The debate among NCIS fans about which character truly shines in this captivating series has been on-going for years. By collecting votes for each character, we offer a transparent and regularly updated snapshot of fan sentiment. This approach not only resolves disputes but also ignites conversations among enthusiasts who believe their favourite should claim the top position. Your participation in voting plays a vital role in a community-driven effort that showcases popular trends and opinions within the fan base. This ranking for most popular NCIS characters goes beyond merely identifying the most cherished character; it empowers fans, fostering an enjoyable and interactive experience with the series and one another.
Most Popular NCIS Characters
Leroy Jethro Gibbs is a captivating fictional character and the central figure of the CBS television series NCIS, brought to life by the talented Mark Harmon. A former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper, Gibbs has transitioned into a special agent who leads a dedicated team within the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Renowned as the team’s top marksman, he excels in managing high-stakes confrontations, relying on his agents for their expertise in technical forensics and thorough background investigations. Gibbs embodies a blend of patience and authority, often showing little tolerance for bureaucratic red tape.
He oversees a diverse group of characters, including his current team members Timothy McGee, Nick Torres, and briefly, Jessica Knight, as well as former colleagues like Caitlin Todd, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty, Anthony DiNozzo, who departed to care for his newly discovered daughter, and Ziva David, who was initially presumed dead after leaving NCIS but later revealed to be in hiding. After finally finding solace in Alaska following the tragic loss of his family, Gibbs makes the bold decision to leave NCIS in the 2021 episode “Great Wide Open,” embarking on a quest for new adventures.
The next person for most popular NCIS characters – Anthony D. “Tony” DiNozzo Jr. is a beloved fictional character from the CBS television series NCIS, brought to life by the talented American actor Michael Weatherly. Created by producer Donald P. Bellisario, DiNozzo was a mainstay in the show for the first 13 seasons, making his exit in the Season 13 finale titled Family First. His character also made memorable guest appearances in the spin-offs NCIS : Los Angeles and NCIS : New Orleans.
Initially, DiNozzo faced a mixed reception, with some viewers criticizing his male chauvinistic traits. However, as Weatherly chose to soften this portrayal, audience perception shifted positively, leading to a more favorable reception of the character. Despite this, critics remained divided over his quirky, “goofball” personality. By 2011, Weatherly had earned a spot among the top ten most popular actors on primetime television, thanks to his engaging performance as DiNozzo.
In January 2016, it was confirmed by Weatherly and CBS that season thirteen would mark the end of DiNozzo’s journey as a series regular. In a poignant storyline, DiNozzo departs NCIS after discovering he has a daughter with his former partner, Special Agent Ziva David, who tragically died in a mortar attack in Israel. This heartfelt decision to leave the agency was driven by his desire to care for his child. Weatherly made a special return as DiNozzo in a cameo during the season 21 episode “The Stories We Leave Behind,” honoring the character of Ducky Mallard, portrayed by David McCallum.
Probably the most popular NCIS Characters among females – Ziva David, a captivating character from the CBS series NCIS, is portrayed by the talented Cote de Pablo. Ziva first graced the screen in the Season 3 premiere titled “Kill Ari (Part 1)” and quickly became a beloved regular from the episode “Silver War.” She stepped into the role following the tragic demise of Caitlin “Kate” Todd, who was killed by Ziva’s half-brother, Ari Haswari, in the season 2 finale. The character’s backstory is further enriched by flashbacks featuring Gabi Coccio as a young Ziva, especially after the death of her father in season 10. Ziva is introduced as an Israeli national and a skilled agent from the Mossad’s Kidon unit, the daughter of Mossad Director Eli David, and a close associate of NCIS Director Jenny Shepard. Her role as a liaison officer at NCIS, a result of an agreement between Eli and Jenny, lasted four years until her return to Mossad in the season 6 finale, “Aliyah.”
After a harrowing experience of being captured by terrorists in Somalia, she was rescued by Gibbs, Tony, and McGee, leading her to resign from Mossad and pursue a career as an NCIS agent, ultimately becoming a U.S. citizen. In a surprising turn of events, CBS announced on July 10, 2013, that Cote de Pablo would depart from NCIS during its 11th season. However, she returned for two episodes that fall to conclude Ziva’s storyline. Although Ziva was seemingly killed off-screen in Season 13, executive producer Gary Glasberg hinted at the possibility of her survival. This speculation was confirmed in Season 16, and de Pablo made a triumphant return in Season 17 as a guest star for several episodes. Beyond the realm of fiction, Ziva’s cultural significance has sparked discussions among critics, academics, and rabbis, highlighting her impact on audiences and the broader narrative landscape.
Abigail “Abby” Beethoven Sciuto is a captivating fictional character from the acclaimed American TV series NCIS, brought to life by the talented Pauley Perrette. In a memorable flashback from the season 10 episode “Hit and Run,” a younger version of Abby is portrayed by Brighton Sharbino. Abby first made her mark in the JAG episodes “Ice Queen” and “Meltdown,” which served as a backdoor pilot for NCIS. Remarkably, she appeared in every episode of NCIS until May 2018 and also graced the spin-offs NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans with her presence.
This iconic role catapulted Perrette to fame, making her one of the most beloved actresses on U.S. primetime television in 2011, as noted by Q Score. As a forensic scientist at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service headquarters in Washington, Abby specializes in ballistics, digital forensics, and DNA analysis. In the season seven premiere, “Truth or Consequences,” DiNozzo humorously describes her as “a paradox wrapped in an oxymoron smothered in contradictions in terms. Sleeps in a coffin. Really, the happiest Goth you’ll ever meet.” Abby’s unique gothic fashion sense and fascination with death and the supernatural stand in stark contrast to her vibrant, energetic personality and her passion for her work.
