How NCIS Became a CBS Powerhouse—Thanks to USA Network
While NCIS is now a CBS staple, its early rise owes a lot to an unexpected ally: USA Network. After their third seasons, JAG and NCIS aired in heavy rotation on USA, introducing millions of new viewers to the shows.
Executive producer Mark Horowitz credits those reruns with helping the series climb the ratings, while creator Donald P. Bellisario and star Mark Harmon note that NCIS’s success wasn’t instant—it was a slow burn. That steady growth eventually launched one of TV’s biggest franchises, now spanning 23 seasons and multiple spin-offs.