing how he met his future wife, Shannon. While the team eventually nabs the killers, the episode’s significance is that it lays the groundwork for NCIS: Origins.

11 “Past, Present, Future”

Season 11, Episode 2

“Past, Present, Future” marks the last episode of NCIS with Cote de Pablo, who plays Ziva David. Of course, Gibbs and the rest of the characters are working to uncover the mastermind behind the terrorist ring intent on targeting high-profile individuals and wiping out the team, but for the most part, the episode focuses on the bittersweet conclusion to Tony and Ziva’s relationship. Tony travels to Israel to find Ziva, who has gone off the grid following the death of her father.

When he finally locates her, Ziva reveals that she no longer wishes to live the life of an agent and has decided to cut ties with NCIS and Tony. Tony confesses his love for her and tries to convince her to return but she remains resolute. She honors their shared history but wants to follow Gibbs’ advice to follow her heart. The moment is touching but believable. The show may have found a replacement in NSA analyst Bishop, played by Emily Wickersham, but it’s not the same without Ziva.

10 “Angel of Death”

Season 4, Episode 24

Another standout episode is “Angel of Death.” In it, Director Jenny Shephard returns from a European trip and finds her home has been broken into. She suspects it’s her supposedly dead father. Meanwhile, the NCIS agents in Washington are subjected to a Homeland Security polygraph test, which reveals secrets and raises tensions. Tony and Jeanne face their greatest challenge yet after being taken hostage by a drug dealer.

With so many intertwined threats, the episode is surprisingly fast-paced and well-articulated. It also creates an emotionally charged atmosphere, particularly for Tony and Jeanne, whose relationship is put to the test when, towards the end, Tony and Jenny finally meet René Benoit, also known as La Grenouille, the international arms dealer from France they’ve been trying to find for months, but he turns out to be Jeanne’s father.

9 “Requiem”

Season 5, Episode 7

Considered one of the best episodes of NCIS due to its thrilling action sequences and heartfelt storytelling, “Requiem” is also a must-watch for fans of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. In the episode, Gibbs is approached by Maddie Tyler, the childhood friend of her late daughter, Kelly. Maddie tells him about a Marine ex-boyfriend who has been stalking her and seeks his help. But when Maddie is kidnapped, Gibbs becomes deeply involved in the case and uncovers a shocking plot.

The episode ends with a bunch of vengeful kidnappers chasing Gibbs and Maddie. Gibbs reverses the car into a body of water and it quickly submerges, but fortunately, Tony is around. He dramatically breaks them out of the car, gets them on the surface and performs CPR to save them. The scene is particularly memorable because it highlights the show’s ability to blend action and emotion.

Season 1, Episode 12

A dumpster diver from a small town in Clarksburg, West Virginia, discovers a severed leg with a Marine tattoo in “My Other Left Foot” and the NCIS rush to investigate. Apparently, the leg belongs to a Marine who was declared dead two years earlier, but according to Ducky’s estimation, the leg was attached to the person’s body no less than 24 hours ago. Upon further analysis and help from Abby, they uncover a complex web of deception and a hidden murder plot.

The episode is not only brilliant because of its intricate plot and character interactions but also because it effectively combines elements of mystery and drama. The original discovery and the subsequent unfurling of clues adds depth to the narrative. But more than anything, it was the deft and clever use of dark humor, as well as sequences between David McCallum’s and Mark Harmon’s characters, that separates NCIS from other procedural shows.

7 “Keep Going”

Season 14, Episode 13

Despite being around since the first season, it wasn’t until Season 10 that Brian Dietzen’s Jimmy Palmer was promoted to a series regular. And yet, it is this season 14 episode, titled “Keep Going,” that finally reveals Jimmy’s ability to connect with people on a spiritual level. We see NCIS investigating a hit-and-run accident that kills Navy Captain Paul Smith. His son, Ryan, somehow feels responsible and contemplates taking his own life.

Palmer finds himself standing on the ledge of a nearby building and rushes to the ledge himself. He engages Ryan in conversation and tries to dissuade him by sharing personal stories about the several failed attempts it took him to finally pass his medical exams. Through this narrative, the episode also highlights the impact of trauma and the importance of mental health, making it both relevant and refreshingly intricate.

6 “SWAK”

Season 2, Episode 22

In “SWAK,” a letter sealed with a kiss (literally) arrives at the headquarters of NCIS and Tony presumes it is for him. When he opens it, a mysterious white powder disperses in the squad room. The team has a drill for when something like this happens and they immediately activate bioterrorism protocol. With Tony and Kate quarantined in Bethesda Naval Hospital, Gibbs and the rest of the team rush to find the sender of the letter.