Dr. James “Jimmy” Palmer, portrayed by Brian Dietzen, is an assistant medical examiner introduced in the episode “Split Decision.” Following the incapacitation of Gerald Jackson, he steps into the role of Mallard’s assistant. Interestingly, he shares a name with the former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Jim Palmer, although he has no fondness for baseball. In the episode “In the Dark,” Palmer reveals that he has a “mild” case of diabetes mellitus. He often appears somewhat intimidated by Gibbs, particularly when Gibbs launches into one of his characteristic, offbeat explanations that were never solicited. Mallard humorously notes that he and Palmer often arrive at crime scenes long after Gibbs and his team, attributing this delay to Palmer’s poor driving skills and tendency to get lost. Palmer attempts to defend himself by highlighting that Mallard is the one giving directions.
Timothy Farragut “Tim” McGee is a captivating fictional character from the CBS television series NCIS, brought to life by Sean Murray. With a strong focus on cybersecurity and computer crime, McGee is an accomplished graduate of Johns Hopkins University. Murray initially made guest appearances in eight episodes during the first season of NCIS. However, in the second season, he became a permanent member of the main cast, earning a spot in the opening credits. By the twentieth season, Murray had ascended to the role of the show’s lead character, solidifying McGee’s importance in the series.
Dr. Donald Horatio “Ducky” Mallard, D.H.L. (hon.) portrayed by David McCallum, served as the chief medical examiner for NCIS and was a longtime friend of Gibbs. In season 16, he transitioned from his role as chief medical examiner to become an NCIS historian. The team affectionately refers to him as “Ducky,” a clever nod to his last name, Mallard; in his youth, he was known as “Donnie.” Born in Scotland, his cellphone ringtone features the iconic bagpipes playing “Scotland the Brave.” Ducky is characterized by his kindness and eccentricity, often engaging in conversations with the deceased, believing that “their bodies tell me a great deal; it helps to reciprocate.” He is known for his lengthy anecdotes and historical narratives when speaking to the living.
In the episode “Truth or Consequences,” DiNozzo humorously remarks that “sometimes his head is connected directly to his mouth.” Ducky addresses his colleagues using their full first names or surnames with an honorific, such as “Abigail” for Abby Sciuto and “Mr. Palmer” for his assistant, Jimmy Palmer. He refers to Jenny Shepard and Leon Vance by their title, “Director,” and has openly stated that he does not practice any religion. Up until season 15, David McCallum had been featured in every episode of NCIS, with the exception of “Legend Part II.” Tragically, David McCallum passed away on September 25, 2023, at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, just six days after celebrating his 90th birthday. His passing was poignantly reflected in the storyline, as Ducky was depicted dying peacefully in his sleep during the second episode of Season 21, titled “The Stories We Leave Behind,” which was dedicated to both McCallum and his character. Despite this, McCallum’s presence continues in the opening credits of the first two episodes of Season 21.
Caitlin “Kate” Todd is a captivating fictional character from the CBS drama NCIS, brought to life by the talented Sasha Alexander. She graced the screen in 49 episodes, making her memorable debut in the pilot titled “Yankee White.” Although she left the main cast at the end of season two in the episode “Twilight,” her presence continued to resonate throughout the series. Alexander returned as a guest star in the gripping season 3 episodes “Kill Ari (Part I)” and “Kill Ari (Part II),” and even lent her voice in an uncredited role during the season 8 episode “A Man Walks Into a Bar.” Beyond her on-screen appearances, she has been featured in photographs, flashbacks, and CGI footage, with her latest appearance being through archive footage in the season 15 episode “Two Steps Back.”
Leon James Vance, portrayed by Rocky Carroll, makes his debut in the fifth season’s “Internal Affairs” as the NCIS assistant director. Following the tragic death of Jenny Shepard, he ascends to the role of Director, a transition made possible by his position in the line of succession. In the episode “Knockout,” we learn that Vance hails from Ohio but spent his formative years in Chicago, where he pursued boxing. His wife mentions that he attended the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Marine Corps.
Unfortunately, a medical discharge was necessary due to surgery for a detached retina, an injury sustained during his boxing days. Ducky later shares with Gibbs that Vance’s childhood friend, Tyler Owens, who passed away just before the episode, also experienced a detached retina. Vance reveals that it was Owens who encouraged him to leave Chicago while he remained behind. Despite Vance’s claims that his friend served as a Marine, there is no evidence to support this. The episode strongly suggests that Vance and Owens may have exchanged identities, allowing Vance to forge a new path for himself.
Eleanor Raye “Ellie” Bishop, portrayed by Emily Wickersham, is introduced as an NSA analyst in the season 11 episode titled “Gut Check.” Hailing from Oklahoma, she embodies the spirit of a “country girl” and is the youngest among three older brothers. Her boss at the NSA characterizes her as a “reclusive data freak,” and she boasts an impressive ability to recall nearly everything she reads. Often found deep in thought while sitting cross-legged on the floor, Bishop has a notable passion for food, frequently snacking at her desk. Interestingly, she links specific memories to the foods she was enjoying at the time, earning her the nickname of “foodie” among her colleagues.
Before joining the NSA, Bishop had applied to NCIS, and it is Gibbs who later extends an invitation for a “joint duty assignment.” In the episode “Monsters and Men,” Gibbs offers her a probationary role as a special agent, affectionately dubbing her “probie” for the first time, thus filling the vacancy left by Ziva David. Following this, DiNozzo and McGee often leverage their seniority to delegate more mundane tasks to her, such as gathering evidence. Bishop’s character is consistently portrayed as a perfectionist, often seeking second chances to improve her performance, fully aware that she can achieve better results. Alex Quinn has even pointed out that she tends to be a bit too tightly wound.
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