'NCIS' Season 21: Behind the scenes of CBS's hit series, where realism takes a backseat to entertainment
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: CBS's enduring police procedural drama, 'NCIS,' has been a staple for over two decades with Season 21 releasing this year.
The series follows a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) as they tackle high-visibility crimes.
Viewers often find themselves contemplating whether the events depicted in the show are inspired by real-life situations and if the actual 'NCIS,' as a law enforcement agency, operates similarly.
Is NCIS a real agency?
If you aren't aware yet, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) does exist in real life. The agency stands as a civilian federal law enforcement agency operating under the Department of the Navy.
Tasked with investigating felony crimes, preventing terrorism, and safeguarding classified information, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of the Navy and Marine Corps.
According to the official website of the NCIS, the organization actively combats threats spanning foreign intelligence, terrorism, and criminal activities. NCIS achieves this by conducting operations and investigations on land, at sea, and in cyberspace.
The overarching goal is to safeguard and enhance the superiority of the Navy and Marine Corps warfighters.
Operating in around 191 locations across more than 41 countries, the organization distinguishes itself by being a civilian-managed agency. This unique aspect sets NCIS apart from other U.S. military criminal investigative organizations.
Does CBS' 'NCIS' accurately depict the real life of agents?
While the CBS series draws inspiration from the real federal law enforcement agency, it falls short of capturing the authentic lifestyle and operations of these agents.
The show is purely fictional and takes creative liberties, often exaggerating the role of 'NCIS' and its agents for dramatic effect.
In the CBS series, the portrayal of 'NCIS' agents' daily routines significantly diverges from reality. The on-field action and the number of homicide cases depicted differ considerably from the actual experiences of 'NCIS' agents.
Notably absent from the television narrative is the extensive time spent by real-life agents on paperwork, a vital and absorbing aspect of their daily responsibilities.
The CBS series deviates from reality by featuring elements such as medical examiners and forensics crews within the 'NCIS', which the real agency doesn't have.
On television, the portrayal of 'NCIS' agents executing perilous take-downs, searches, door-kicking, and making arrests contrasts with reality, where the real 'NCIS' is not typically the first responder in crime situations.
In reality, the role of first responders in crime situations is usually fulfilled by local police rather than 'NCIS'. However, the agency actively collaborates with various organizations, sharing acquired information to assess specific situations collaboratively.
Despite the disparities between the CBS show and the actual operations of 'NCIS' the television series has played a significant role in thrusting 'NCIS' into the public spotlight. Before the show, the existence of 'NCIS' was not widely known among several Americans.
'NCIS' Season 21 premiered on Monday, February 12 on CBS and consists of only ten episodes.