Meanwhile, Tony’s condition worsens and he realizes he’s caught the plague. All ends well because they do find a cure, but the episode is quite intense from start to finish. It balances the urgency of the unusual attack with the personal dynamic of the team. The performances, particularly Michael Weatherly’s portrayal of a gravely ill Tony, are truly impactful.

5 “Truth or Consequences”

Season 7, Episode 1

In the gripping season premiere, the narrative picks up from where Season 6 finale left things off, with Ziva kidnapped and presumed dead. Tony refuses to let it go so he teams up with Gibbs, Abby and McGee and they start digging around. DiNozzo and McGee end up in captivity and under the influence of a truth serum, Tony recounts the events leading up to his capture and reveals how he cannot live without Ziva.

Through flashbacks, we also see the team’s struggle to replace Ziva and the many interviews they conduct. Once again, Gibbs embarks on a daring rescue mission, showcasing his Marine sniper skills by taking out Saleem, the Somalian terrorist.

“Truth or Consequences” is dramatic and filled with twists from the first moments, but it is also humorous. Weatherly himself suggested to fans, “If you were a brand-new viewer, it unfolded and revealed all the characters and dynamics of the show, and it fired on all cylinders.”

4 “Kill Ari” Parts 1 and 2

Season 3, Episodes 1 and 2

As the team grapples with the tragic death of Special Agent Todd, Gibbs is consumed by a desire for revenge against rogue Mossad agent Ari Haswari, who continues his assault and targets Abby next but she survives. At the same time, the show introduces new NCIS Director Jenny Shepard, who shares a complicated history with Gibbs, as well as Mossad Officer Ziva David. But Jenny and Ziva claim Ari is innocent and should be spared.

In the second part of “Kill Ari,” tension escalates and the team accelerates their hunt for Ari. Ziva’s loyalty is tested as she tries to protect Ari while also proving herself worthy of joining the NCIS team. Both the episodes mark a significant shift in the overarching plot of the series because they weave intricate personal and psychological stories with a major vendetta and introduce Ziva, who becomes fan-favorite moving forward.

3 “Twilight”

Season 2, Episode 23

Placed between the events of “SWAK” and “Kill Ari” is another edge-of-your-seat but devastating episode, “Twilight,” which sees Tony DiNozzo returning to work right when the team is about to investigate a murder scenario near Fredericksburg. Apparently, a guy in a Virginia State Police stopped two off-duty Naval officers and shot three rounds of bullets into each of them. Elsewhere, Ari is back in the country with a mission to kill Gibbs.

The stakes become higher when Ari targets the team by planting a bomb that nearly kills them. Despite Director Morrow’s orders to stay out of the operation, Gibbs, Todd, and DiNozzo pin the terrorists down and the episode reaches a heartbreaking climax when a lone bullet suddenly emerges from out of nowhere and strikes Todd, killing her instantly. A landmark episode, it depicts the NCIS team’s vulnerability against the risky mission.

2 “Call of Silence”

Season 2, Episode 7

NCIS usually revolves around the characters thwarting terrorists’ plans and saving lives. Despite the characters’ backgrounds being rooted in the military, “Call of Silence” is one of the few episodes that stands out because it features a touching World War II storyline. In the episode, a former Marine and Medal of Honor recipient named Ernie Yost walks into NCIS headquarters and confesses to murdering his best friend during WWII six decades ago.

Gibbs and the team are initially wary of the situation but they take the case anyway. As the investigations begin, they learn about the intense battle Yost fought and the traumatic events that led to this moment. They somehow piece together the past, realize Yost is going through survivor’s guilt and prove him innocent. Its profound emotional impact and exploration of themes like honor, guilt, and the trauma of war makes the episode powerful and cathartic.

1 “Yankee White”

Season 1, Episode 1

“Yankee White” is the series premiere of NCIS and while it was mostly introductory, it does a fantastic job in establishing the tone of the series. The pilot kicks off with a Navy Commander’s mysterious death aboard Air Force One after having lunch with the President. The NCIS team, led by Leroy Jethro Gibbs, is called in to investigate. They face interruptions from the FBI and Secret Service, but eventually uncover the death was accidental but part of a larger assassination plot.

The very first episode is a delicate blend of political intrigue, suspense, and character introduction. It familiarizes viewers with the show’s unique style and innovatively uses the high-stakes scenario to reveal Gibbs’ leadership, Tony’s charm, and Abby’s forensic expertise. The dynamic between Gibbs and Kate Todd, who transitions from the Secret Service to NCIS is a memorable highlight of the episode.

Overall, pioneering in every right, it set the stage for 21+ seasons of captivating and entertaining storytelling.