NCIS’ Original Gibbs Actor Plan Would’ve Completely Changed The Show’s 20-Year History

NCIS‘ original plans for Leroy Jethro Gibbs would have significantly changed the beloved police procedural. CBS’ longest-running police procedural has just celebrated its 20 years on the air, making it one of the longest-running scripted American primetime television series, only behind NBC’s Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order. Debuting in 2003, NCIS was the network’s effort to match the growing popularity of crime shows, particularly Dick Wolf’s Law & Order franchise on NBC. Despite a slow start, it eventually picked up steam, with the show climbing the ratings chart. Considering its continued popularity, no wonder CBS wants to keep it on the air for as long as possible.